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Senior Pet Talk | for dogs + cats

2. What's Normal vs. Abnormal: Subtle Signs of Aging in Senior Pets

July 9 · 53 min · Season 1 · Episode 2 · 25.8 MB
0:00-53:41

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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. abnormal
  • Subtle signs of aging that pet owners often miss
  • Arthritis in senior dogs and cats — what to watch for
  • Muscle wasting and how it affects your pet's quality of life
  • Eye changes: nuclear sclerosis vs. cataracts (and how to tell them apart)
  • Cognitive decline and dementia in aging pets
  • Integrative veterinary medicine, blending Western and Chinese approaches for supportive care

If 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.

LINKS

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Introduction to subtle aging signs in pets
00:56 - Why pet parents often miss the small changes
02:22 - Why trusting your gut matters for your pet's health
03:16 - Arthritis in pets over 8-12 years old
04:39 - Recognizing early signs of pain and discomfort
06:31 - Eye changes: nuclear sclerosis vs. cataracts
14:49 - Muscle wasting in senior pets and its effects
20:13 - Signs of arthritis and joint pain in pets
22:30 - Early signs of osteoarthritis in dogs
24:12 - Western and Chinese approaches to joint health
26:34 - Recognizing early signs of arthritis and pain
27:40 - Pain management and how to prepare as an owner
28:47 - Cognitive decline and dementia in pets
30:44 - Success stories in treating cognitive issues
33:01 - Monitoring weight changes for early disease detection
35:08 - Why regular weight checks and blood work matter

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.