The Marty & Laura Show

Marty Greer DVM & Laura Reeves | Expert Veterinary Advice & Pet Health

Veterinarian Dr. Marty Greer, DVM, JD, 2023 Westminster Kennel Club Veterinarian of the Year, and dog pro Laura Reeves answer real pet health questions for dogs, cats and every pet, every week. Fun, fact-based conversations that replace late-night Googling with answers you can trust: symptoms and when to worry, puppies and kittens, senior pets, allergies, dental care, parasites, emergencies, behavior, and the questions pet parents ask most. Dr. Greer owns Veterinary Village in Wisconsin and is the author of Your Pandemic Puppy and Canine Reproduction and Neonatology. Laura is an AKC Breeder of Merit, judge, and host of Pure Dog Talk. New episodes every week.

  1. 5d ago

    Spay and Neuter Cancer Risks: What Pet Owners Need to Know

    Welcome back to another episode of The Marty and Laura Show! In this episode, host Laura Reeves sits down with veterinarian Dr. Marty Greer to kick off our series on pet cancer. We are diving deep into the complex health topics every dog owner needs to understand, starting with the surprising scientific link between early spay and neuter practices and increased cancer risks. For decades, pet owners have been told that spaying or neutering as early as possible is always the most responsible choice. But modern veterinary research tells a very different story. Dr. Marty breaks down how removing reproductive organs too early disrupts vital hormonal feedback loops, sending Luteinizing Hormone levels skyrocketing across receptors present on every single cell in your dog's body. Here is what we cover in this episode: The Endocrine Impact:How early sterilization disrupts hormone regulation and why elevated Luteinizing Hormone levels increase susceptibility to aggressive diseases.Cancers Linked to Early Sterilization:The research behind increased risks for hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, mast cell tumors, and prostate cancer.Tumor vs. Cancer:Why finding a lump or hearing the word tumor on your dog is not an immediate death sentence and what steps you should take first.High Risk Breeds:Why breeds like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers and Bernese Mountain Dogs require special consideration when planning spay and neuter timing.Advanced Early Detection:Cutting-edge diagnostic tools and specialized screening tests you can ask your vet about, including Nu.Q blood tests, Oncotect urine screening, and BRAF panels. Knowledge is power when it comes to advocating for your furry family members. By taking a look at the latest research and looking past one size fits all rules, you can make informed decisions tailored specifically to your dog's breed, age, and lifestyle. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share this video with fellow pet owners who want to give their dogs the healthiest life possible!

  2. Oct 21

    How to Spot Online Puppy Scams and Find Ethical Dog Breeders

    Searching for a new puppy online can easily lead prospective owners into the trap of online puppy scams and fraudulent sellers. In this episode of The Marty and Laura Show, host Laura Reeves and Dr. Marty Greer reveal the single most effective way to protect yourself: direct communication. Learn why live phone calls or Zoom video visits are crucial for verifying real breeders, how to spot deposit payment red flags, and why patience is your best defense when adding a dog to your family. What You Will Learn in This Episode Why live phone calls and Zoom video visits are essential before paying any depositHow to request virtual home tours to see puppies and their mother in a real home environmentCommon deposit red flags, including demands for gift cards or non-standard wire transfersWhy ethical pet sourcing takes time, planning and clear communicationHow responsible breeders use health screening and written contracts to protect puppy buyers Top Red Flags to Watch Out For Sellers who refuse direct phone calls or live video chatsPayment requests involving gift cards, untraceable apps or unusual wire transfersGuarantees of immediate puppy availability without any screening processRefusal to show the mother dog or the living environment via live video Resources Visit The Marty and Laura Show website to learn more about pet matching, health verification and ethical breeding practices. Check out Puppy Pathways for more details!

