Senior Pet Talk | for dogs + cats

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 grief
• Signs pet parents can recognize in themselves that they're grieving
• Tools and techniques to stay present with your pet
• The importance of creating a plan for end-of-life care and aftercare
• Cultural and personal beliefs about death, and how they shape pet care decisions
• Supporting family members and partners through pet loss
• The role of community and support networks in grief management

This 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/freebies
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book 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.

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 NeuroCare
• Which ingredients matter most
• Research showing improvements in learning, memory, and dementia-related signs, while noting results aren't identical for every pet
• For cats, the more limited brain-diet options available
• Why cats have different nutritional needs, and why home-cooked diets for cats require careful formulation and veterinary guidance
• A review of common supplements used for cognitive support

Listen 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/freebies
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book 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.

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 lifespan
• Why the term itself is unclear
• How marketing can move ahead of the evidence, especially when studies get simplified or overstated
• The lack of FDA-approved drugs or supplements proven to extend a pet's lifespan
• The risk of over-testing and over-treating when age gets treated like a disease
• 6 questions to ask when you hear a longevity claim
• Why it's worth focusing on the basics that actually matter

Listen 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/freebies
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book 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.

How do I love my senior pet the way they need? Today, Dr. Amanda talks about how caring for senior dogs and cats means adapting the way we show affection as their bodies, brains, and preferences change.

She gets into:

• The grief and guilt that can come up when pets can no longer do the activities they once loved, and how to keep the bond in new ways
• Respecting their boundaries and staying connected through gentler interaction
• Practical ways to support senior pets, including sniff walks, stroller walks, rehab exercises, and more
• Enrichment tools like lick mats and snuffle mats for mental stimulation and a sense of purpose
• Why it's important to check for other causes of behavior changes, like pain or anxiety, before assuming it's just aging or dementia
• Predictable routines, especially in the evening, to help reduce stress and support pets with cognitive changes

If you're a pet caregiver, listen in for some encouragement to stay present, and a reminder that loving a senior pet well may look different than it used to.

LINKS

• Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebies
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Why senior pet care is emotional, not just tactical
04:28 - Her personal experience with her heart dog, Floyd
09:49 - Gentle ways to bond with a senior pet
17:57 - Massages can be quality time together
21:40 - Brain games for senior pets
28:30 - Why predictable bedtime routines can help
35:29 - Loving a senior pet well doesn't mean loving them the same way you always have
40:53 - Cherishing the moment and staying present

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.

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 is
• Osteoarthritis and why it's so common in senior pets, and why pain management decisions can be difficult
• How we approach Librela treatment in practice, usually starting with other options first and using a multimodal plan
• The studies behind Librela, including placebo-controlled trials and head-to-head comparisons with Meloxicam and Galliprant
• Safety concerns and reported adverse events, including neurologic signs, increased drinking and urination, and more
• How we use Librela in specific cases, especially when other options aren't enough or aren't appropriate

Listen 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/freebies
• Did you miss the move it or lose it episode? Listen in here!
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

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.

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 matters
• The importance of maintaining a healthy body condition and monitoring muscle condition over time
• How in-person rehabilitation evaluations can help, especially for pets with mobility issues
• Simple, safe exercises for both senior dogs and senior cats
• What types of movement or activity to avoid
• Integrative and rehabilitation approaches that can support long-term mobility

Muscle 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/freebies
• Did you miss the protein episode? Listen in here!
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

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.

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 checked
• What 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 information
• The rule of ones for dogs
• The 3-2-1 rule for cats
• The usual diagnostic steps, starting with a fine needle aspirate and, if needed, a biopsy
• Why early testing can make treatment easier
• How integrative options like herbs or other supportive therapies may come into play

Listen 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/freebies
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

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.

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 time
• Weight and body condition
• Eating, drinking, and gastrointestinal signs, and why trends matter more than single isolated events
• Litter box and bathroom changes, and how shifts in frequency, location, or amount of urination and defecation can be early signs of disease
• Mobility changes, including stiffness, difficulty with stairs, and trouble rising
• Gum and dental checks
• Eye cloudiness, ear discharge, skin and coat changes, lumps and bumps, nail changes, and lymph node checks
• Resting breathing rate and cognitive changes such as wandering, staring, getting lost, pacing, and altered recognition

Listen 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/freebies
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

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.

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 surfaces
• Ramps, stairs, and stair treads for access to couches, beds, and different levels of the home
• Bedding recommendations and tips on where to place them
• Why furniture changes should be kept to a minimum, especially as vision changes
• The benefits of nightlights in dark areas, raised food and water bowls, and keeping essentials available on each floor
• For senior cats: low-entry litter boxes and other small home changes worth making

Listen 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 @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

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.

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 cats
• The need for more at-home support, especially for larger pets
• How senior status is often met with denial from pet parents, and why it helps to prepare early for changes in mobility and lifestyle
• More quality-of-life conversations, including how owners define their non-negotiables and why their own limits matter too
• Integrative medicine, and how their views on it have changed over time
• How pain often shows up as subtle behavior changes
• Thoughts on clinic setup for senior appointments, including easier access and more time for exams

Listen in to hear their thoughts on managing aging pets and improving their well-being.

LINKS

• Follow WAG Vet on Instagram
• WAG Vet Website
• Want a deeper dive on supplements? Listen to the episode here
• Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

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.