This week on Dr. Molly Says, it’s just me… and we’re talking about one of the most important diseases in veterinary medicine that somehow still manages to be one of the most misunderstood: heartworm disease. 

I know, I know… heartworms aren't exactly the sexiest podcast topic BUT if you've ever wondered, "Does my indoor dog really need heartworm prevention?" or "Is heartworm prevention actually safe?" or "Can't I just skip it during the winter?"… we're answering all of it.

We start with Heartworm 101 (don't worry, I'll make parasites as fun as they can possibly be 🤝). We talk about how dogs actually get heartworms, why mosquitoes are the real villains here, and how these parasites somehow manage to make their way from one tiny mosquito bite all the way into your dog's heart and lungs. (Nature is... honestly kind of terrifying.)

Then we get into the questions I hear every single day in practice.

• How heartworm disease actually develops
• Why your dog can have heartworms for MONTHS before showing any symptoms
• The scary complications veterinarians worry about (including caval syndrome)
• What heartworm treatment actually looks like... and why we'd all rather prevent it than treat it
• How heartworm preventatives actually work (because they don't work the way most people think they do)
• Whether indoor dogs really need heartworm medication (spoiler: yes 😅)

If you've ever had questions about heartworm prevention (or you've seen one too many TikToks trying to convince you it's more dangerous than heartworm itself) this episode is for you.

LOVE YOU GUYS 💛

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome back! Why we're talking about heartworm disease

01:20 What heartworm actually is

03:58 How mosquitoes transmit heartworm

07:18 The heartworm life cycle explained

11:10 What heartworms do inside the body

15:57 Early signs of heartworm disease

17:34 Right-sided heart failure & caval syndrome

20:13 Wolbachia bacteria & why it matters for treatment

22:30 How veterinarians diagnose heartworm disease

25:45 Heartworm treatment explained

30:39 Why treatment is expensive (and dangerous)

31:39 Heartworm prevention myths debunked

32:28 How heartworm preventatives actually work

34:24 Ivermectin, resistance & prevention options

36:30 Why year-round prevention matters

37:43 Why your vet recommends annual heartworm testing

38:31 Indoor dogs still need prevention

39:20 LOVE YOU GUYS 💛

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Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod 

https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028

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Follow Dr. Molly:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays

Follow the podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod

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This week on The Dr. Molly Says Podcast, I’m joined by neurosurgeon, dog mom, and one of my favorite internet friendships to come out of veterinary medicine… Dr. Betsy Grunch.

We talk about everything from spinal cord injuries and pet vs human medicine, to the wild story of how we actually became friends (spoiler: it involved a dog, a scary medical situation, and a social media DM 😅).

Dr. Grunch shares her incredible journey into medicine after her mother suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury when Betsy was a teenager, how becoming a caregiver shaped her career, and what it's been like opening her own independent neurosurgery practice in her hometown. 

Then we get into the dog story that brought us together.

We ALSO get into:

• The surprising similarities between human and veterinary medicine
• Why getting a second opinion can save lives
• Cushing’s disease, Addisonian crises & diagnostic challenges
• Navigating cancer diagnoses in beloved pets
• Veterinary specialists, referral medicine & advocating for your animals
• The emotional reality of caring for pets with complex medical conditions

PLUS: Vizsla chaos, private investigator dog stories, rescue dog moms, Napoleon Dynamite references, dog bed mysteries, fast cars, parasocial friendships, and a very important discussion about what dog breed Betsy would be. 😂

