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. 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
  2. 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
  3. MAR 11

    65 — When You Can’t Get Into the Vet: Safe Home Remedies for Dogs — and What to Never Try

    When You Can't Get Into the Vet: Safe Home Remedies for Dogs — and What to Never TryGetting a veterinary appointment can feel impossible right now — but that doesn't mean you're out of options. Dr. Marty Greer joins Laura Reeves to walk pet owners through the everyday products that are genuinely safe to use at home, and the ones that could land your dog in a serious emergency. In this episode: Dr. Marty covers the full medicine cabinet — what helps, what harms, and when to stop treating at home and get to a clinic fast. Never use these:Xylitol in any form, ibuprofen, Tylenol (especially in cats), Sudafed and decongestants, and any prescription medication without veterinary guidanceSafe for kennel cough:Robitussin DM (guaifenesin + dextromethorphan) and saline nasal spray for congested brachycephalic breedsSafe for allergies and skin:Benadryl, Claritin (loratadine), Dawn dish soap, hydrocortisone cream, lidocaine gel, and diaper rash ointment for sore hindquartersSafe for GI upset:Famotidine (Pepcid), meclizine (Bonine) for nausea and vestibular syndrome, simethicone (Gas-X) for bloat prevention, Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate with caveats, and canned spinach to help pass small sharp objectsSafe for wounds:Saran wrap, socks, duct-taped bandaging, and Epsom salt soaks for foxtails in the feetFoxtail warning:Feet are manageable at home — but foxtails in the nose, ears, or eyes need same-day veterinary care, and in the lungs they are a life-threatening emergency Bottom line: These are stopgap measures, not substitutes for veterinary care. Use them to buy time, keep notes on what you tried and always be kind to your veterinary team — they're doing their very best. The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.

    30 min
  4. MAR 4

    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. The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.

    21 min
  5. 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
  6. 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
4.9
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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