Senior Pet Talk | for dogs + cats

Dr. Amanda Steffen
  • 5.0 (10)
  • 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.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    7. How to Prepare for Your Senior Dog's Vet Visit

    What to bring with you and your dog to the vet. In this episode, Dr. Amanda talks all about what to expect at a senior dog veterinary visit and how to prepare for one. She discusses: Prepping for the visit, including bringing a complete history, diet, supplements, written questions, and any videos or notes on changes you've seen at homeTwo things to always ask about: body condition score and muscle condition scoreMuscle loss and frailty, and how diet, calories, and rehab exercises can helpSenior wellness panel, including CBC, chemistry panel, urinalysis, blood pressure, thyroid testing, and SDMA, and what we're actually looking for in these testsWhen more testing is needed, such as heart evaluation, ProBMP, and cancer screeningThe cost of all of this, and how to think it throughRemember that senior pet care should be a shared plan between you and your veterinarian, based on your pet's needs and your family's budget. If you have questions on what to bring, listen in! 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/SPTConsultEpisode on supplements coming soon! TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Preparing for your senior pet vet visit 02:03 - What to bring to your dog’s vet visit 06:04 - Cost considerations and understanding veterinary care 10:17 - The testing that goes into caring for a senior pet 12:01 - Question 1: Body condition score 13:52 - Question 2: Muscle condition score, and what to do about it 20:17 - Senior wellness panel: bloodwork, chemistry panel, urinalysis, blood pressure, thyroid panel, SDMA 27:22 - What we're actually looking for in these tests 28:44 - Testing for common cancers in dogs, plus other testing if something's off 32:30 - Imaging: X-rays and specialist tests 35:33 - The costs of some of these tests, and how to think it through 36:07 - Recap and being your pet's best advocate 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. 3d ago

    6. Weight Loss in Senior Cats Is Never Normal

    My cat's losing weight. Should I be worried? That's exactly what Dr. Amanda focuses on in this episode - senior cat weight loss and why any unexplained changes should be taken seriously. She covers: Why weight loss isn't normal unless it's intentional, and why weighing your cat monthly helpsThe main causes of weight loss in senior catsHyperthyroidism, which can cause a ravenous appetite along with weight lossDiabetes, especially in cats eating more but still losing weight, and when oral medication can work instead of insulinFor cats losing weight with a reduced appetite: dental disease, kidney disease, and GI disease.Cats are pros at hiding illness, muscle loss matters even when weight looks normal, and catching things early gives your cat the best shot at a long, good life. Listen in now! 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 0:00 - Senior cat weight loss (why it matters and monthly weigh-in tips) 3:07 - Why cats lose weight, including muscle wasting 4:05 - Watch for subtle changes 4:54 - Red flag: weight loss with a good appetite 7:17 - High thyroid in cats 9:43 - Diabetes clues to watch for 13:58 - Red flag: poor appetite 16:56 - Muscle loss in cats and kidney concerns 20:48 - Why catching problems early 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.

  3. Jul 16

    5. What Integrative Veterinary Medicine Actually Means (And What It Doesn't)

    What does integrative veterinary medicine actually mean? That's what Dr. Amanda digs into today, including the buzzwords you'll hear that don't really mean much in the world of medicine, and how to make sure whoever you're seeing is practicing evidence-based care. She covers: The difference between integrative care, alternative care, and labels like "holistic" or "natural"A real case example: Fonzie, a 15-year-old cat whose care involved a Western veterinarian, acupuncture, internal medicine, and rehabilitationFour questions to ask before choosing an integrative or alternative practitionerThe role of evidence-based medicine, including acupuncture studies in dogsHer own patient stories using acupuncture, herbs, or rehab for conditions like dementia, arthritis, seizures, anxiety, and mobility issues Listen in if you're ready to ask the right questions when choosing a practitioner for your senior pet. 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/SPTConsultIf you don’t already, follow Dr. Ale on Instagram at ComPAWssionate Care Vet TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Introduction to integrative veterinary medicine and Fonzie the senior cat 04:10 - Fonzie's acupuncture and whole medical team story 08:21 - Understanding holistic and alternative medicine, and why Dr. Amanda chose integrative medicine 11:24 - 4 questions to ask when choosing an integrative practitioner 12:06 - Licensing and certification in integrative medicine 14:25 - What does the evidence actually say 15:58 - How will you know when it's working and by when 21:36 - More on Chinese and Western medicine 28:38 - The future of collaborative care 31:46 - Success stories with acupuncture and Chinese medicine 36:12 - Final reflections 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. Jul 14

    4. How Do I Know If My Pet Has Dementia?

    How do I know if my dog or cat has dementia? Today, Dr. Amanda is talking all about how to recognize the early signs of cognitive decline in senior dogs and cats. She gets into: How pets can develop this condition as they age, and why catching changes early helps support their quality of lifeWhy there's no single test that confirms dementia and the importance of ruling out other causes firstDISHAALV framework for recognizing signsHow these changes can affect caregivers tooSimple home adjustments that can help, plus integrative options Dementia signs do not mean nothing can be done; listen in for more ways to support your senior pet. 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/SPTConsultMissed the episode about Nuclear sclerosis? Listen in here! TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Pet dementia and why it matters 01:47 - Understanding dementia in pets 03:16 - Why early recognition and intervention matter 04:34 - Common signs of dementia in senior pets 05:32 - DISHAALV protocol for recognizing signs 06:33 - D: Disorientation 07:35 - I: Interaction changes 09:22 - S: Sleep-wake cycle changes 11:32 - H: House soiling 13:23 - A: Activity changes 16:13 - A: Anxiety in senior pets 18:20 - L: Learning and memory changes 19:34 - V: Vocalization signs 20:28 - Treatment options and hope 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.