LOVE YOU GUYS 💛

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome back! Meet Dr. Betsy Grunch
02:00 Why Betsy became a neurosurgeon
05:20 Her mother's spinal cord injury changed everything
08:33 Opening her own neurosurgery practice
12:00 Human medicine vs veterinary medicine
17:24 How Molly & Betsy became friends
17:45 The chicken-stealing dog story
19:21 Cushing's disease diagnosis & Addisonian crisis
20:20 The social media post that caught Molly's attention
21:30 Why getting a second opinion mattered
22:53 Finding liver cancer & life-saving surgery
30:00 Navigating cancer treatment as a pet owner
39:29 When the second dog had a medical emergency too
49:04 Talking dogs, breeding & pet ownership
50:06 Meet Bobo, the legendary private investigator dog
52:02 Vizsla stories & littermate updates
53:17 What dog breed would Betsy be?
01:06:50 LOVE YOU GUYS 💛

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Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod 

https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028

---------------------------------------------------------------

Follow Dr. Molly:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays

Follow the podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod

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This week on The Dr. Molly Says Podcast, we're diving deep into everything you need to know about Dachsunds!

We get into where Dachshunds came from, what they were originally bred to do (spoiler: they were literally bred to hunt badgers underground 😳), why they've become one of the most popular dog breeds in the country, and what makes them such a unique mix of hilarious, stubborn, loyal, opinionated little dogs.

But of course, we're not just talking about their personalities. We're also talking about the medical stuff every current or future Dachshund owner should know.

We get into:

• The different types of Dachshunds (smooth, long-haired & wire-haired)
• Standard vs. miniature Dachshunds
• Why these dogs have SUCH big personalities
• Prey drive, barking, training challenges & "selective hearing" 😅
• The truth about IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) and why Dachshunds are so prone to it
• Signs of back pain and when it's a veterinary emergency
• Whether stairs, jumping and exercise actually increase IVDD risk
• Why maintaining a lean body weight is one of the most important things you can do for your Dachshund
• Pet insurance and why I'm a huge advocate for it in this breed
• Dental disease, anesthesia myths & why small dogs need dental care earlier than most owners realize
• Heart disease, patellar luxation and other common health concerns
• What to look for in a responsible Dachshund breeder
• The major red flags everyone should know about before buying a puppy

Whether you already have a Dachshund, you're thinking about getting one, or you just love learning about dogs, this episode is your complete veterinarian's guide to one of the most iconic breeds out there.

LOVE YOU GUYS 💛

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome back + life updates
00:00:52 Building The Local Vet & rabbit medicine updates 🏥🐰
00:02:06 Meet the Dachshund: history, origins & why they're so popular
00:03:32 Standard vs. Miniature Dachshunds
00:04:22 Smooth, Long-Haired & Wire-Haired Dachshunds
00:06:08 Common Dachshund colors & the dangers of Double Dapple breeding
00:08:05 Dachshund personality: stubborn, loyal & VERY opinionated
00:10:22 Why Dachshunds love to bark, chase & ignore your commands 😅
00:12:03 The #1 health issue in Dachshunds: IVDD explained
00:14:42 Signs of IVDD & when it's an emergency
00:16:25 Preventing back problems: exercise, weight & muscle mass
00:18:15 Why every Dachshund owner should consider pet insurance
00:18:55 Dental disease: the health problem nobody talks about
00:20:18 Why brushing your Dachshund's teeth matters so much
00:22:00 Heart disease & mitral valve disease in Dachshunds
00:23:15 Patellar luxation, arthritis & mobility concerns
00:24:42 Allergies, cancer risks & mammary tumors
00:26:08 Finding an ethical Dachshund breeder: what to look for
00:27:08 Red flags, coat colors & breeding practices to avoid 🚩
00:28:05 Are Dachshunds right for your family? Final thoughts
00:28:55 LOVE YOU GUYS 💛

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Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod 

https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028

---------------------------------------------------------------

Follow Dr. Molly:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays

Follow the podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod

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This week on Dr. Molly Says, I’m joined by one of my real-life friends (and current work buddy 😅), Dr. Kristen Frevert VMD! Kristen is a veterinarian here in Franklin, TN who recently added a HUGE new credential to her résumé: she officially became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) through the University of Tennessee, aka the birthplace of canine rehab.

