Senior Pet Talk | for dogs + cats

Dr. Amanda Steffen
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Pets & Animals

Senior Pet Talk is your whole medicine approach guide to becoming the most prepared and informed advocate for your senior pet. Bring what you learn here into every vet visit, every care decision, and every stage of the journey ahead. Every week, integrative veterinarian Dr. Amanda Steffen — founder of Floyd's Tale Mobile Veterinary Services, creator of the Senior Pet Roadmap, and certified veterinary acupuncturist with over a decade in senior pet care — breaks down the science of aging in plain language so you can recognize changes sooner, understand your options, and advocate confidently for the pet you love. Her approach blends western medicine and eastern wisdom — acupuncture, Chinese herbs, rehabilitation, palliative care, nutrition, and more — because the best care plan uses every tool available. You'll learn to tell normal aging from what needs attention, recognize hidden pain, understand integrative medicine, and navigate this chapter with clarity and grace — covering everything from dementia and kidney disease to nutrition, acupuncture, quality of life, and end-of-life planning. Solo episodes, expert interviews, and real stories from pet parents living this right alongside you. Everyone is doing the best they can with the information they have. This show gives you more of it. Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet.

  1. 1d ago

    24. The Grief All Pet Parents Face with Special Guest Dr. Jenn of Sage Paws

    Have you felt sad about losing your pet while they're still here? That's what Dr. Amanda and her special guest, Dr. Jen, a veterinarian and expert in end-of-life pet care, dig into today. They cover anticipatory grief, how pet parents can recognize it in themselves, and ways to stay present and support their pets through this difficult time. Their discussion focuses on: What anticipatory grief is, and how it differs from post-loss griefSigns pet parents can recognize in themselves that they're grievingTools and techniques to stay present with your petThe importance of creating a plan for end-of-life care and aftercareCultural and personal beliefs about death, and how they shape pet care decisionsSupporting family members and partners through pet lossThe role of community and support networks in grief managementThis episode is for anyone caring for a senior pet or facing end-of-life decisions. LINKS Connect with Dr. Jenn on Instagram or on her website https://www.sagepaws.com/!Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebiesFollow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TRANSCRIPT TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Introduction to anticipatory grief in pets 01:04 - What anticipatory grief is and how it differs from post-loss grief 03:35 - The emotions and uncertainty that come with anticipatory grief 07:13 - Signs you might be grieving before the loss 10:10 - Tools to stay present with your pet 15:12 - The role of rituals and memories 20:35 - Supporting yourself and your pet during end-of-life 27:14 - Planning for end-of-life and aftercare 33:59 - Personal beliefs and cultural perspectives on death 43:44 - Creating a meaningful goodbye Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

  2. Oct 1

    23. Diet for Brain Health in Senior Pets

    Did you know that 28% of dogs and cats over the age of 11 have dementia? That's what Dr. Amanda is talking about today, focusing on nutrition and supplementation as practical ways to support brain health. She covers: Prescription diets for dogs, including Hill's Brain Diet and Purina Pro Plan NeuroCareWhich ingredients matter mostResearch showing improvements in learning, memory, and dementia-related signs, while noting results aren't identical for every petFor cats, the more limited brain-diet options availableWhy cats have different nutritional needs, and why home-cooked diets for cats require careful formulation and veterinary guidanceA review of common supplements used for cognitive supportListen in for more on nutrition and diet as it relates to brain health for your pet. LINKS Want to learn more about DISHAALV? Listen to the episode!Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebiesFollow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TRANSCRIPT TIME STAMPS 0:00 - Brain health in senior pets 1:18 - Nutrition for senior minds 5:16 - Prescription brain diets 8:29 - Key ingredients in brain diets 18:41 - Fresh food and what the research shows 21:58 - Cognitive diet options for cats 25:15 - Supplementing senior brain health 29:59 - Omega-3s and MCT support 33:26 - CBD, milk thistle, and more 36:02 - Tailoring care to each pet Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

