The Marty and Laura Show with Dr. Marty Greer + Laura Reeves

If you live with a cat, you already know the truth: litter boxes are not exactly glamorous. But as Marty Greer points out in this episode of The Marty and Laura Show, litter box issues are one of the most common reasons cats lose their homes — and that’s why this “un-fun” topic is actually incredibly important.

In today’s deep dive, Laura Reeves and veterinarian Marty Greer tackle what every cat owner needs to know about litter box success: the right litter, the right box, the right location… and when a “behavior problem” is actually a medical emergency.

In this episode, Marty and Laura dive into two often-confused but fundamentally opposite adrenal diseases in dogs: Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) and Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism). While both involve the adrenal glands, one is caused by too little hormone production and the other by too much.

Marty explains the anatomy and function of the adrenal glands, how these diseases present very differently in real life, and why they can be so challenging to diagnose and manage. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions around genetics and breeding, emphasizing that even dogs from excellent breeding programs can develop these conditions. With real-world examples, including Laura’s own dogs, the episode highlights symptoms to watch for, diagnostic challenges, treatment options, long-term prognosis, and why careful veterinary monitoring is essential.

The discussion expands into related conditions like diabetes and kidney disease, underscoring an important message: similar symptoms can point to very different underlying problems, and accurate diagnosis matters.

Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones, often causing sudden, severe illness. Cushing’s disease is caused by excess cortisol and develops slowly over months or even years. Despite affecting the same body system, they look and behave very differently.

While some breeds (like Poodles and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers) show higher incidence, there is no universal genetic test for Addison’s or Cushing’s. Even carefully bred dogs from responsible programs can develop them, making transparency and education more important than blame.

Addison’s often presents as waxing-and-waning illness, GI upset, lethargy, or sudden collapse. Cushing’s is more insidious, with signs like excessive drinking and urination, pot-bellied appearance, and gradual decline. Early signs are easy to miss or mistake for aging or other diseases.

Testing for both conditions can be complex and sometimes inconclusive. Management requires lifelong medication, frequent blood work, and close veterinary supervision. While both diseases are treatable, they demand commitment from owners and strong communication with the veterinary team.

Excessive drinking and urination (PU/PD) can signal many different conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, infections, or adrenal disorders. Similar symptoms don’t mean the same diagnosis — which is why thorough diagnostics are critical to getting treatment right.

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

Marty and Laura share great ideas for enjoying a winter wonderland with your pet. From snow angels to snow mountains to skijoring, they walk you through all the fun activities with a few safety precautions.

Should your dog have outfits and boots for the cold weather? Marty and Laura have some pro tips and a few funny stories about outfit failures on their own dogs.

“There are some tricks and tips to this,” Marty says. “First of all, I think the most dangerous temperature for the dogs is right at that freezing slushy temperature. Because if it's colder, they actually do better than if it's slushy. Now, once it gets about 10 below zero, the dogs try to stand on two feet, and dogs cannot walk on two legs very well. So that gets a little tricky. The trips outside are pretty short, and a lot of dogs decide to use the indoor bathroom instead of the outdoor bathroom. So that becomes a a problem.

“But the slushy temperatures are risky because if they lay in the snow or they spend too much time in the snow, their feet or their underparts, they tend to frostbite at that slushy temperature.”

“Speaking of ice,” Laura says, “there's a couple things with ice and super cold temperatures in our dogs particularly, and that’s snowballs in their feet. The first time I encountered this and my dog just kind of like flopped down on the ground and wouldn't walk. And I'm like, oh my God, what's wrong with him?”

Marty recommends trimming between the dog’s pads to help eliminate issues with snowballs. She also has recommendations for pet safe deicer, so be sure to listen in for that tip of the day.

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

Marty and Laura tackle a stinky problem for pet owners, explaining why holiday grooming can prevent an embarrassing situation.

Anal glands are the dog’s version of the scent glands on a skunk. They also express those glands when they are nervous or afraid. The glands can also become impacted or infected. Pet owners can avoid the embarrassment of their dog scooting his bottom across the carpet during holiday parties with a simple but effective treatment at the vet or groomer.

“They're little glands and they should normally empty when the dog or cat passes a stool and so a firm stool will cause them to empty and just that little bit of material will come out,” Marty said.

Routine exercise, additional fiber in the dog’s diet and regular expression of the glands at home, at the vet or at the groomer will keep your dog healthy and comfortable while preventing noxious fumes and embarrassing behavior!

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

Marty and Laura offer up five pro tips for a fun and safe holiday with pets. Sidenote, keep your eyes peeled for Marty during the National Dog Show on NBC at noon Thanksgiving Day.