We start with Kristen’s journey from traditional general practice into integrative medicine, how she became certified in medical acupuncture during COVID, and why she felt called to develop skills that could help pets in ways many owners don’t even realize exist. We also settle the very important question: if Kristen were a dog breed, would she actually be a Border Collie? (Spoiler: absolutely.)

Then we get into Kristen’s HOT TAKE: age is NOT a disease. Just because your dog is slowing down doesn’t mean it’s “just getting old.” We talk about chronic pain, arthritis, muscle loss, why limping always matters, and the subtle signs pet owners often miss in senior dogs and cats.

From there, we dive into the world of veterinary rehab—underwater treadmills, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, regenerative medicine, post-surgery recovery, and all the ways these tools are helping pets stay active and comfortable longer.

We also tackle acupuncture myths, what it actually does (hint: it's not just for pain), and some of the surprising conditions it can help treat.

If you have a senior pet, a dog recovering from surgery, or you've ever wondered whether acupuncture and rehab are actually worth considering, this episode is packed with practical information you can start using right away.

LOVE YOU GUYS! 💛

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Welcome + introducing Dr. Kristen Frevert
00:07:14 Why Kristen pursued acupuncture & integrative medicine
00:11:23 If Kristen were a dog breed… 🐾
00:13:11 Hot Take: Age Is NOT a Disease
00:16:32 What is an integrative veterinarian?
00:17:23 What does a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner actually do?
00:23:00 Which pets are the best candidates for rehab?
00:27:00 What a rehab treatment plan looks like
00:28:00 Underwater treadmills: why they're so effective
00:30:58 Shockwave therapy, lasers, PRP & regenerative medicine
00:34:32 Cost, insurance coverage & barriers to rehab
00:43:07 Acupuncture Explained: The science behind the needles
00:47:58 Surprising conditions acupuncture can help treat
00:52:05 How often should pets receive acupuncture?
00:55:55 When should pet owners consider rehab or acupuncture?
00:57:30 The most underrated rehab tool
01:01:08 Tennessee's chiropractic legislation & why veterinarians are concerned
01:12:46 Weight, muscle mass & protecting your pet's future
01:13:58 Final thoughts + where to find Dr. Frevert
01:15:02 See you next week! 🐶🐱

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Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod 

https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028

---------------------------------------------------------------

Follow Dr. Molly:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays

Follow the podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod

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Keywords:

dog arthritis, senior dog health, dog pain symptoms, signs your dog is in pain, canine rehabilitation, veterinary rehabilitation, dog acupuncture, acupuncture for dogs, pet mobility, aging dogs, senior dog care, dog limping, arthritis in dogs, integrative veterinary medicine, regenerative medicine for dogs, underwater treadmill for dogs, laser therapy for dogs, pet wellness, veterinary podcast, dog health podcast, pet health, canine health

This week on The Dr. Molly Says Podcast, it’s just me… and we are getting into one of the biggest conversations happening in pet health online right now: flea & tick prevention misinformation.

But first… life update because YES, I’m building a veterinary clinic!!! I give you a sneak peakreal behind-the-scenes update on buying a building, construction chaos, leaving my previous role, and what it’s actually been like creating the practice I’ve dreamed about for years.

(We also do a quick follow-up on last week’s cat scruffing discourse because apparently veterinary restraint debates are thriving on the interne!!)

THEN… we get into the big one.

We talk flea & tick preventatives, internet fear-mongering, “natural” wellness marketing, and the class of medications everyone seems to be panicking about right now: isoxazolines.

We get into:

• Why fleas & ticks are WAY more than just annoying bugs
• The diseases veterinarians are actually trying to protect pets from (Lyme disease, ehrlichia, flea allergy dermatitis, bobcat fever & more)
• How flea & tick preventatives really work (yes… including the “neurotoxin” conversation)
• The truth about oral preventatives, tick transmission, and the “they poison your dog’s blood” myth
• FDA label updates, seizures, neurologic side effects & what we actually know about risk
• Correlation vs causation, medication safety studies & how these products are tested
• “Natural” preventatives, essential oils, detox protocols & the business of pet wellness misinformation

PLUS: hot takes on internet grifters, why “natural” doesn’t automatically mean safer, pharmaceutical nuance, veterinary transparency, and a very honest conversation about how confusing all of this can be for pet owners just trying to do right by their animals.

