You 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:

1. Common culprits behind jaw/neck lumps:abscesses,hematomas, andsalivary cysts—often after chewing sticks or bones
2. When swelling is an emergency:fever + not eating/drinking= get seen fast
3. Why recurrent abscesses may mean aforeign bodyis still hiding (hello, plant material)
4. Foxtails and other “mean seeds”: where they lodge, why they’re risky, and how tools like theOutFoxed hoodcan help
5. How enlargedlymph nodescan be reactive…or signal something systemic likelymphoma
6. Puppy strangles (juvenile cellulitis):what it looks like and why early treatment matters
7. Ear hematomas: what causes “cauliflower ear,” treatment options and why dogs may never have a totally “normal” ear again
8. “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.

What 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.

In 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.

1. The difference between DNA (genotype) and OFA/specialist exams (phenotype)
2. How to verify results through OFA and CHIC
3. Why microchips matter in accurate reporting
4. The truth about “hybrid vigor”
5. What responsible breeders should provide — including contracts and documentation
6. Why a “cheap” puppy can cost far more in the long run

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.

In this episode, Laura Reeves and Dr. Marty Greer kick off an exciting new series focused on kids. From STEM education and scholarships to real-world advice about what it takes to become a veterinarian, this conversation is packed with insight for parents, educators and animal-loving kids dreaming of a future with animals.

Special guest Cora, a 10-year-old aspiring veterinarian and dog breeder, asks smart questions and steals the show.

1. Introducing a new Kids’ Corner initiative, including downloadable coloring pages
2. What veterinarians really do—and why it’s one of the most versatile careers in animal science
3. How kids (and teens) can start preparing now for veterinary school and STEM careers
4. Scholarships, education paths and the real return on investment in veterinary medicine
5. The importance of people skills, business knowledge and self-determination in vet careers
6. Why veterinary medicine remains a high-demand, future-proof profession

Perfect for parents, kids, breeders, and anyone curious about animal careers, this episode blends education, encouragement, and plenty of heart. 🐾

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

When 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 Covered

1. Why extreme cold is dangerous—even for double-coated breeds
2. When dogs need coats, booties or heated gear
3. How freezing temperatures affect paws, digestion and behavior
4. Safe options for outdoor cats and livestock in subzero weather
5. Heated water bowls, shelters and DIY emergency solutions
6. What to do when power grids fail during winter storms
7. Simple steps to keep pets safe when letting them outside

Takeaway

Cold 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.

Excessive drinking and urination in dogs can be alarming—and it’s rarely something to ignore. In this episode, Laura Reeves and veterinarian Dr. Marty Greer take a deep dive into polydipsia and polyuria (PD/PU), breaking down the most common causes, the less common “zebras,” and the critical diagnostic steps every dog owner should understand before restricting water.

Brief Show Notes:

1. Common causes of excessive thirst in dogs: kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing’s
2. Less common (but serious) causes including lepto, hypercalcemia, Addison’s, and psychogenic polydipsia
3. Why urine testing is just as important as bloodwork
4. The danger of restricting water without a full veterinary workup
5. How leptospirosis affects dogs (and people) and why it’s now considered a core vaccine
6. Early kidney disease, protein loss, and why prescription kidney diets matter
7. Practical management tips for “water-obsessed” dogs—after medical causes are ruled out

A must-listen for dog owners dealing with excessive drinking, chronic kidney concerns, or confusing diagnostic results—and for anyone who wants to better advocate for their dog’s health at the vet.

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

Marty 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.

1. Saddle thrombus in cats(often tied to underlying heart disease): sudden rear-leg paralysis/pain, cold paws, absent pulses—an emergency scenario.
2. 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.

1. Toxoplasmosis/Neospora-like neurologic syndrome in puppies: can mimic birth trauma/oxygen deprivation; may respond dramatically to appropriate antibiotics (as in Laura’s story).
2. FCE (fibrocartilaginous embolism): sudden paralysis (often rear legs) that can resemble a slipped disc; recovery often depends on intensive nursing/rehab support.
3. Coonhound paralysis: immune-mediated paralysis often followingraccoon bite/scratch; may progress from rear legs forward; requires dedicated supportive care over weeks.

1. Masticatory 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).
2. 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.

Holiday gatherings, noisy celebrations, and busy schedules can spike anxiety in dogs—and even cats. In this episode of The Marty and Laura Show, host Laura Reeves and veterinarian Dr. Marty Greer dig into the real-world challenges of anxiety, fear and stress-related behaviors in pets, especially during high-trigger seasons.

They cover what doesn’t work (spoiler: Benadryl and acepromazine aren’t true anxiety solutions) and explain what can help: structured training, “happy vet visits,” smart environmental choices, and medication plans that match the pet’s needs—whether the stress is occasional (holiday visitors, grooming, thunderstorms) or constant (dogs who live under a “black cloud”).

This is a must-listen for anyone dealing with separation anxiety, vet visit meltdowns, noise sensitivity, or a dog who simply isn’t comfortable in their own skin.

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