Senior Pet Talk | for dogs + cats

Dr. Amanda Steffen
  • 5.0 (14)
  • 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. 2d ago

    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 @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult 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.

  2. 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 @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult 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.

  3. 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 @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult 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.

  4. 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 @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult 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.

  5. Aug 25

    16. How to Make Your Home Senior Pet Friendly

    Is your home set up for your senior pet? Today, Dr. Steffen focuses on how a senior pet's home environment affects daily comfort and mobility. Senior pets spend most of their time at home, so layout and surfaces around the house can really improve their quality of life. She talks about: Ways to make floors safer, especially hardwood and laminate surfacesRamps, stairs, and stair treads for access to couches, beds, and different levels of the homeBedding recommendations and tips on where to place themWhy furniture changes should be kept to a minimum, especially as vision changesThe benefits of nightlights in dark areas, raised food and water bowls, and keeping essentials available on each floorFor senior cats: low-entry litter boxes and other small home changes worth makingListen in if you're ready to make some small home changes that can make a meaningful difference, are fairly inexpensive, and help support your senior pet's comfort and easy access around the house. LINKS Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Introduction to the senior pet home environment 02:20 - Orthopedic beds and flooring considerations 06:01 - How flooring affects senior pets' confidence 08:20 - Using rugs, mats, and traction aids 13:21 - Training stairs and ramps for safe mobility 17:14 - Choosing the right beds and where to place them 20:02 - Safety tips for stairs, falls, and vision changes 25:32 - Lighting, accessibility, and home layout 29:21 - Litter box and feeding station setup 32:15 - Recap of key home modifications for senior pets 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. Aug 20

    15. Age Is Not a Disease: Rethinking Senior Pet Care with Dr. Hunter (Part 2)

    Age is not a disease. We're back with Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Steffen and Dr. Hunter, where they continue digging into senior pets, sharing takes on tools, quality of life, integrative medicine, and common misconceptions. They discuss: The practical challenges that come with aging dogs and catsThe need for more at-home support, especially for larger petsHow senior status is often met with denial from pet parents, and why it helps to prepare early for changes in mobility and lifestyleMore quality-of-life conversations, including how owners define their non-negotiables and why their own limits matter tooIntegrative medicine, and how their views on it have changed over timeHow pain often shows up as subtle behavior changesThoughts on clinic setup for senior appointments, including easier access and more time for examsListen in to hear their thoughts on managing aging pets and improving their well-being. LINKS Follow WAG Vet on InstagramWAG Vet WebsiteWant a deeper dive on supplements? Listen to the episode hereFollow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Why senior pets need more at-home support 05:34 - Talking through quality of life with pet owners 11:31 - Dr. Hunter's thoughts on integrative medicine 17:55 - Choosing supplements you can actually trust 23:21 - The biggest misconceptions senior pet owners walk in with 27:29 - Why dental pain is such a big source of discomfort 34:22 - Setting up the clinic for senior pets 37:37 - One thing to start doing tomorrow for your senior pet 40:24 - Wishing for a magic wand for dementia and arthritis 49:34 - Clinic memories and closing out 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. Aug 18

    14. Senior Pet Care in General Practice with Dr. Hunter (Part 1)

    What vets wish pet parents knew about senior pet care. In this first part of a 2-part series, Dr. Steffen is joined by one of her best friends and general practice vet, Dr. Terrence Hunter, who now owns his own practice, WAG Vet. They share experiences from veterinary medicine, explore senior pet care, and why thorough exams and client communication matter so much. They chat about: Personal memories from their time in practice togetherSeeing senior pets in general practice, and how much of what he sees now is senior animalsWhat senior pet parents often come in too late forCommon senior pet problems not to be alarmed byRecognizing quality of life changesEnd-of-life conversations, cost discussions, and why senior appointments need more timeThis is a great episode for hearing some common misconceptions pet owners have about aging pets, and the things vets wish you knew when it comes to caring for your senior pet. LINKS Follow WAG Vet on InstagramWAG Vet WebsiteFollow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Hunter 04:05 - Stories Dr. Steffen and Dr. Hunter share about working together 12:17 - Animal care stories involving goats and chickens 15:22 - What it's like seeing senior pets 17:11 - Subtle signs owners often miss 20:25 - What senior pet parents come in too late for 25:40 - Recognizing quality of life changes 28:38 - Normal aging signs vs. when to seek veterinary advice 32:59 - The hardest conversations to have with pet parents 40:21 - Making time for seniors in a practice setting 45:36 - Part one wrap-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.

  8. Aug 13

    13. Is My Senior Dog Having an Emergency? What to Watch For

    How do I know if my dog is having a medical emergency? Last week was all about common cat emergencies, and today we're focusing on dogs. Dr. Amanda walks through 5 common emergencies she sees and the signs to watch for, so you can feel more prepared as a pet parent. Including: Sudden collapse (fainting, internal bleeding, hemangiosarcoma): what it can mean and what to check firstBloat (GDV) and the warning signsPreventive gastropexy for high-risk breedsPain flare-ups from arthritis, disc disease, or dental issues, and why having a "flare plan" with your vet mattersLabored breathing and neurologic emergencies like seizures and vestibular diseaseHow to check resting respiratory rate, spot abnormal gums, and recognize signs like head tilt or stumblingListen in for practical tips, warning signs, and why proactive care matters so much so that you can prepare and respond effectively for your pet. LINKS Missed the cat emergencies episode? Listen in here! Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Senior pet emergencies and why they matter 02:12 - Understanding sudden collapse and its causes 05:15 - Hemangiosarcoma 13:21 - Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, GDV) in large breeds 21:18 - Recognizing pain and managing flare-ups 25:43 - Breathing emergencies 28:56 - Neurologic emergencies: seizures and vestibular disease 34:52 - Preparing for emergencies and why quick action matters 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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