Senior Pet Talk

Episodes

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  12. 5 Common Senior Cat Emergencies Every Owner Should Know 11.08.2026 39m

  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.LINKSFollow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsultTIME STAMPS00:00 - Why senior cats need their own care considerations02:20 - Signs and urgency of respiratory distress in cats04:53 - Understanding normal vs. abnormal breathing rates07:44 - Common causes of respiratory distress in senior cats11:18 - What to expect if your cat is hospitalized for breathing issues14:28 - Kidney failure symptoms and emergency response17:13 - Diagnostic testing for kidney disease and GI issues21:55 - Preventing kidney failure22:23 - Inappetence and vomiting as emergency signs27:21 - Saddle thrombus symptoms and emergency treatment32:13 - Diabetic ketoacidosis in senior cats and its urgencyDisclaimer: 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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  11. Are You Exhausted as a Senior Pet Parent? 06.08.2026 42m

  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.LINKSFollow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsultTIME STAMPS00:00 - The emotional impact of caring for senior pets02:23 - Understanding caregiver burden and its effects05:04 - What research says about stress and depression in pet owners06:36 - Assessment tools for caregiver burden10:26 - Why self-care and recognizing stress matters13:17 - Understanding anticipatory grief and its effects17:17 - Deciding when to consider euthanasia21:32 - Living in the moment: your pet's perspective on pain and suffering22:55 - The role of veterinary support and planning25:09 - Creating a flare plan for emergencies29:23 - Recognizing red flags in pet health32:01 - Talking openly with your vet about end-of-life care35:23 - Self-care tips for pet owners38:24 - Asking for help and building your support team40:07 - Final encouragement and self-compassionDisclaimer: 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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  10. Why Your Senior Pet Might Need More Protein, Not Less 04.08.2026 28m

  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.LINKSMissed 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/SPTConsultTIME STAMPS00:00 - Introduction to senior pet nutrition and common misconceptions02:19 - How muscle wasting affects lifespan and quality of life03:05 - Reevaluating protein restriction in healthy senior pets06:07 - Specific dietary needs for senior dogs08:27 - Specific dietary needs for senior cats09:15 - Reading pet food labels11:39 - Recommendations for dry food, wet food, and more15:30 - Muscle loss in cats and how protein can help19:23 - Easier proteins for senior pets21:39 - Muscle loss affects more than mobility23:18 - The exception to adjusting protein25:00 - Final thoughts on restricting protein in senior petsDisclaimer: 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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  9. How to Choose a Good Supplement for Your Pet 30.07.2026 23m

  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.LINKSFollow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsultTIME STAMPS00:00 - Understanding the confusion around pet supplements05:26 - Key things to consider when choosing supplements5:51 - What the labels really mean9:10 - Certificates of analysis, explained12:22 - Why you should tell your vet everything16:22 - Your supplement checklist18:03 - Choosing the right supplement22:07 - Final thoughts on pet supplementsDisclaimer: 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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  8. What to Ask at Your Senior Cat's Vet Visit 28.07.2026 35m

  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.LINKSFollow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsultTIME STAMPS00:00 - Senior cat care basics02:40 - What to ask at vet visits09:53 - Key routine checks: body and muscle scores15:17 - Blood tests to request18:19 - Urine and blood pressure checks23:03 - Thyroid and kidney screening26:05 - Imaging for cancer detection28:34 - Advocating for your cat at the vet32:04 - Eastern medicine exam approachesDisclaimer: 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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  7. How to Prepare for Your Senior Dog's Vet Visit 23.07.2026 40m

  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!LINKSFollow 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 STAMPS00:00 - Preparing for your senior pet vet visit02:03 - What to bring to your dog’s vet visit06:04 - Cost considerations and understanding veterinary care10:17 - The testing that goes into caring for a senior pet12:01 - Question 1: Body condition score13:52 - Question 2: Muscle condition score, and what to do about it20:17 - Senior wellness panel: bloodwork, chemistry panel, urinalysis, blood pressure, thyroid panel, SDMA27:22 - What we're actually looking for in these tests28:44 - Testing for common cancers in dogs, plus other testing if something's off32:30 - Imaging: X-rays and specialist tests35:33 - The costs of some of these tests, and how to think it through36:07 - Recap and being your pet's best advocateDisclaimer: 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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  6. Weight Loss in Senior Cats Is Never Normal 21.07.2026 23m

