The Marty & Laura Show

Canine Heart Disease Guide: Managing Mitral Valve Disease and DCM in Dogs Marty and Laura dive into canine cardiac health, breaking down the causes, symptoms and life-extending treatments for the two most common acquired heart diseases in dogs: mitral valve disease in small breeds and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in large breeds. Mitral Valve Disease (Small Breed Dogs):Who it affects:Small breeds like Shih Tzus, Schnauzers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.The Cause:Genetic factors lead to "knobby" protrusions on the left-side mitral valve, preventing a proper seal and causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium.Proactive Monitoring:Owners should count their dog’s resting respiratory rate monthly while they are horizontally asleep. Normal is 26 to 32 breaths per minute; rates climbing past 38 to 40 require veterinary attention.Symptoms:Look out for reduced exercise tolerance, weight loss (cardiac cachexia), and a persistent cough (often caused by an enlarged heart pressing on the trachea).Prevention & Care:Excellent dental health and routine brushing can prevent bacteria from latching onto damaged heart valves. Dilated Cardiomyopathy / DCM (Large Breed Dogs): Who it affects:Primarily large breeds like Great Danes, Dobermans, Boxers and Newfoundlands, with rare exceptions in small terriers.The Cause:The heart muscle becomes flabby and weak, impairing its ability to contract. DCM can stem from genetic factors, chemotherapy drugs or nutritional deficiencies (taurine and L-carnitine) linked to grain-free or legume-rich diets.Symptoms & Risks:Unlike small dogs, large dogs with DCM are highly prone to dangerous arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), fainting and sudden acute heart failure. Diagnosis and Modern Treatments: Diagnosis is Accessible:Any primary care veterinarian can diagnose an enlarged heart using a standard chest X-ray and a Vertebral Heart Score (VHS) to normalize heart size against the spine.Improved Lifespans:While dogs diagnosed with heart disease historically survived only six months, modern medications can give them two to three more high-quality years.Primary Medications:Treatment frequently relies onPimobendan(a veterinary-only drug that strengthens heart contractions), ACE inhibitors (enalapril or benazepril), and diuretics like furosemide (Lasix) or spironolactone.Cardiac Emergencies:Tears in the chordae tendineae (fibers holding the valve) can trigger sudden, severe failure. Advanced hospital care can include oxygen, sildenafil (Viagra) for pulmonary hypertension, nitroglycerin, and amlodipine. Note that canine CPR is rarely successful in chronic cardiac arrest, so owners should not harbor guilt if they cannot revive an arresting pet.

Unlocking Canine Retina Health: Blindness, Detachments and Genetics in Dogs Join Marty and Laura as they dive into the complex world of the canine retina, exploring common eye diseases, the dangers of retinal detachment and essential genetic health screenings. Our hosts focus on the canine retina, an essential part of the back of the eye that acts like the "film" in a camera to interpret light, images and motion. Because the retina is a highly complex structure, diagnosing retinal issues often requires the specialized equipment and training of a veterinary ophthalmologist. Key Topics Discussed: Retinal Detachment:This is a severe condition that usually results in blindness. In dogs, it can be triggered by trauma, tumors, immune-mediated diseases, uveitis, or high blood pressure linked to kidney failure or hyperthyroidism. While humans can often have their retinas reattached via laser, it is incredibly difficult and rare to successfully reattach a dog's retina.Hidden Blindness in Pets:Dogs and cats are incredibly skilled at hiding their vision loss by memorizing their home's layout. Owners may not realize their pet is going blind until they rearrange the furniture or move to a new house.SARD (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration):A rare, irreversible condition of unknown cause where a dog suddenly goes blind.The Dangers of Merle-to-Merle Breeding:Breeding two dogs with the Merle gene (such as Aussies or Collies) can produce puppies with severe visual and hearing impairments. It is crucial to DNA test for "cryptic Merles" to avoid accidentally crossing two Merle dogs.The "Hybrid Vigor" Myth:Mixing two breeds, such as a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle to make a Bernadoodle, does not magically cure or filter out bad genetic traits. Sometimes, this combination actually doubles up on genetic issues.Health Testing & Preventive Care:Responsible breeders and owners should utilize both DNA tests for conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and physical exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Breeders can visit the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) website to discover which specific eye diseases to test for based on their dog's breed.Medication Toxicities:Giving a dog a massive, accidental mega-dose of ivermectin—such as using farm store variants instead of proper heartworm preventatives—can lead to temporary blindness.