LOVE YOU GUYS 💛

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome back! Real life updates + recording in the future vet clinic 👀

00:00:52 Follow-up on the cat scruffing debate (because the internet had thoughts…)

00:05:22 I’M BUILDING A VETERINARY CLINIC?! Behind-the-scenes update

00:08:24 Flea & tick prevention misinformation is EVERYWHERE right now

00:12:05 Why vets take fleas & ticks so seriously

00:13:02 Fleas: allergies, anemia, tapeworms & yes… plague

00:16:28 Tick-borne diseases explained: Lyme, ehrlichia, bobcat fever & more

00:23:17 How flea & tick medications actually work

00:24:23 “They’re neurotoxins?!” — let’s talk about that

00:31:36 The “they poison your dog’s blood” myth

00:34:18 How flea & tick meds are safety tested before approval

00:37:21 Isoxazolines, seizures & the FDA warning conversation

00:39:28 Correlation vs causation: are these medications actually causing problems?

00:43:40 Which dogs may be more sensitive to these preventatives?

00:47:08 Risk vs benefit: how veterinarians actually think about prevention

00:49:52 “Vets push meds for money” — myth vs reality

00:51:04 Are flea meds causing cancer in dogs?!

00:52:15 Natural preventatives, essential oils & pet wellness influencers

00:56:14 Final thoughts: nuance, integrative medicine & protecting your pets

00:57:06 LOVE YOU GUYS 💛

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Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod 

https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028

---------------------------------------------------------------

Follow Dr. Molly:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays

Follow the podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod

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This week on Dr. Molly Says, I’m joined by veterinarian, feline medicine enthusiast, industry leader, and fellow “we have a lot of opinions about vet med” human… Dr. Jason Epstein.

We get into everything from cat-only hospitals, corporate veterinary medicine, the future of feline care, and one of the biggest debates happening in veterinary medicine right now.

Dr. Epstein shares his journey through general practice, leadership roles, startups, vaccine clinics, and why he’s now building cat-focused veterinary hospitals, because according to him… cats don’t belong in dog hospitals. (Yes, he said it.)

We also get into:

• Why feline medicine deserves its own approach
• The surprising problem with traditional mixed animal hospitals
• Corporate vet med, leadership, and what happens when practices collapse overnight
• Accessibility, affordability, and the realities of modern veterinary care
• The future of veterinary technicians and why they deserve WAY more support
• The controversial Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) conversation happening in the U.S.
• Whether mid-level veterinary providers could help… or create bigger problems

PLUS: hot takes, conference friend lore, cat behavior misunderstandings, “spicy cats” vs moody monarchs 👑, and a surprisingly passionate discussion about veterinary education, legislation, and who should actually be writing healthcare policy.

LOVE YOU GUYS 💛

Timestamps:
00:00:00 Welcome + meet Dr. Jason Epstein
00:01:00 Marching band, clarinet discourse & veterinary origin story
00:05:00 Early career, GP life & leadership transitions
00:06:30 Corporate veterinary medicine + what happened with My Pets Wellness
00:08:50 Affordable care, vaccine clinics & community medicine
00:10:20 Why Dr. Epstein is building cat-only hospitals
00:11:30 HOT TAKE: “Cats don’t belong in dog hospitals”
00:13:00 Species-specific veterinary care: future or fantasy?
00:15:00 What cats actually experience at the vet (and why it matters)
00:20:00 Feline medicine gaps in veterinary education
00:30:00 Cat-friendly care, environment & understanding feline behavior
00:40:00 “Spicy cats” aren’t spicy… they’re cats
00:41:30 The VPA conversation explained (without assuming you’ve been living on vet internet)
00:44:00 Colorado, legislation & why this debate got very real, very fast
00:50:00 Education pathways, supervision rules & big concerns about implementation
00:57:00 Access to care vs quality of care — can both exist?
01:00:00 Vet tech utilization, title protection & workforce challenges
01:05:00 Where veterinary medicine might be headed next
01:07:00 Final thoughts + why this is definitely not the last conversation we’re having about this