  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!LINKSFollow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: http://seniorpetconnection.comBook your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsultTIME STAMPS0:00 - Senior cat weight loss (why it matters and monthly weigh-in tips)3:07 - Why cats lose weight, including muscle wasting4:05 - Watch for subtle changes4:54 - Red flag: weight loss with a good appetite7:17 - High thyroid in cats9:43 - Diabetes clues to watch for13:58 - Red flag: poor appetite16:56 - Muscle loss in cats and kidney concerns20:48 - Why catching problems early mattersDisclaimer: 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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  5. What Integrative Veterinary Medicine Actually Means (And What It Doesn't) 16.07.2026 38m

  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 issuesListen in if you're ready to ask the right questions when choosing a practitioner for your senior pet.LINKSFollow 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 VetTIME STAMPS00:00 - Introduction to integrative veterinary medicine and Fonzie the senior cat04:10 - Fonzie's acupuncture and whole medical team story08:21 - Understanding holistic and alternative medicine, and why Dr. Amanda chose integrative medicine11:24 - 4 questions to ask when choosing an integrative practitioner12:06 - Licensing and certification in integrative medicine14:25 - What does the evidence actually say15:58 - How will you know when it's working and by when21:36 - More on Chinese and Western medicine28:38 - The future of collaborative care31:46 - Success stories with acupuncture and Chinese medicine36:12 - Final reflectionsDisclaimer: 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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  4. How Do I Know If My Pet Has Dementia? 14.07.2026 24m

  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 optionsDementia signs do not mean nothing can be done; listen in for more ways to support your senior pet.LINKSFollow 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 STAMPS00:00 - Pet dementia and why it matters01:47 - Understanding dementia in pets03:16 - Why early recognition and intervention matter04:34 - Common signs of dementia in senior pets05:32 - DISHAALV protocol for recognizing signs06:33 - D: Disorientation07:35 - I: Interaction changes09:22 - S: Sleep-wake cycle changes11:32 - H: House soiling13:23 - A: Activity changes16:13 - A: Anxiety in senior pets18:20 - L: Learning and memory changes19:34 - V: Vocalization signs20:28 - Treatment options and hope for senior petsDisclaimer: 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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  3. Is My Pet in Pain? Managing Arthritis in Senior Dogs and Cats 09.07.2026 44m

  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 supportSenior 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.LINKSFollow 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 RoadmapTIME STAMPS00:00 - Introduction to senior pet pain management03:43 - Understanding pain in senior pets11:13 - How to spot pain symptoms in your pet19:59 - Multimodal pain management strategies30:34 - Alternative therapies and home care tips39:03 - Building a personalized care plan for senior petsDisclaimer: 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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  2. What's Normal vs. Abnormal: Subtle Signs of Aging in Senior Pets 09.07.2026 53m

  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 careIf 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.LINKSFollow 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 GuyTIME STAMPS00:00 - Introduction to subtle aging signs in pets00:56 - Why pet parents often miss the small changes02:22 - Why trusting your gut matters for your pet's health03:16 - Arthritis in pets over 8-12 years old04:39 - Recognizing early signs of pain and discomfort06:31 - Eye changes: nuclear sclerosis vs. cataracts14:49 - Muscle wasting in senior pets and its effects20:13 - Signs of arthritis and joint pain in pets22:30 - Early signs of osteoarthritis in dogs24:12 - Western and Chinese approaches to joint health26:34 - Recognizing early signs of arthritis and pain27:40 - Pain management and how to prepare as an owner28:47 - Cognitive decline and dementia in pets30:44 - Success stories in treating cognitive issues33:01 - Monitoring weight changes for early disease detection35:08 - Why regular weight checks and blood work matterDisclaimer: 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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  1. Is My Pet a Senior? Meet Your Vet & What Defines a Senior Pet 09.07.2026 31m

  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 medicineThis 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.LINKSFollow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dr.amanda.vet.Website: seniorpetconnection.comPersonalized Virtual ConsultationTIME STAMPS00:00 - Intro to senior pet care02:53 - What actually makes a pet a "senior"05:46 - Why proactive care matters more than you think09:07 - My personal journey with senior pets12:06 - How size and breed change when seniorhood starts17:47 - Why regular vet visits and blood work matter so much24:47 - Recap and encouragement for pet ownersDisclaimer: 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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  Welcome to Senior Pet Talk! 23.06.2026 3m

  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.CHAPTERS0:00 - 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