Join Marty and Laura as they "scratch the surface" of dog eye health, breaking down everything from painful corneal ulcers to the right way to safely wrestle your pup for their eye drops! We might be a little punch-drunk from a busy weekend of seminaring, but we are absolutely thrilled to kick off our new mini-series all about your dog's eyeballs! Today, we are keeping things focused on the cornea—that beautifully clear window at the very front of the eye. In this episode, we dive into: Eye Anatomy 101:Why the cornea needs to stay perfectly clear and why sudden cloudiness, redness or brown pigment means you need to get to the vet yesterday.Pigmentary Keratitis (PK):Why flat-faced cuties with protruding eyes (we're looking at you, Pugs and Frenchies!) are so prone to this dark pigmentation and how to manage it.Corneal Ulcers:The super painful reality of grass seeds, bush scratches and even car airbag injuries (PSA: Please keep your dog out of the front seat!).The Golden Rule of Eye Meds:Why you mustneveruse a leftover steroid eye drop on your dog without a vet checking for an ulcer first.Vet Tests Demystified:What to expect at the clinic, including why that agonizingly long 60-second Schirmer tear test always has to be the very first step.Pro-Tips for Meds:Marty’s expert advice for getting eye drops into a squirmy dog—hint: back them into a corner and straddle them.Doggy Contact Lenses?Yes, you heard that right! Learn how vets use human soft contact lenses as a "bandage" to save your dog's vision while an ulcer heals. A quick reminder: If your dog's eye is slammed shut, watering or looks "steamy" (like a bathroom mirror after a hot shower), treat it as an emergency and get to a vet or ophthalmologist immediately! Sponsor Shoutouts: Check out Dogg!t to help find responsibly bred, health-verified puppies. Also, don't forget to head over to martyandlaurashow.com/kids-corner for our free weekly downloads and the fun Color Me Pets coloring packs!

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.

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!

Why Is My Cat's Nose Running? Feline Upper Respiratory Infections ExplainedMarty and Laura tackle a listener question about runny noses in cats and kittens — and it turns into a deep dive on feline health essentials every cat owner needs to know.Topics covered:Common causes of feline upper respiratory infections (herpesvirus, calicivirus, chlamydia, Bordetella) and why herpes virus is a lifelong condition that flares under stressWhat FVRCP means and why keeping up with your cat's vaccines matters — even for indoor catsWhy cats "fall off the veterinary radar" after kittenhood and why that's dangerousThe risks of bringing stray or new cats into a home with existing cats without testing firstFeline leukemia (FELV) and FIV: how they spread, what a positive test means, and why a $100 blood test can save your resident cat's lifeVaccine safety in cats: injection site sarcomas, non-adjuvanted vaccines, and why Marty prefers the intranasal FVRCPConvenia — the 14-day injectable antibiotic that can save you from trying to pill your cat twice a dayFeline asthma vs. upper respiratory infections, and when a cough means it's urgentPractical tips: gabapentin for vet visits, carrier training and at-home hygiene clipsThe Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.

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.

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 emergencyBottom 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.

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 themPro 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.

Health-Tested Parents Increase the Odds of Healthy PuppiesIn this episode of The Marty and Laura Show, Laura and Marty explain why choosing a puppy from health-tested parents gives you the best chance at a long, healthy life together.They break down what “health tested” really means — and why a simple vet check is not the same as proper genetic and structural screening.In this episode:The difference betweenDNA (genotype)andOFA/specialist exams (phenotype)How to verify results throughOFA and CHICWhy microchips matter in accurate reportingThe truth about “hybrid vigor”What responsible breeders should provide — including contracts and documentationWhy a “cheap” puppy can cost far more in the long runBottom line:Health-tested parents don’t guarantee perfection — but they significantly increase the likelihood of a healthy puppy. Educated decisions stack the deck in your favor.The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.

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 CoveredWhy 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 outsideTakeawayCold 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.

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.