  3. Oct 14

    Found a Bump on Your Dog? Vet Guide to Canine Lumps

    Discovering a new lump or bump on your dog can be alarming, but knowing what to look for and how to react makes all the difference. Dr. Marty Greer and host Laura Reeves guide pet owners through the full spectrum of canine skin growths. From harmless button tumors and sebaceous cysts to serious conditions like mast cell tumors and bone cancer, you will learn how veterinarians evaluate suspicious growths and why early action is essential. Plus, discover how cutting edge AI diagnostic tools now deliver pathology results in as little as two hours. What You Will Learn in This Episode How to identify benign histiocytomas (button tumors) in young dogs and why they often regress naturallyThe critical differences between harmless growths and aggressive mast cell tumorsWhy you should never squeeze sebaceous cysts or skin tags at homeHow fatty lipomas feel under the skin and when a vet needs to evaluate themThe golden rule for mammary chain lumps and why needle aspiration should be avoided in those casesHow modern AI technology and remote pathologists provide two hour diagnostic turnarounds using impression smearsWhy waiting to see if a lump grows can complicate surgical removal and recoveryThe distinct signs of bone cancer (osteosarcoma), including acute pain and noticeable heat Practical Vet Visit Tip for Pet Parents Before heading to your veterinary clinic, identify and mark every lump on your dog. Use White-Out or nail polish on dark-coated dogs, or a Sharpie marker on light-coated dogs. You can also mark a printed body map. Identifying these spots beforehand saves time and ensures your veterinarian can evaluate every area of concern without missing a single spot. About The Show and Sponsor The Marty and Laura Show provides expert, fact-based pet health guidance for dogs, cats, and small animals. This episode is brought to you by Dogg!t. Disclaimer: This podcast episode is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary diagnostics or treatment. If you find a new or changing lump on your pet, consult your veterinarian promptly.

  4. Oct 7

    Keep Outdoor Cats Safe: Vaccines, Winter Shelters & First Aid

    Outdoor and barn cats face severe daily hazards from traffic, machinery, extreme weather and predators, resulting in an average lifespan of just 3 years compared to 15–20 years for indoor pets.In this episode of The Marty & Laura Show, host Laura Reeves and veterinarian Dr. Marty Greer share practical, life-saving advice to protect outdoor felines. From essential vaccination schedules and breakaway collar safety to heated winter shelters and critical emergency first-aid warnings, learn how to give your outdoor cat the best chance at a long, safe life. Key Topics & Takeaways Understanding Outdoor Hazards: Outdoor cats routinely face threats like vehicular traffic, farm equipment, and predators such as coyotes and birds of prey. Essential Vaccination Protocols:Outdoor cats require current Rabies, FVRCP (upper respiratory and panleukopenia), and Feline Leukemia (FeLV) vaccines due to cat-to-cat disease transmission through fighting, shared water and food bowls.Identification & Breakaway Collar Safety:Microchipping is vital. Collars must be stretchy breakaway styles to prevent strangulation if caught on nails or rafters. Modern QR-code tags (like Buddy ID) can also provide immediate owner contact information without requiring a microchip scanner.Cold-Weather Shelters & Hydration:Unheated garages can leave cats colder than expected. Small, insulated enclosures paired with safe K&H heated boards allow cats to trap their body heat effectively. Heated water bowls are equally critical to prevent drinking water from freezing solid in sub-zero temperatures.Recognizing Frostbite:Severe cold can cause ear frostbite that resembles surgical ear-tipping, though frostbite typically affects both ears equally.Emergency Triage & Recovery:Cats possess a remarkable capacity to survive severe physical trauma if brought to a veterinary clinic or emergency room quickly for supportive care.⚠️ Critical First-Aid Warning: Medication SafetyNever Administer Human Painkillers:Common human medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or aspirin are highly toxic to cats—a single dose can be fatal.Safe Vet-Prescribed Options:Pain relief should only be administered under direct veterinary guidance using feline-safe medications such as Gabapentin, Onsiora, or Buprenorphine. Connect & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Visit martyandlaurashow.com to sign up for weekly pet health tips.

  5. Sep 30

    Emergency Dog Care: Impromptu Muzzles, Attacking Dog Defense and Vet First Aid Steps

