Senior Pet Talk | for dogs + cats

Dr. Amanda Steffen
  • 5.0 (16)
  • 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. 1h ago

    29. What Pain Meds Should Senior Dogs Use?

    What pain meds should my senior pet be taking? When your vet hands you a prescription for your senior pet, do you know what that medication is actually doing, what side effects to watch for, or how long your pet should be taking it? Today, Dr. Amanda talks all about pain medications for senior pets because understanding what we're giving our pets, why we're giving it, and what to expect can help us make more informed decisions alongside our veterinarian. In this episode, we cover: Why understanding a pain medication's purpose, potential side effects, and recommended duration matters.How arthritis can affect joints throughout the body and how uncontrolled pain can impact your pet's sleep, appetite, activity, and behavior.What wind-up pain isHow NSAIDs help reduce joint inflammation, common gastrointestinal side effects, and potential liver and kidney concernsHow Adequan supports cartilage and joint fluid in pets with arthritis.Where gabapentin fits into a short-term pain flare plan.How medications like Amantadine and Subcutaneous ketamine can help address pain signals in the brain.When acetaminophen may be considered as an add-on to a pain management plan.What to know about Librela, including its potential benefits and risks.Emerging options like stem cell therapy and other approaches to managing chronic pain.If you have a senior dog or cat living with arthritis or chronic pain, this episode will help you better understand the options available and have more informed conversations with your veterinarian about finding the right pain management plan for your pet. LINKS Missed the episode on subtle signs of arthritis pain? Catch it here!Interested in joining the course? Check it out at http://seniorpetconnection.com/roadmapSign 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 Understanding pain medication options for senior pets 05:24 NSAIDs for long-term arthritis relief 09:44 How Adequan supports aging joints 14:26 What happens when first-line treatments aren't enough 17:26 Understanding wind-up pain in senior pets 22:39 Acetaminophen and Librela: benefits and risks 26:10 Exploring Stem Cell Therapy 28:23 Flare plans and what comes next 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. Nov 5

    28. Fix your Senior Cat's Litter Box

    Your senior cat has used the litter box perfectly their entire life, and now they’re going by the couch, in your bed, or in the closet, and you have no idea why? The good news is that sometimes the fix is really cheap and really easy. Today, Dr. Amanda talks about your senior cat’s litter box and everything that goes with it. She discusses: Why senior cats may start urinating or defecating outside the litter boxChecking for medical causes first, including urinary infections, stones, kidney disease, and moreLitter box size and accessibilityThe type of litter to consider, and how often to clean and sanitize the boxesWhy boxes should be placed near areas where senior cats spend time, in quiet locations away from food and waterWhy automatic robot litter boxes may be difficult for senior catsListen in to find one practical adjustment you can make today. It could be the difference between your senior cat using the litter box or going outside of it, and having comfort when they do. 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 cats may suddenly avoid the litter box 02:21 - Medical causes of litter box problems 04:38 - Choosing the right litter box 09:32 - Litter types and how often to clean 11:38 - How many litter boxes you need and where to put them 16:36 - Robot litter boxes: pros and cons 19:08 - DIY boxes and safer access 23:08 - The senior cat litter box checklist 26:52 - Pick one change to make today 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. Oct 29

    27. Herbs, Acupuncture, and the Gut-Brain Relationship in Pet Dementia

    Is there anything you can do to help your pet with dementia? More than you might think! In this episode, Dr. Amanda shares stories, research, and treatment options that may help support brain health and improve some dementia-related symptoms in dogs and cats, including approaches you may not have heard of before. She discusses: The gut-brain connection and how the gut microbiome may relate to cognitive healthStudies exploring the connection between gut bacteria and dementiaEarly research on fecal microbiome transplants in dogsHow traditional Chinese veterinary medicine looks at brain health as part of the whole bodyFood therapy and why dental health, digestive issues, and pain should be considered when pets show dementia-like signsWhy some gut-based treatments can be more challenging in cats, along with other approaches being exploredHerbal formulations used to support cognitive function and calmnessCody’s experience with acupunctureIf your dog or cat has dementia and you’ve been told there’s nothing you can do except wait for it to progress, this episode is for you. There may be more ways to support your pet’s comfort and cognitive health than you realize. Tune in to learn about options you can discuss with your veterinarian. 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 - What pet dementia really looks like 02:09 - How the gut affects brain health 07:50 - Studies on microbiome transfer 08:28 - Why brain health starts with the whole body 12:34 - Exploring fecal transplants and ozone therapy 14:45 - Herbal support for pet dementia 21:42 - Acupuncture and Cody’s story 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. Oct 22

    26. Set Up Your Pet's Home for Success with Dementia

    Did you know there’s a way to set up your home that can support your aging pet’s brain? Today, Dr. Amanda talks about how the right home setup can help improve quality of life for senior dogs and cats dealing with dementia, or cognitive decline. She discusses: Ways to adapt the home and daily routine to support senior dogs and cats with cognitive declineHow nightlights and a smaller, safer sleeping area can helpEnrichment activities that provide mental stimulation, including puzzle feeders, treat searches, scent games, toy rotation, and moreOptions for pets with limited mobility, such as stroller walks and physical therapyBalancing enrichment with routine and predictabilityWhy it helps to keep furniture, food and water bowls, and litter boxes in familiar placesPractical home modifications to improve safety and comfortWhy routine blood pressure checks matter for senior catsListen in to learn how to set up your home to support your pet and their brain health. LINKS How do I know if my pet has dementia? Listen in here!Or missed the episode on pheromones? Catch it here!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 home setup for aging pets 01:48 - Floyd's story and lessons learned 04:03 - Practical modifications: nightlights and space reduction 06:12 - Signs of dementia in pets 08:08 - Behavioral enrichment and senior dog classes 09:47 - Enrichment activities: puzzle toys, scent games, and more 12:09 - Home safety: lighting, gates, and environment consistency 14:09 - Activities for cats: puzzle feeders, bird watching, and more 16:05 - Physical therapy and routine for cognitive health 17:58 - The importance of routine and predictability 21:52 - Blood pressure in senior cats 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. Oct 15

    25. The Truth About Medications for Dementia

    What should you know as a pet parent when it comes to medications for dementia? Today, Dr. Amanda gets into medications and other supportive options that may help with the signs of the disease. She discusses: Common symptoms of dementiaThe one U.S.-approved medication for canine cognitive dysfunction, selegiline, including how it’s used, how long it can take to see an effect, and the kinds of signs it may help mostPossible side effects, and the need to consider interactions with other medications that may increase the risk of serotonin syndromeOther symptomatic treatments, including trazodone and gabapentinSupplements and supportive options like melatonin and pheromone products for dogs and catsListen in to hear the medication options, what Dr. Amanda has seen, and what she recommends as an integrative veterinarian. LINKS Missed the core exercises episode? Catch it here!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 - Early signs of dementia in senior pets 05:21 - Selegiline for cognitive dysfunction 09:45 - Serotonin syndrome risks to know about 12:14 - Sleep aids for nighttime restlessness: trazodone and gabapentin 19:10 - Supportive supplements: melatonin and pheromones 24:44 - Integrative options for dementia care 26:42 - Final thoughts on medication and dementia 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. Oct 8

    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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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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