Podcast
The Marty & Laura Show
Hosted by Laura Reeves & Dr. Marty Greer · EN
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.
31episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
76 — Dog Eyelid Health Guide: Entropion, Dry Eye and Puppy Eye Emergencies
6d ago00:34:37Tap to summarizeDog Eyelid Health Guide: Entropion, Dry Eye and Puppy Eye Emergencies Welcome back to the Marty and Laura Show! In this episode, we are continuing our deep dive into the fascinating world of canine eye care. You might think an eyelid is simple, but as Marty explains, there are six main categories of eyelid issues to watch out for: swellings, tumors, infections, allergies, immune-mediated diseases, and conformation. Key Topics in This Episode: Entropion vs. Ectropion:Learn the crucial difference betweenentropion(where the eyelid painfully rolls inward and scratches the eye) andectropion(the loose, droopy eyelids commonly seen in Bassets, Saint Bernards and Clumber Spaniels). If a young puppy suffers from entropion,getting their eyelids temporarily "tacked" is vital to break the cycle of squinting and prevent permanent corneal damage.Breed Conformation:We discuss why sled dogs have almond-shaped eyes to protect against harsh snow, while brachycephalic breeds have large, round eyes for a more infant-like appearance.The Secret of Tear Ducts:Did you know that tears actually drain into the nose? We explain how vets easily test for blocked tear ducts using glowing fluorescein dye.Dry Eye & The Tear Film:A dog's tear film consists of a water layer, a mucus layer, and an oil layer. We issue a major warning: if your dog develops "cherry eye,"never allow the third eyelid gland to be surgically removed, as it produces the crucial watery layer of the tears and removing it will cause permanent dry eye later in life.Eyelid Tumors and Mites:Discover why most eyelid margin tumors in older dogs are benign, whereas cats face a higher risk of cancer. Plus, we share a mind-blowing fact aboutDemodex mitesliving in the eyelid margins of dogs—and humans!Neonatal Ophthalmia:A critical alert for dog breeders. If an infection develops behind a young puppy's closed eyelids before they naturally open,it is a genuine medical emergency. The eyelids must be opened immediately to prevent the puppy from going completely blind. At-Home Care Tips: If your dog has a mild garden-variety eye discharge, you can try washing it with a little baby shampoo, using artificial tears, and applying a warm compress before your vet appointment. However, always get a proper diagnosis from a veterinarian before administering antibiotics or steroids.
Transcribe →75 — Canine Corneal Health: A Guide to Dog Eye Problems, Ulcers and Care
2w ago00:34:43Tap to summarizeJoin 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!
Transcribe →74 -- Dog Training Schedules & Tips: Structuring Success for Puppies to Senior Dogs
3w ago00:40:51Tap to summarizeDog Training Schedules & Tips: Structuring Success for Puppies to Senior Dogs Join experts Marty and Laura as they share practical scheduling tips, socialization hacks and communication strategies for training dogs of any age, from baby puppies to older rescues. Episode Highlights: The "3-3-3" Training Method:Discover how practicing three simple things, three times a day, for just three minutes can build a highly effective training routine for young dogs.100 Experiences in 100 Days:Learn how to easily socialize your puppy even with a busy schedule, using simple items around the house like different textured bath mats or new safe foods like cantaloupe.Mastering Emergency Commands:Find out why teaching an "emergency come" is crucial, and why running away from your puppy (or laying on the ground!) is a better strategy to get them to come than chasing them.Clear Communication:Understand why dogs read your tone and facial expressions more than your actual words. Marty and Laura explain the importance of being firm, fair and consistent, and why your entire family must use the same vocabulary for commands.Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks:Learn how to use a "long line" for older rescues and why breaking new boundaries and tricks into bite-sized pieces (back-chaining) sets them up for success.Common Pitfalls:Learn why yelling at a barking dog just makes them think you are joining their "bark-a-thon," and how we accidentally train our dogs to hide their potty accidents.