  3. Sep 24

    22. 7 Reasons I'm Wary of "Longevity Medicine" and What to Ask Instead

    If someone said they could scan your 11-year-old pet, hand you a "biological age," and slow down their aging, would you buy it? In this episode, Dr. Amanda talks about longevity medicine in senior pets, walking through 7 reasons to be careful with anyone using the term "longevity medicine," and 6 questions you can ask instead to get to what will actually help your pet. She discusses: Why we should be careful with the term "longevity medicine"Why the goal should be healthspan, not just lifespanWhy the term itself is unclearHow marketing can move ahead of the evidence, especially when studies get simplified or overstatedThe lack of FDA-approved drugs or supplements proven to extend a pet's lifespanThe risk of over-testing and over-treating when age gets treated like a disease6 questions to ask when you hear a longevity claimWhy it's worth focusing on the basics that actually matterListen in for a reminder to focus on giving your senior pet a good life, not just a longer one. LINKS Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebiesFollow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TRANSCRIPT TIME STAMPS 0:00 - The longevity medicine debate 03:38 - Reason 1: Why healthspan matters more than lifespan 06:25 - Reason 2: There's no clear definition of longevity 08:13 - Reason 3: Evidence trails the marketing 12:28 - Reason 4: Why there's no proven lifespan drug 17:25 - Reason 5: Testing age as a disease 24:15 - Reason 6: Simple tactics you can do 27:08 - Reason 7: The longevity guilt trap 29:06 - 6 questions to ask before buying longevity claims 34:17 - Focus on the basics Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

  4. Sep 17

    21. Love Your Senior Pet the Way They Need

    How do I love my senior pet the way they need? Today, Dr. Amanda talks about how caring for senior dogs and cats means adapting the way we show affection as their bodies, brains, and preferences change. She gets into: The grief and guilt that can come up when pets can no longer do the activities they once loved, and how to keep the bond in new waysRespecting their boundaries and staying connected through gentler interactionPractical ways to support senior pets, including sniff walks, stroller walks, rehab exercises, and moreEnrichment tools like lick mats and snuffle mats for mental stimulation and a sense of purposeWhy it's important to check for other causes of behavior changes, like pain or anxiety, before assuming it's just aging or dementiaPredictable routines, especially in the evening, to help reduce stress and support pets with cognitive changesIf you're a pet caregiver, listen in for some encouragement to stay present, and a reminder that loving a senior pet well may look different than it used to. LINKS Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebiesFollow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TRANSCRIPT TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Why senior pet care is emotional, not just tactical 04:28 - Her personal experience with her heart dog, Floyd 09:49 - Gentle ways to bond with a senior pet 17:57 - Massages can be quality time together 21:40 - Brain games for senior pets 28:30 - Why predictable bedtime routines can help 35:29 - Loving a senior pet well doesn't mean loving them the same way you always have 40:53 - Cherishing the moment and staying present Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

  5. Sep 10

    20. The Real Uncensored Answers About Librela

    Is Librela safe for my pet? In this episode, Dr. Amanda talks about Librela for senior dogs, including what the drug is, how it works, and why it's such a debated topic. She discusses: What Librela isOsteoarthritis and why it's so common in senior pets, and why pain management decisions can be difficultHow we approach Librela treatment in practice, usually starting with other options first and using a multimodal planThe studies behind Librela, including placebo-controlled trials and head-to-head comparisons with Meloxicam and GalliprantSafety concerns and reported adverse events, including neurologic signs, increased drinking and urination, and moreHow we use Librela in specific cases, especially when other options aren't enough or aren't appropriateListen in if you want to make an informed decision and learn more about the risks and benefits of Librela so you can choose what's best for your dog. LINKS Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebiesDid you miss the move it or lose it episode? Listen in here!Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TRANSCRIPT TIME STAMPS 00:00 Introducing Librela 02:47 What Librela actually is 08:52 Human trials and FDA history 13:16 Does Librela work? 19:27 Librela safety concerns 30:04 Hidden conditions and side effects 32:38 Multimodal pain management 33:44 Dr. Amanda's approach to Librela 40:37 What are your thoughts on Librela? Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

  6. Sep 3

    19. Move It or Lose It - Safe Exercises for Senior Pets

    What are some safe exercises for my senior pet? In this episode, Dr. Amanda talks about how to help senior dogs and cats stay active and keep moving safely as they age. She explains: Why movement still mattersThe importance of maintaining a healthy body condition and monitoring muscle condition over timeHow in-person rehabilitation evaluations can help, especially for pets with mobility issuesSimple, safe exercises for both senior dogs and senior catsWhat types of movement or activity to avoidIntegrative and rehabilitation approaches that can support long-term mobilityMuscle wasting and frailty in senior pets can be improved, and adding safe exercises into your pet's daily routine can make a real difference in their comfort and mobility. If this sounds like your senior dog or cat, this episode is for you. LINKS Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebiesDid you miss the protein episode? Listen in here!Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TRANSCRIPT TIME STAMPS 00:00 Quick check-in and getting started on safe senior pet movement 04:12 Why arthritis and muscle loss are so common 05:59 Protecting joints and muscle as pets age 09:12 Simple exercises for dogs 17:05 Simple exercises for cats 20:18 Setting up your home to support movement for cats 21:20 Integrative options for mobility 22:50 Wrapping up Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

