Senior Pet Talk | for dogs + cats

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.LINKSSign 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/SPTConsultTRANSCRIPTTIME STAMPS00:00 - Why senior cats may suddenly avoid the litter box02:21 - Medical causes of litter box problems04:38 - Choosing the right litter box09:32 - Litter types and how often to clean11:38 - How many litter boxes you need and where to put them16:36 - Robot litter boxes: pros and cons19:08 - DIY boxes and safer access23:08 - The senior cat litter box checklist26:52 - Pick one change to make todayDisclaimer: 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 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.LINKSSign 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/SPTConsultTRANSCRIPTTIME STAMPS00:00 - What pet dementia really looks like02:09 - How the gut affects brain health07:50 - Studies on microbiome transfer08:28 - Why brain health starts with the whole body12:34 - Exploring fecal transplants and ozone therapy14:45 - Herbal support for pet dementia21:42 - Acupuncture and Cody’s storyDisclaimer: 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 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.LINKSHow 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/SPTConsultTRANSCRIPTTIME STAMPS00:00 - Introduction to home setup for aging pets01:48 - Floyd's story and lessons learned04:03 - Practical modifications: nightlights and space reduction06:12 - Signs of dementia in pets08:08 - Behavioral enrichment and senior dog classes09:47 - Enrichment activities: puzzle toys, scent games, and more12:09 - Home safety: lighting, gates, and environment consistency14:09 - Activities for cats: puzzle feeders, bird watching, and more16:05 - Physical therapy and routine for cognitive health17:58 - The importance of routine and predictability21:52 - Blood pressure in senior catsDisclaimer: 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 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.LINKSMissed 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/SPTConsultTRANSCRIPTTIME STAMPS00:00 - Early signs of dementia in senior pets05:21 - Selegiline for cognitive dysfunction09:45 - Serotonin syndrome risks to know about12:14 - Sleep aids for nighttime restlessness: trazodone and gabapentin19:10 - Supportive supplements: melatonin and pheromones24:44 - Integrative options for dementia care26:42 - Final thoughts on medication and dementiaDisclaimer: 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.

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.LINKSConnect 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/SPTConsultTRANSCRIPTTIME STAMPS00:00 - Introduction to anticipatory grief in pets01:04 - What anticipatory grief is and how it differs from post-loss grief03:35 - The emotions and uncertainty that come with anticipatory grief07:13 - Signs you might be grieving before the loss10:10 - Tools to stay present with your pet15:12 - The role of rituals and memories20:35 - Supporting yourself and your pet during end-of-life27:14 - Planning for end-of-life and aftercare33:59 - Personal beliefs and cultural perspectives on death43:44 - Creating a meaningful goodbyeDisclaimer: 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.