Tip 1… Canned pumpkin, which may well be not entirely pumpkin, is great for dogs and cats! Give them a tablespoon in their food *before* you make the pie.

Tip 2 … Making soup stock from the turkey carcass? Save the cooked veggies for the dog’s dinner so they can join the celebration.

Tip 3 … The microwave is a GREAT food locker to keep the four-legged family out of the food when you turn your back.

Tip 4 … Save a few bucks on fun pet food toppers by looking for “windfall” apples for homemade applesauce, inquiring with your grocery store for bruised produce or checking out online delivery resources like Imperfect Foods.

Tip 5 … Make a batch of *dog* cookies with your holiday baking.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (regular white flour will work as well)
• 1 cup canned pureed pumpkin (don’t use pumpkin pie filling, as it includes additional sugar, fats, and spices like cinnamon that are dangerous to your dog)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Add the pumpkin and peanut butter to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
• Stir in the flour until the mixture creates a dough.
• Roll out the dough about ½ inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
• Cut out fall shapes using a small cookie cutter or knife. Bonus points if you use a fall-themed cookie cutter in a pumpkin shape.
• Place the treats about half an inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake for 12 minutes.
• Let cool completely before giving to your dog to enjoy.

Bone-Appetit!

Recipe inspired by the American Kennel Club. This article contains recipe information that is considered suitable for pets. However, not all pets can tolerate different foods — it depends on their age, health history, and health conditions. It is important to consult with your veterinarian before feeding your pet any new foods or offering your pet any of the ingredients contained in this recipe.

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

Marty and Laura are giving thanks and a shout out to the heroes of the week, responsible pet owners. These are folks who make sure their pets are fed and trained and vetted even when times are tough.

This week’s giving thanks charity is No Pet Hungry America.

“Millions of families across the country face impossible choices every day between paying rent, buying groceries or feeding their pets. No Pet Hungry America is here to change that.

“We provide pet food, supplies, and resources to keep beloved pets with the people who love them, no matter the circumstances. Together, we can ensure that financial hardship never means losing a furry family member.”

“Responsible pet owners means feeding our pets, taking our pets and doing preventative (veterinary) work, training even if you're doing trick. Our responsible pet owners are working with their pets every day some little bit, right? Maybe you've taught your pet to retrieve the slipper. Maybe you've taught your cat to retrieve a ball. Who knows?

“Our responsible pet owners are doing great work socializing their pets so that if they come visit you at the clinic, they're not terrified because they've been other places and seen things and done stuff. You can teach them some basic skills. You can teach them to have their mouth looked at, you can teach them to have their ears touched and their toenails touched.”

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

Marty and Laura give thanks for recent science breakthroughs that help our pets live longer, healthier lives. From decoding the canine genome to Artificial Intelligence, our pets are benefitting from scientific research.

Organizations such as the AKC Canine Health Foundation support this research which benefits all dogs, purebred and mixed breed, as well as frequently providing information that expands knowledge for treating human diseases. During the month of giving, we’re suggesting groups to support our pets with your donations.

“The artificial intelligence that's barreling at us is going to be fascinating to see where this takes us,” Marty said. “There's so much that has the potential to happen here, and it may not all be good, but a lot of it really is.”

Canine genome sequencing gave us genetic testing which has helped dog breeders select for healthier animals in hundreds of diseases. The BOAS testing recently developed in the UK is enabling veterinarians to test brachycephalic dogs’ ability to breath, which again allows dog breeders to select for healthy dogs in their matings.

Tap in to catch up on more sciency conversation from Marty and Laura.

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

Marty and Laura share their thanks for veterinarians and staff who sacrifice to care for our pets.

“We know you're stressed,” Marty said of veterinarians and staff. “Your pet is sick. You were up all night cleaning up whatever it is that you had to clean up. And it's really hard to be gracious and to be lovely on the phone or in person when you're in that stressful situation. But I can't even begin to emphasize how important that is.

“The hardest job that we have at the veterinary clinic is the CSR, the customer service representative, the person that answers the phone, because they're in the squeeze. They're in the squeeze between you as the client calling with a crisis and needing help and the veterinary staff that's already booked full.

“It’s 10 pounds of you know what in a 5 pound bag. And it becomes really a challenge for that receptionist to try and balance the needs of the client versus what the rest of the staff needs are so that we can still provide the quality of care that you want. Because getting you through the door isn't going to help you if the quality of care isn't there.”

This week’s giving opportunity is Not One More Vet which supports veterinarians and staff struggling with mental health crises.