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. 6H AGO

    64 -- Pancreatitis in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Explained by a Vet Who's Had It

    Pancreatitis in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and TreatmentPancreatitis is one of the most painful and misunderstood conditions affecting dogs — and one of the most common reasons pets end up hospitalized. Dr. Marty Greer, who has personally survived four bouts of pancreatitis, joins Laura Reeves to walk pet owners through everything they need to know, from early warning signs to long-term management. What the pancreas actually does — and why problems with it affect everything from digestion to blood sugarAcute pancreatitis — warning signs to watch for (vomiting, severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dehydration) and why up to 30% of severe cases can be fatalHow it's diagnosed — CBC, chemistry panel, and the more accurate cPLI test (80–90% accurate), plus why x-rays won't help but ultrasound canTreatment — why this is a hospitalization situation: IV fluids, nothing by mouth for 72+ hours, pain management, anti-nausea medication, and supportive careBreeds at higher risk — miniature schnauzers, dachshunds, miniature poodles, Cavaliers, Cocker Spaniels, and othersChronic pancreatitis and diabetes — how repeated flare-ups can scar the pancreas and eventually lead to Type 1-equivalent diabetes requiring twice-daily insulin injectionsInsulinoma — the rare pancreatic tumor that causes blood sugar to crash and can trigger seizures, and what treatment looks likeExocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) — most common in young German Shepherds, the TLI blood test to ask for, and how it's managed with pancreatic enzyme supplements Key takeaway: High-fat meals are a well-known trigger, but pancreatitis can strike without an obvious cause — especially in middle-aged, overweight females of susceptible breeds. If your dog is vomiting and seems painful, don't wait. This is not a condition that resolves on its own.

    21 min
  2. FEB 25

    63 — Neck Lumps, Ear Hematomas & “Happy Tail”: What That Sudden Swelling Might Mean

    Neck Lumps, Ear Hematomas & “Happy Tail”: What That Sudden Swelling Might MeanYou wake up, look at your dog, and—boom—there’s a new lump on the jaw or neck. Before you spiral to “it’s cancer” or shrug it off as “no big deal,” Marty and Laura break down the most common causes of sudden swellings (from abscesses to salivary cysts), when it’s urgent, and what your vet can do to get answers fast. On this episode of The Marty & Laura Show (brought to you by Doggit), Laura and Marty walk through the “lumps that shouldn’t be there” checklist—what’s benign, what’s serious and what needs a same-day call to your veterinarian. You’ll learn: Common culprits behind jaw/neck lumps:abscesses,hematomas, andsalivary cysts—often after chewing sticks or bonesWhen swelling is an emergency:fever + not eating/drinking= get seen fastWhy recurrent abscesses may mean aforeign bodyis still hiding (hello, plant material)Foxtails and other “mean seeds”: where they lodge, why they’re risky, and how tools like theOutFoxed hoodcan helpHow enlargedlymph nodescan be reactive…or signal something systemic likelymphomaPuppy strangles (juvenile cellulitis):what it looks like and why early treatment mattersEar hematomas: what causes “cauliflower ear,” treatment options and why dogs may never have a totally “normal” ear again“Happy tail/crate tail” injuries: why they’re such a bloody mess and how vets try to manage them Pro tips mentioned: keep a dedicated pet thermometer at home, and don’t panic—get the swelling checked and let diagnostics guide the next step. The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.

    31 min
  3. FEB 18

    62 — How Much Does a Well-Bred Puppy Really Cost? Breaking Down Smart Puppy Buying