  5. Jul 9

    3. Is My Pet in Pain? Managing Arthritis in Senior Dogs and Cats

    Is my pet in pain? It's one of the hardest questions to answer because pets are so good at hiding it. In this episode, Dr. Steffen dives into pain management in senior dogs and cats, with a focus on arthritis and how it quietly shows up through changes in movement, behavior, grooming, and daily routines. She gets into: How common arthritis really is in senior petsRecognizing the signs of pain in dogs and catsThere's no single "best" treatment for every petMultimodal pain management strategies (why one approach usually isn't enough)Western and alternative treatment optionsThe risks and benefits of NSAIDs and medicationsThe role of acupuncture, laser therapy, and CBDSimple home modifications for comfort and safety like ramps, rugs, litter box access, beds, bowls, and stair support Senior pets aren't helpless, and even with arthritis, there are still so many ways to improve their comfort and quality of life - listen in to learn how. LINKS Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comPersonalized Virtual ConsultationSign up for my email list and get the aging gracefully checklistSenior Pet Roadmap TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Introduction to senior pet pain management 03:43 - Understanding pain in senior pets 11:13 - How to spot pain symptoms in your pet 19:59 - Multimodal pain management strategies 30:34 - Alternative therapies and home care tips 39:03 - Building a personalized care plan 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. Jul 9

    2. What's Normal vs. Abnormal: Subtle Signs of Aging in Senior Pets

    Trust your intuition when something feels off with your pet; it's often the first clue that matters most. In this episode, Dr. Amanda Steffen focuses on 10 different body systems and what's normal versus abnormal in senior dogs and cats, and why the subtle signs of aging are so easy to miss — they tend to develop slowly, over weeks or months, rather than all at once. She discusses: Why pet parents play such an important role in noticing what's normal vs. abnormalSubtle signs of aging that pet owners often missArthritis in senior dogs and cats — what to watch forMuscle wasting and how it affects your pet's quality of lifeEye changes: nuclear sclerosis vs. cataracts (and how to tell them apart)Cognitive decline and dementia in aging petsIntegrative veterinary medicine, blending Western and Chinese approaches for supportive care If you're a pet owner who wants practical tips for spotting the early signs of aging and knowing when it's time to act, get out your paper and pencil; this episode is for you. LINKS Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comPersonalized Virtual ConsultationSign up for my email list and get the aging gracefully checklistThe Vet Eye Guy TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Introduction to subtle aging signs in pets 00:56 - Why pet parents often miss the small changes 02:22 - Why trusting your gut matters for your pet's health 03:16 - Arthritis in pets over 8-12 years old 04:39 - Recognizing early signs of pain and discomfort 06:31 - Eye changes: nuclear sclerosis vs. cataracts 14:49 - Muscle wasting in senior pets and its effects 20:13 - Signs of arthritis and joint pain in pets 22:30 - Early signs of osteoarthritis in dogs 24:12 - Western and Chinese approaches to joint health 26:34 - Recognizing early signs of arthritis and pain 27:40 - Pain management and how to prepare as an owner 28:47 - Cognitive decline and dementia in pets 30:44 - Success stories in treating cognitive issues 33:01 - Monitoring weight changes for early disease detection 35:08 - Why regular weight checks and blood work matter 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. Jul 9

    1. Is My Pet a Senior? Meet Your Vet & What Defines a Senior Pet

    When does a pet become a senior? Welcome to the very first episode of Senior Pet Talk! In this episode, veterinarian Dr. Amanda Steffen breaks down one of the questions pet owners ask most: when does my dog or cat actually become a "senior" — and why does it matter so much? This episode gets into: Getting to know Dr. Amanda Steffen and her approach to senior pet careHow to recognize the signs of aging and support your pet's health as they get olderThe evolving world of senior pet care, including integrative veterinary medicine This is where to start if you're ready to understand what senior pet care really looks like and how to improve your pet's quality of life in their golden years. LINKS Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: seniorpetconnection.comPersonalized Virtual Consultation TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Intro to senior pet care 02:53 - What actually makes a pet a "senior" 05:46 - Why proactive care matters more than you think 09:07 - My personal journey with senior pets 12:06 - How size and breed change when seniorhood starts 17:47 - Why regular vet visits and blood work matter so much 24:47 - Recap and encouragement for pet owners 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. Season 1 Trailer

    Welcome to Senior Pet Talk!

    Welcome to Senior Pet Talk! 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. Today, Dr. Amanda Steffen, integrative veterinarian and founder of Floyd's Tale Mobile Veterinary Services, shares why the show exists and opens up about her personal why: her experience with her own senior dog, Floyd. That experience is what led her to start an in-home senior pet practice, and eventually, this podcast, so other pet parents wouldn't have to face it without support. She walks through the medical philosophy behind the show, and looks ahead to what's coming — topics that rarely get enough airtime during a short vet visit, like pain, nutrition, dementia, mobility, cancer, and end-of-life care. Everyone is doing the best they can with the information they have. This show is here to give you more of it. So listen in if you're ready to better understand the aging process, walk into vet appointments prepared, and advocate for your pet with more confidence. Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet. CHAPTERS 0:00 - First signs of change0:58 - Floyd's story1:19 - A Promise to pet parents1:41 - Meet Dr. Steffen2:01 - Blending Western medicine with Eastern holistic approaches2:25 - The philosophy behind the show2:36 - What topics you can expect each week3:17 - Why this show exists

Trailer

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

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.

Information