The Marty & Laura Show

Laura Reeves & Dr. Marty Greer

Dr. Marty Greer and Laura Reeves deliver unique, fun, fact based conversations about pet health. Greer is the 2023 Westminster Kennel Club Veterinarian of the Year and author of “Your Pandemic Puppy.” Reeves is the host of the wildly popular, award-winning Pure Dog Talk podcast. From pro tips on selecting your new dog to what your dog’s runny eyes or your cat’s runny nose mean and what you should do about it, Marty and Laura will meet you where you are (in the car, on the treadmill, walking the dog) and bring you a good laugh, a great story and a bright idea every week.

  1. 4D AGO

    73 — Managing Pet Allergies: Flea Control, Hair vs. Fur & Safe Preventatives

    Managing Pet Allergies: Flea Control, Hair vs. Fur & Safe Preventatives Discover the surprising hidden causes of pet allergies, the critical difference between hair and fur and why modern flea and tick preventatives are safer and more essential than ever for your pet's health. In this episode of The Marty and Laura Show, the hosts tackle a listener request to explore the root causes of pet allergies. Marty and Laura reveal that humans are frequently allergic to what their pets carry—such as cat litter, wool blankets, carpet powder or flea bites—rather than the animals themselves. To help manage allergies, they discuss Purina's allergy-reducing cat food and the importance of having a non-allergic family member or professional groomer handle pet bathing. The hosts dive into the fascinating biological distinctions between dogs with hair (like Poodles) and dogs with fur (like Labrador Retrievers), noting that hair-coated dogs are generally more allergy-friendly and uniquely lose their coats during chemotherapy. They also discuss ancient hairless breeds, such as the Xoloitzcuintli and Sphinx cats, which are highly sought after by allergy sufferers, and explain the unique genetic link between their hairlessness and dentition. Additionally, Marty addresses the "anti-chemical" approach to pest control, explaining that natural does not always mean safe. She emphasizes that modern flea and tick preventatives—including the new one-year Bravecto Quantum injectable—are highly targeted, much safer than older products, and absolutely critical for preventing dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Finally, the hosts urge pet owners to stay updated on modern veterinary protocols, pointing out that the Leptospirosis vaccine is now considered a core vaccine for most dogs due to improved safety and prevalent environmental risks.

    28 min
  2. APR 22

    71 — Tummy Trouble: Pet Owner’s Guide to GI Upset and Diarrhea

    Tummy Trouble: Pet Owner's Guide to GI Upset and Diarrhea Top Causes, Home Remedies and When to Call the Vet In this episode of the Marty and Laura Show, we dive into one of the messiest and most urgent reasons pet owners rush to the clinic: doggie diarrhea. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Greer and host Laura Reeves explore the top triggers of GI upset, from the dreaded "dietary indiscretion" (eating garbage, scraps or wildlife droppings) to internal parasites and sudden food changes. We discuss the realities of managing "bad potty" and when it's safe to treat it at home versus when it's time to seek professional medical intervention. Episode Highlights: The Top Culprits:Why eating out of the garbage, sudden changes to a puppy's water or food, and scavenging for "tasty nuggets" in the snow lead to disaster.Home Remedies that Work:How to use bland diets like boiled chicken, hamburger and rice, and the proper way to use plain yogurt and veterinary kaopectate.Dangerous Mistakes to Avoid:Why giving your dog "sugar-free" yogurt can cause xylitol poisoning, and why a whole Pepto-Bismol tablet will look exactly like a swallowed coin on an X-ray.When to Rush to the Vet:Learn to identify red flags like vomiting paired with diarrhea, large amounts of blood, or extreme lethargy, which could indicate life-threatening conditions like hemorrhagic gastroenteritis or parvovirus.The Poop-Eating Problem:The frustrating truth about coprophagia and why most deterrents (even hot sauce!) rarely stop dogs from snacking in the yard. Pro Tip: If your dog gets sick, try to bring a stool sample to the vet using a plastic spoon. If you can't scoop it, take a clear photo of the mess with a size reference next to it, like a ruler or a quarter, to act as "evidence" for your vet!

    36 min
  3. MAR 25

    67 — Pet Grooming for Health: Toenails, Ears, Hot Spots & More

    Spring shedding season is here — and that means it's time to talk about one of the most overlooked aspects of pet health: grooming. In this episode, Dr. Marty and Laura are back together (yes, Marty finally returned from New Zealand and Fiji) to break down why regular grooming is so much more than a cosmetic luxury. It is a genuine health necessity for your dog or cat. First up, coats and bathing. Marty and Laura explain why getting all the way down to the skin matters — whether you're shampooing, blow-drying or brushing. They share tips on diluting your shampoo correctly, using the right water temperature, and why self-wash dog stations at your local groomer or car wash are an affordable, mess-free game changer. Mats are a big topic this episode, and for good reason. Left untreated, mats can cause raw, open wounds on your pet's skin. Laura and Marty walk through how to safely remove them using cordless clippers, metal greyhound combs and a healthy dose of patience — and explain why you should never bathe a matted dog first. Ears get their own deep dive too. Dogs that don't shed, like Poodles, Doodles, and Schnauzers, are especially prone to hair buildup in the ear canal, which traps moisture and leads to painful infections. Marty shares her surprisingly effective Nair trick for gentle hair removal, plus tips for improving airflow around heavy-eared breeds. Toenails round out the conversation, including the often-forgotten dewclaw, why overgrown nails distort your dog's gait and how to make nail trimming a stress-free routine from puppyhood. The episode wraps with a practical look at hot spots — what causes them, why they spread so fast, and how staying on top of grooming is your best prevention. The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.

    36 min
  4. MAR 18

    66 — Spring Gardening Hazards Your Pets Will Definitely Find

    Spring Gardening Hazards Your Pets Will Definitely FindSpring means gardens, chemicals and curious pets — a combination that can turn dangerous fast. Veterinarian Marty and host Laura break down what every pet owner needs to know before heading outside this season. In This Episode The ASPCA's toxic plant database is your first stop before planting anything new — it's free, searchable and includes photos. Not all "toxic" plants are equally dangerous: some cause a numb tongue, others can be fatal. Knowing the difference saves you money and panic. For chemical hazards, herbicides are generally low-risk for dogs, but insecticides can affect the nervous system immediately. Always keep product packaging — the label often has an 800 number that connects you to free poison control support. Marty makes a strong case for keeping Clevor on hand if you have a dog that eats everything. One eye drop, three minutes, done — no risky hydrogen peroxide needed. And yes, skunk season is here. The de-skunking formula (peroxide + baking soda + dish soap) only works if you apply it to a dry dog first. Don't skip that step. Key Takeaways Bookmark aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plantsSave the ASPCA Poison Control number with a credit card nearbyStock your garage: Clevor, baking soda, peroxide, dish soapBaby wildlife? Leave it. Put it back. Move on. Brought to you by Veterinary Village — enhancing the quality of animal and human lives throughout Wisconsin and Dogg!t - find your new puppy now! The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.

    26 min
4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Dr. Marty Greer and Laura Reeves deliver unique, fun, fact based conversations about pet health. Greer is the 2023 Westminster Kennel Club Veterinarian of the Year and author of “Your Pandemic Puppy.” Reeves is the host of the wildly popular, award-winning Pure Dog Talk podcast. From pro tips on selecting your new dog to what your dog’s runny eyes or your cat’s runny nose mean and what you should do about it, Marty and Laura will meet you where you are (in the car, on the treadmill, walking the dog) and bring you a good laugh, a great story and a bright idea every week.

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