Senior Pet Talk | for dogs + cats

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.

What vets wish pet parents knew about senior pet care. In this first part of a 2-part series, Dr. Steffen is joined by one of her best friends and general practice vet, Dr. Terrence Hunter, who now owns his own practice, WAG Vet. They share experiences from veterinary medicine, explore senior pet care, and why thorough exams and client communication matter so much.

They chat about:

• Personal memories from their time in practice together
• Seeing senior pets in general practice, and how much of what he sees now is senior animals
• What senior pet parents often come in too late for
• Common senior pet problems not to be alarmed by
• Recognizing quality of life changes
• End-of-life conversations, cost discussions, and why senior appointments need more time

This is a great episode for hearing some common misconceptions pet owners have about aging pets, and the things vets wish you knew when it comes to caring for your senior pet.

LINKS

• Follow WAG Vet on Instagram
• WAG Vet Website
• 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 Dr. Hunter
04:05 - Stories Dr. Steffen and Dr. Hunter share about working together
12:17 - Animal care stories involving goats and chickens
15:22 - What it's like seeing senior pets
17:11 - Subtle signs owners often miss
20:25 - What senior pet parents come in too late for
25:40 - Recognizing quality of life changes
28:38 - Normal aging signs vs. when to seek veterinary advice
32:59 - The hardest conversations to have with pet parents
40:21 - Making time for seniors in a practice setting
45:36 - Part one wrap-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.

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 first
• Bloat (GDV) and the warning signs
• Preventive gastropexy for high-risk breeds
• Pain flare-ups from arthritis, disc disease, or dental issues, and why having a "flare plan" with your vet matters
• Labored breathing and neurologic emergencies like seizures and vestibular disease
• How to check resting respiratory rate, spot abnormal gums, and recognize signs like head tilt or stumbling

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

TRANSCRIPT

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.

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 panting
• Kidney disease is common in older cats and can present with vomiting, lethargy, and changes in urination
• Why cats not eating for more than 24 hours becomes serious quickly
• Saddle thrombus (aortic thromboembolism), where a cat suddenly can't use one or both back legs and may cry out in pain
• Diabetic 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 difference

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

TRANSCRIPT

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.

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 parents
• The caregiver burden in practical terms: missing social events, work interruptions, and the constant worry about leaving your pet alone
• Anticipatory grief, guilt, and hindsight bias, including how hard it is to make treatment decisions without knowing the outcome
• The 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 care
• 5 ways to support yourself and your pet better, including making a flare plan
• Identifying end-of-life red flags in advance

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

TRANSCRIPT

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.

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 lifespan
• How muscle wasting impacts senior pets, such as reduced mobility, slower recovery, and more
• Why cats and dogs can lose significant muscle mass with age, and why early nutrition changes matter
• Protein needs for senior pets, including gram-per-kilogram guidelines and how they shift for dogs and cats
• How to read food labels and why dry matter calculations matter, especially for wet, homemade, or fresh diets

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

TRANSCRIPT

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.

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 effectiveness
• 3 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 medications

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

TRANSCRIPT

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.

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 months
• Common 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 score
• Basic diagnostics, including CBC, chemistry panel, urine testing, and blood pressure measurement
• Thyroid testing, SDMA for earlier kidney screening, and ProBNP for heart muscle injury
• Integrative exam approaches, including Chinese medicine assessments like tongue, skin, heat, trigger points, and overall demeanor

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

TRANSCRIPT

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.

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 home
• Two things to always ask about: body condition score and muscle condition score
• Muscle loss and frailty, and how diet, calories, and rehab exercises can help
• Senior wellness panel, including CBC, chemistry panel, urinalysis, blood pressure, thyroid testing, and SDMA, and what we're actually looking for in these tests
• When more testing is needed, such as heart evaluation, ProBMP, and cancer screening
• The cost of all of this, and how to think it through

Remember 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 @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult
• Listen to the episode on choosing a good supplement for your pet, here.

TRANSCRIPT

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.

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 helps
• The main causes of weight loss in senior cats
• Hyperthyroidism, which can cause a ravenous appetite along with weight loss
• Diabetes, especially in cats eating more but still losing weight, and when oral medication can work instead of insulin
• For 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 @‌dramandasteffen.
• Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com
• Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult

TRANSCRIPT

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.