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.