  7. Sep 1

    18. Is This Lump a Problem?

    Is this lump a problem? Today, Dr. Steffen covers how to evaluate skin masses, lumps, and bumps on senior pets, and why you shouldn't assume a mass is harmless based on appearance alone. She explains: Why terms like "tumor" or "mass" don't automatically mean cancer, but a meaningful number of skin masses can be cancerous and should be checkedWhat pet parents can monitor at home, including how keeping a monthly record with photos and notes can help track changes and give your vet better informationThe rule of ones for dogsThe 3-2-1 rule for catsThe usual diagnostic steps, starting with a fine needle aspirate and, if needed, a biopsyWhy early testing can make treatment easierHow integrative options like herbs or other supportive therapies may come into playListen in if you have questions about lumps and bumps on your dog or cat. LINKS Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebiesFollow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TRANSCRIPT TIME STAMPS 00:00 Quick check-in and getting started on pet lumps and bumps 05:12 Why wait and see can backfire 08:32 Where integrative medicine fits in 09:40 Red flags to call your vet 11:00 The rule of ones and 3-2-1 for cats 13:35 More on mast cell tumors 15:44 Removing a new mass, starting with FNA 19:33 What a biopsy is and how it's done 23:06 4 things you can check at home 28:52 Integrative and holistic treatment options 30:49 Wrapping up and recap Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

  8. Aug 27

    17. The 10-Minute Monthly Checkup That Could Add Years to Your Pet's Life

    What should I check on my aging pet every month? In this episode, Dr. Steffen shares a once-a-month, 10-minute senior pet checkup she calls her Aging Gracefully checklist, something you can do at home to catch changes earlier in dogs and cats. She covers: Why small changes can be easy to miss unless you track them over timeWeight and body conditionEating, drinking, and gastrointestinal signs, and why trends matter more than single isolated eventsLitter box and bathroom changes, and how shifts in frequency, location, or amount of urination and defecation can be early signs of diseaseMobility changes, including stiffness, difficulty with stairs, and trouble risingGum and dental checksEye cloudiness, ear discharge, skin and coat changes, lumps and bumps, nail changes, and lymph node checksResting breathing rate and cognitive changes such as wandering, staring, getting lost, pacing, and altered recognitionListen in for the simple things that can help you catch problems early, and help give your pet a longer, happier, healthier life. LINKS Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebiesFollow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TRANSCRIPT TIME STAMPS 00:00 Why monthly checkups matter more than you think 03:18 The key health indicators worth tracking 04:27 Rusty's diabetes diagnosis 08:02 Watching for weight and muscle loss 11:25 When appetite and eating habits start to change 14:32 Drinking, urination, and GI signs to watch 17:53 Litter box and movement changes in cats 22:38 Signs your pet might be uncomfortable or have mobility issues 27:09 Dental health and how to check their mouth 31:33 Checking breathing rate and respiratory health 34:03 Spotting cognitive changes and signs of dementia 35:18 Where to grab the free checklist and get support Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.

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About

Senior Pet Talk is your whole medicine approach guide to becoming the most prepared and informed advocate for your senior pet. Bring what you learn here into every vet visit, every care decision, and every stage of the journey ahead. Every week, integrative veterinarian Dr. Amanda Steffen — founder of Floyd's Tale Mobile Veterinary Services, creator of the Senior Pet Roadmap, and certified veterinary acupuncturist with over a decade in senior pet care — breaks down the science of aging in plain language so you can recognize changes sooner, understand your options, and advocate confidently for the pet you love. Her approach blends western medicine and eastern wisdom — acupuncture, Chinese herbs, rehabilitation, palliative care, nutrition, and more — because the best care plan uses every tool available. You'll learn to tell normal aging from what needs attention, recognize hidden pain, understand integrative medicine, and navigate this chapter with clarity and grace — covering everything from dementia and kidney disease to nutrition, acupuncture, quality of life, and end-of-life planning. Solo episodes, expert interviews, and real stories from pet parents living this right alongside you. Everyone is doing the best they can with the information they have. This show gives you more of it. Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet.

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