    Host Laura Reeves and veterinarian Dr. Marty Greer share critical emergency protocols for dog owners. From stopping aggressive dogs on walks to managing severe trauma, this guide covers essential safety steps to protect both you and your pet. Learn how to spot hazards early, handle an attacking dog safely, tie a makeshift muzzle in seconds, and transport an injured pet to the emergency vet clinic. Key Takeaways from This Episode: Prevention and Walk Safety:Why pet owners must put phones away, maintain head on a swivel awareness, and scout new neighborhoods for loose or barking dogs before walking their pets.Defensive Tools to Carry:Simple items to keep on hand for protection, including extra leashes, bear spray, wasp spray, and personal alarms.How to Handle an Attacking Dog:What to do if an aggressive dog charges at you or your pet. Learn why you should never run or turn your back, how running triggers prey drive, and how to stand your ground using a deep, firm voice.Breaking Up Dog Fights Safely:Why you should never reach hands into the middle of a fight, and how to use garden hoses, back leg lifts, or tail pulls to separate fighting dogs safely.Human Safety First:Why human medical care must take priority if a person is bitten or injured during an emergency before heading to the veterinary clinic.Creating Impromptu Muzzles:Step by step methods to fashion an emergency muzzle using a slip leash, belt, sock, pantyhose, or roll gauze to prevent bites when handling a panicked or injured dog.First Aid and Safe Handling:How to check ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation), keep an injured dog horizontally flat on a board or blanket, and coordinate a multi person lift.Emergency Vehicle Transport:When to make an exception to the standard crate travel rule so a severely injured pet stays flat, comfortable, and easy for clinic staff to unload upon arrival. Did you learn something new today? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

  6. Sep 23

    Cats Think They Can Fly (And Other Indoor Cat Disasters)

    Laura Reeves and Dr. Marty Greer investigate the mysterious injuries indoor cats get when their owners leave the house.From cats jumping off stair railings to cord-chewing incidents, feline curiosity can lead to major household hazards. Dr. Greer breaks down the real-world trauma indoor cats face, including broken legs, facial injuries, linear foreign bodies and fatal household toxins like Tylenol and Easter lilies. Discover practical cat-proofing strategies, emergency poison control protocols and expert veterinary advice to keep your adventurous cat safe indoors. The Mystery of Indoor Cat Injuries How cat owners come home to unexplained limpings, draining wounds, or knocked-over furniture, and how to act like a detective to figure out what happened."Cats Think They Can Fly" and High-Rise Trauma Dr. Greer shares the story of her Bengal cat launching at a wall hanging and falling down the stairs. Plus, an explanation of high-rise syndrome, facial trauma, and traumatic cleft palates in falling cats.Cat Fights, Dog Conflicts and Abscesses Why bite wounds between house pets easily seal over, trapping mouth bacteria under the skin and causing delayed abscesses on the face, neck, or tail.The Danger of Strings, Needles and Foreign Bodies Why ribbon, yarn, string, and thread wrap around the base of a cat's tongue or bunch in the intestines, creating linear foreign body emergencies that require immediate surgery.Household Toxins: Tylenol, Lilies and Human Meds Critical warnings on why Tylenol causes deadly Heinz body anemia in cats, why Easter lilies and peace lilies are toxic, and how human medications left on counters put pets at risk.Cord Chewers and Electrocution Hazards The dangers of cats (especially Siamese cats and kittens) chewing electrical cords, and how to use corrugated plastic cord covers to prevent electrocution.Essential Cat-Proofing Strategies How to anchor Christmas trees, plant stands, and cat trees to ceiling hooks using wire. Plus, tips on childproof cabinet locks, bare counters, and safe containment for kittens.Emergency Poison Control Protocols When and how to call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline, and why contacting a toxicologist before driving to the ER saves critical time.Important Resources & Emergency Contacts ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center:24/7 toxicological guidance for pet owners.Pet Poison Helpline:24/7 emergency pet poison consultation.Safe Indoor Greenery:Spider plants, cat grass, and catnip (avoid Easter lilies, peace lilies, and philodendrons).

  7. Sep 16

    How to Safely Introduce a New Puppy to Your Children (Step-by-Step Guide)