Transcribe →73 — Managing Pet Allergies: Flea Control, Hair vs. Fur & Safe Preventatives
4w ago00:28:29Tap to summarizeManaging 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.
Transcribe →72 — Why Is My Dog Vomiting? Complete Guide to Causes, Red Flags and Home Remedies
Apr 2900:36:34Tap to summarizeWhy Is My Dog Vomiting? Complete Guide to Causes, Red Flags and Home Remedies Dr. Marty and Laura tackle one of the most common (and alarming) pet owner concerns: why is my dog throwing up? Topics covered include: Foreign bodies— what dogs swallow, why it's dangerous and how to respond. Plus: the Outfoxed hood as a prevention toolClevor— a prescription eye-drop that safely induces vomiting (and why to avoid hydrogen peroxide)Canned spinach— a surprisingly effective home remedy for dogs that swallow small sharp objectsCerenia (maropitant)— the go-to anti-nausea drug, including its use for surgical recovery and car sicknessGinger snaps— a drug-free option for car sickness and reflux gastritisSerious causesto watch for: pancreatitis, parvovirus, kidney disease, and intestinal obstructionWhen to go to the vetvs. when you can wait it outPet insurance— why it's especially smart for Labradors, Goldens, and known "sock eaters"
Transcribe →71 — Tummy Trouble: Pet Owner’s Guide to GI Upset and Diarrhea
Apr 2200:36:27Tap to summarizeTummy 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!
Transcribe →70 — The Complete Guide to Pet Dental Health: Anesthesia Safety & At-Home Care
Apr 1500:35:56Tap to summarizeThe Complete Guide to Pet Dental Health: Anesthesia Safety & At-Home CareJoin hosts Laura and Marty to learn why anesthesia is absolutely necessary for your pet's dental cleanings, how to advocate for their surgical safety and the best strategies for brushing their teeth at home.The Truth About Pet Dentistry:Laura and Marty discuss why anesthesia is required for a safe and effective dental cleaning. Scraping teeth while a pet is awake actually accelerates tartar build-up and prevents veterinarians from x-raying teeth or cleaning under the gum line.Advocating for Surgical Safety:Learn how to advocate for your pet before they go under anesthesia by requesting pre-op bloodwork, EKGs, and safe anesthetic agents. Marty also highly recommends paying an extra $5 to ensure your vet uses a brand-new, single-use endotracheal tube to protect your pet's airway from irritation or infection.At-Home Dental Care:Brushing your pet's teeth is the gold standard for dental health. Marty explains how to train your pet to accept toothbrushing and recommends usingVOHC-endorsed products or a clear gel calledLivFresh, which chelates calcium to stop tartar from hardening.
Transcribe →69 — Why Is My Cat’s Nose Running? Feline Upper Respiratory Infections Explained
Apr 800:30:40Tap to summarizeWhy 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.
Transcribe →68 — Canine Good Citizen: How to Train Your Dog to Go Anywhere With You
Apr 100:29:26Tap to summarizeCanine Good Citizen: How to Train Your Dog to Go Anywhere With YouMarty and Laura dig into what it really means to have a well-behaved dog in public and why good manners don't happen by magic.Help your dog become a welcome guest anywhere — from brew pubs to barbecues — with expert guidance on the AKC Canine Good Citizen program, basic obedience fundamentals, service dog distinctions and therapy dog opportunities.Topics include:The core skills every dog should have: loose leash walking, settling, recall and reliable housetrainingWhy consistency, fairness and repetition are the foundation of any training successThe AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program — what it tests, how to find a trainer and how any dog (purebred or not) can earn the titleThe AKC Farm Dog and Trick Dog titles as fun alternativesThe legal differences between service dogs, emotional support animals and pets — and why it mattersHow a CGC title can open doors to therapy dog work in libraries, nursing homes and beyondPuppy raising programs like Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and how to get involvedThe Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.
Transcribe →67 — Pet Grooming for Health: Toenails, Ears, Hot Spots & More
Mar 2500:35:55Tap to summarizeSpring 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.
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