    How Much Does a Well-Bred Puppy Really Cost? Breaking Down Smart Puppy BuyingWhat does it really cost to responsibly breed a litter of puppies—and why does that matter to you as a buyer? In this episode of The Marty and Laura Show, Laura and Dr. Marty walk through the real numbers behind well-bred dogs and explain why “you get what you pay for” is more than just a saying. If you’re contemplating a new puppy, this episode is your behind-the-scenes look at what responsible breeders invest long before a puppy ever goes home. Dr. Marty outlines the three major categories of pre-breeding health screening: genetic (DNA) testing, comprehensive veterinary exams, and phenotype testing such as OFA hips, elbows, cardiac and eye clearances. These tests—along with brucellosis screening, infectious disease panels, and breed-specific evaluations—can easily total thousands of dollars before breeding even begins. From there, the costs stack up: progesterone timing, stud fees, shipped semen, artificial insemination, pregnancy confirmation, C-sections, puppy care, microchipping, vaccinations, and health certificates. And that’s assuming everything goes right. Laura and Marty also discuss the long-term value of purpose-bred dogs: predictable temperament, early socialization, breeder support for the life of the dog, and often fewer behavioral surprises. A puppy isn’t a toaster—it’s a 10–15 year commitment. This episode helps you make that investment wisely. The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.

    26 min
  4. JAN 28

    59 — Arctic Blast Survival: Safety Tips for Dogs, Cats and Livestock

    Arctic Blast Survival: Safety Tips for Dogs, Cats, and LivestockWhen brutal Arctic temperatures hit, our pets feel it just as much as we do—sometimes more. In this special cold-weather episode of The Marty and Laura Show, veterinarian Marty Greer and host Laura Reeves break down practical, real-world advice to keep dogs, cats, and outdoor animals safe during extreme cold snaps. From frozen paws and vomiting show dogs to outdoor cats, heated water bowls, booties, jackets and emergency preparedness, this episode is packed with veterinarian-approved tips you can use immediately. Whether you live in the Midwest tundra or the southern states facing unexpected freezes, this conversation covers how to protect pets, prevent frostbite, maintain hydration and plan ahead when temperatures plunge. Key Topics Covered Why extreme cold is dangerous—even for double-coated breedsWhen dogs need coats, booties or heated gearHow freezing temperatures affect paws, digestion and behaviorSafe options for outdoor cats and livestock in subzero weatherHeated water bowls, shelters and DIY emergency solutionsWhat to do when power grids fail during winter stormsSimple steps to keep pets safe when letting them outside Takeaway Cold weather isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be life-threatening. Planning ahead, limiting exposure, ensuring access to unfrozen water, and keeping pets close can make all the difference. Stay warm, stay prepared and keep your animals safe through winter’s worst. The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.

    28 min
  5. JAN 14

    57 — When You Hear Hoofbeats… Think Zebras: Rare Dog & Cat Diagnoses

    When You Hear Hoofbeats… Think Zebras: Rare Dog & Cat DiagnosesMarty and Laura dig into veterinary “zebras”—unusual or easily-misdiagnosed conditions in dogs and cats. Using the classic medical rule “when you hear hoofbeats, look for horses, not zebras,” they explain what these rare presentations can look like, when they’re urgent, and why a complete history (boarding exposure, wildlife encounters, travel, family/breed background) helps your veterinarian reach the right diagnosis faster. What you’ll learn in this episodeCat “zebras” (unusual but real)Saddle thrombus in cats(often tied to underlying heart disease): sudden rear-leg paralysis/pain, cold paws, absent pulses—an emergency scenario.Rodent ulcer(part of the eosinophilic granuloma complex): a distinctive upper-lip ulcer/swelling linked to immune/allergic processes; often responds to anti-inflammatory treatment. Dog “zebras” and misdiagnosis look-alikesToxoplasmosis/Neospora-like neurologic syndrome in puppies: can mimic birth trauma/oxygen deprivation; may respond dramatically to appropriate antibiotics (as in Laura’s story).FCE (fibrocartilaginous embolism): sudden paralysis (often rear legs) that can resemble a slipped disc; recovery often depends on intensive nursing/rehab support.Coonhound paralysis: immune-mediated paralysis often followingraccoon bite/scratch; may progress from rear legs forward; requires dedicated supportive care over weeks. Head, mouth, and eye conditions owners notice fastMasticatory muscle myositis (MMM): painful jaw, difficulty opening mouth; can lead to muscle wasting and a “sunken” head appearance; a specific blood test exists (2M test).Retrobulbar abscess: often from chewing sticks/bones—painful swelling behind the eye causing bulging. The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.

    38 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.

You Might Also Like