    Bringing a new puppy home to a household with kids is an exciting milestone, but creating a safe, harmonious bond requires proper planning, supervision, and clear boundaries. In this episode of The Marty & Laura Show hosts Dr. Marty Greer and Laura Reeves share veterinary insights on integrating puppies and children smoothly. Learn how to select the right family breed, set up physical boundaries using exercise pens and crates, enforce essential physical safety rules like "bottoms on the floor," and recognize subtle canine stress signals before a bite can happen. Whether you are a first-time dog owner or an experienced breeder placing puppies with families, this step-by-step guide offers actionable safety protocols for a lifetime of positive pet ownership. Top Takeaways & Actionable Safety Rules Pick the Right Breed Match Select outgoing, friendly breeds such as Golden Retrievers or Labradors that naturally thrive in family environments. Work with responsible breeders who evaluate how children and adult dogs interact.Enforce Constant Adult Supervision & Safe Zones Never leave young children and puppies unattended together. Utilize exercise pens (X-pens), gates, and playpens so the puppy and child can observe each other safely without jumping or shrieking.The "Bottoms on the Floor" Rule To prevent accidental falls and injuries, establish a strict rule: nobody holds a puppy unless they are sitting directly on the floor.Protect the Crate as a Safe Sanctuary Dog crates are strict safe spaces for pets only. Children should never enter a dog's crate, ensuring the puppy has a quiet area to rest when feeling overwhelmed.Build Positive Associations with Food Involve toddlers in feeding by having them carry a cup of kibble to the dog bowl. This teaches children responsibility while showing the puppy that positive interactions come from family members.Master Dog Body Language Cues Learn to spot signs of stress: Wagging Tail:Does not always mean happiness; it can indicate high arousal or tension.Whale Eye:Seeing the white crescent around the dog's eye signals fear or discomfort.Facial Cues:Lip licking, tight lips, crouching, or backing away mean the dog needs space. Teach Strict Bite Inhibition Early Puppies must learn that teeth never touch human skin. Respond to accidental nips with a sharp puppy yip and immediately withdraw attention to teach proper boundaries. Lili Chin's Canine Body Language Chart: Visual guide to help kids and adults identify dog body language at

  8. Sep 9

    Back to School, Busy Schedules and Happy Pets

    Back to School, Busy Schedules and Happy Pets As kids head back to school and household schedules shift, dogs and cats often face sudden changes in their daily routines. In this episode of The Marty and Laura Show, host Laura Reeves and Dr. Marty Greer from Veterinary Village share practical, veterinary-backed tips to keep pets happy, healthy and mentally stimulated during the busy fall season. From preventing back-to-school separation anxiety with simple enrichment hacks to taking advantage of quiet September veterinary schedules, this episode is packed with actionable advice for pet owners. Plus, learn why teaching your dog tricks like "sit up and beg" can build vital core strength, how to make vet visits completely stress-free, and why enjoying simple "carpe diem" moments with your pets matters more than ever. Key Topics Covered The September Vet Visit Advantage: Why mid-September is one of the quietest times at veterinary clinics and the ideal opportunity to schedule overdue dental cleanings, annual vaccines, and routine checkups. Beating Back-to-School Separation Anxiety: How sudden quiet in the house impacts pets after a busy summer, plus low-key departure techniques to prevent behavioral stress.The Dollar Store Frozen Muffin Tin Hack: Step-by-step instructions for mixing kibble with broth or yogurt in a metal muffin tin, freezing it, and creating a 45-minute mental stimulation game in the crate.Tricks That Build Health & Fitness: How teaching "sit up and beg" strengthens core muscles to protect the backs of long-bodied breeds like Dachshunds and Corgis.Preparing Pets for Stress-Free Vet Care: Teaching cooperative care commands like "shake" for blood draws, exam table desensitization, and specialized tricks like holding breath for X-rays.The Life-Saving "Emergency Down" Command: Why teaching your dog to drop instantly on a hand signal can protect them in hazardous situations.Virtual Titles & Online Training: How to get started with AKC PAL numbers, trick dog titles, fetch programs and virtual events from the comfort of home.Living in the Present: Cherishing seasonal moments with aging companions, enjoying pup cups and making every summer count with your pets. LINK to important separation anxiety podcast interview on @PureDogTalk.

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Veterinarian Dr. Marty Greer, DVM, JD, 2023 Westminster Kennel Club Veterinarian of the Year, and dog pro Laura Reeves answer real pet health questions for dogs, cats and every pet, every week. Fun, fact-based conversations that replace late-night Googling with answers you can trust: symptoms and when to worry, puppies and kittens, senior pets, allergies, dental care, parasites, emergencies, behavior, and the questions pet parents ask most. Dr. Greer owns Veterinary Village in Wisconsin and is the author of Your Pandemic Puppy and Canine Reproduction and Neonatology. Laura is an AKC Breeder of Merit, judge, and host of Pure Dog Talk. New episodes every week.

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