Senior Pet Talk | for dogs + cats

Dr. Amanda Steffen
  • 5.0 (13)
  • 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

    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.

  2. 3d ago

    12. 5 Common Senior Cat Emergencies Every Owner Should Know

    How do I know if my cat is having a medical emergency? In today's episode, Dr. Amanda Steffen walks through 5 common senior cat emergencies. If you've ever found yourself wondering whether you needed to rush to the emergency hospital or get to your family vet urgently because something felt off with your cat, this one's for you. She covers: Respiratory distress, including heavy breathing, belly breathing, or pantingKidney disease is common in older cats and can present with vomiting, lethargy, and changes in urinationWhy cats not eating for more than 24 hours becomes serious quicklySaddle thrombus (aortic thromboembolism), where a cat suddenly can't use one or both back legs and may cry out in painDiabetic ketoacidosis, especially in diabetic or newly diagnosed cats, which can cause vomiting, weakness, appetite loss, and more.How to have open conversations with your vet about symptoms, testing, and budget, and why quick action can make a major differenceThis is a great way to know what to watch for and what to expect if you ever end up at the emergency vet with your senior cat. 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 - Why senior cats need their own care considerations 02:20 - Signs and urgency of respiratory distress in cats 04:53 - Understanding normal vs. abnormal breathing rates 07:44 - Common causes of respiratory distress in senior cats 11:18 - What to expect if your cat is hospitalized for breathing issues 14:28 - Kidney failure symptoms and emergency response 17:13 - Diagnostic testing for kidney disease and GI issues 21:55 - Preventing kidney failure 22:23 - Inappetence and vomiting as emergency signs 27:21 - Saddle thrombus symptoms and emergency treatment 32:13 - Diabetic ketoacidosis in senior cats and its urgency 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. Aug 6

    11. Are You Exhausted as a Senior Pet Parent?

    Caregiver burden and exhaustion are real, even for pet parents. Today, let's talk about the impact caregiving has on you, not just your pet. Dr. Amanda covers: The impact senior pet caregiving has on us as pet parentsThe caregiver burden in practical terms: missing social events, work interruptions, and the constant worry about leaving your pet aloneAnticipatory grief, guilt, and hindsight bias, including how hard it is to make treatment decisions without knowing the outcomeThe challenge of deciding when it's time to let a pet go, and why that decision feels emotionally difficult even when it's made with care5 ways to support yourself and your pet better, including making a flare planIdentifying end-of-life red flags in advanceCaregiving is hard, but no one has to do it alone, and that support can make the process more manageable. Listen in if you want to feel less alone and more understood in what you're going through. 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 - The emotional impact of caring for senior pets 02:23 - Understanding caregiver burden and its effects 05:04 - What research says about stress and depression in pet owners 06:36 - Assessment tools for caregiver burden 10:26 - Why self-care and recognizing stress matters 13:17 - Understanding anticipatory grief and its effects 17:17 - Deciding when to consider euthanasia 21:32 - Living in the moment: your pet's perspective on pain and suffering 22:55 - The role of veterinary support and planning 25:09 - Creating a flare plan for emergencies 29:23 - Recognizing red flags in pet health 32:01 - Talking openly with your vet about end-of-life care 35:23 - Self-care tips for pet owners 38:24 - Asking for help and building your support team 40:07 - Final encouragement and self-compassion 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 4

    10. Why Your Senior Pet Might Need More Protein, Not Less

    How much protein should my senior pet get? In this episode, Dr. Amanda discusses a common misconception: that protein should automatically be reduced as pets age. In reality, a lot of the time we actually need to be giving our seniors more protein, not less. She covers: Why protein restriction isn't supported by current research for most healthy senior pets, and how it can contribute to muscle loss, frailty, and a shorter lifespanHow muscle wasting impacts senior pets, such as reduced mobility, slower recovery, and moreWhy cats and dogs can lose significant muscle mass with age, and why early nutrition changes matterProtein needs for senior pets, including gram-per-kilogram guidelines and how they shift for dogs and catsHow to read food labels and why dry matter calculations matter, especially for wet, homemade, or fresh dietsListen in to learn more about senior pet protein needs, and how muscle loss can be improved through diet changes, easier-to-digest protein sources, and other supportive care. LINKS Missed the first 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 - Introduction to senior pet nutrition and common misconceptions 02:19 - How muscle wasting affects lifespan and quality of life 03:05 - Reevaluating protein restriction in healthy senior pets 06:07 - Specific dietary needs for senior dogs 08:27 - Specific dietary needs for senior cats 09:15 - Reading pet food labels 11:39 - Recommendations for dry food, wet food, and more 15:30 - Muscle loss in cats and how protein can help 19:23 - Easier proteins for senior pets 21:39 - Muscle loss affects more than mobility 23:18 - The exception to adjusting protein 25:00 - Final thoughts on restricting protein in 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 30

    9. How to Choose a Good Supplement for Your Pet

    How do you choose a good supplement for your pet? Today, Dr. Amanda talks about why pet supplements can be so confusing for senior dog and cat parents, especially since many products make big claims without much behind them. She covers: Why terms like "natural," "organic," and "holistic" aren't regulated in veterinary supplements, so they shouldn't be taken as proof of quality or effectiveness3 things to actually look for in a supplement, including the NASC seal and a certificate of analysis (COA), plus why to watch out for proprietary blends, missing lot numbers, and products without matching test results.Why it's worth involving your veterinarian before starting supplements, especially for pets with conditions like diabetes, pancreatitis, or thyroid disease, or those already on medicationsListen in if you're curious about what to look for and what to ask for when it comes to pet supplements. 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 - Understanding the confusion around pet supplements 05:26 - Key things to consider when choosing supplements 5:51 - What the labels really mean 9:10 - Certificates of analysis, explained 12:22 - Why you should tell your vet everything 16:22 - Your supplement checklist 18:03 - Choosing the right supplement 22:07 - Final thoughts on pet supplements 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 28

    8. What to Ask at Your Senior Cat's Vet Visit

    What should a senior cat vet visit include? Today, Dr. Amanda is back with another vet visit episode, but this time all about cats and what to ask for during your appointments. She discusses: Why senior pet care is an investment, and why routine monitoring often means blood work, urine testing, and other diagnostics every 6-12 monthsCommon early clues: weight loss, reduced activity, litter box changes, changes in appetite or drinking, and more.The key routine checks to request, starting with body condition score and muscle condition scoreBasic diagnostics, including CBC, chemistry panel, urine testing, and blood pressure measurementThyroid testing, SDMA for earlier kidney screening, and ProBNP for heart muscle injuryIntegrative exam approaches, including Chinese medicine assessments like tongue, skin, heat, trigger points, and overall demeanorListen in so that when you go in for a veterinary visit with your cat, you'll know what to ask, what to advocate for, and what tests you should be running. 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 - Senior cat care basics 02:40 - What to ask at vet visits 09:53 - Key routine checks: body and muscle scores 15:17 - Blood tests to request 18:19 - Urine and blood pressure checks 23:03 - Thyroid and kidney screening 26:05 - Imaging for cancer detection 28:34 - Advocating for your cat at the vet 32:04 - Eastern medicine exam approaches 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 23

    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/SPTConsultListen to the episode on choosing a good supplement for your pet, here. 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.

  8. Jul 21

    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.

See All (14)

Trailer

5
out of 5
13 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