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Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod 

https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028

---------------------------------------------------------------

Follow Dr. Molly:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays

Follow the podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod

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This week on Dr. Molly Says… it’s just us!!! New season, new podcast setup, new vet clinic building (!!)… and an uncomfortable conversation we probably need to have about pet obesity.

Because… statistically? A LOT of our dogs and cats are overweight. And before you get defensive — hear me out. This isn’t about aesthetics. We’re talking about real health consequences, chronic disease, arthritis, diabetes, mobility loss, and yes… shorter lifespans.

We’re breaking down how veterinarians actually evaluate weight (hello body condition score), why so many pets gain weight without owners realizing it, and some hot takes about treats, free feeding, “active lifestyles,” and why your dog maybe doesn’t need a snack every time they pee.

We also get into:

• How to tell if your dog or cat is actually overweight
• Why body condition score matters more than the number on the scale
• The surprising diseases linked to obesity in dogs and cats
• Why labs, beagles, and indoor cats can be especially prone to weight gain
• Free feeding vs meal feeding (yes… we’re doing this debate)
• Why treat calories count WAY more than you think
• How spay/neuter changes metabolism
• The real math behind feeding recommendations
• Weight loss strategies that actually work in real life

PLUS: we discuss Solo cup measurements pretending to be “one cup,” chunky cat culture, why your veterinarian is not trying to offend you, and my slightly controversial opinion about potty treats.

LOVE YOU GUYS 💛

Timestamps:
00:00:00 Welcome back! Season 2, podcast updates & the new clinic build
00:02:45 Why pet obesity is uncomfortable to talk about
00:04:00 Hot take: your dog doesn’t need a potty treat forever
00:05:00 The shocking number of overweight pets in the U.S.
00:06:00 Why weight matters beyond “looking chunky”
00:07:00 Body Condition Score explained (4–5/9 is the goal)
00:09:00 How to actually tell if your pet is overweight
00:13:00 Diseases linked to obesity in cats
00:15:00 Arthritis, mobility & obesity in dogs
00:17:00 How pets become overweight in the first place
00:18:00 Labs, beagles & genetics of appetite
00:19:00 Why your pet probably isn’t as “active” as you think
00:20:00 Feeding guides vs actual calorie calculations
00:21:00 Free feeding vs meal feeding debate
00:23:00 Treat calories add up FAST
00:26:00 Spay/neuter, hormones & metabolism changes
00:28:00 Helping pets lose weight realistically
00:30:00 Measuring food correctly (the Solo cup problem 💀)
00:32:00 Treat rules, exercise & muscle mass
00:34:00 When weight loss isn’t working: thyroid & medical causes
00:35:00 Multi-pet household struggles
00:36:00 Exercise ideas for indoor cats
00:38:00 Why vets keep bringing up weight (even when owners hate hearing it)
00:39:00 Fresh food, calorie density & marketing myths
00:42:00 Weight loss diets, supplements & final thoughts
00:43:00 Outro

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Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod 

https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028

---------------------------------------------------------------

Follow Dr. Molly:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays

Follow the podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod

This week on Dr. Molly Says (and on round 2 of my world tour LOL), we’re coming to you LIVE from Vegas with veterinary nurse and chaos coordinator extraordinaire, Ashley Farmer (aka @ashleythevetnurse 💛).

Ashley and I are diving into the world of veterinary technicians, emergency medicine, and what actually happens behind the scenes at your vet clinic… because trust me, it’s a LOT more than people realize.

We talk about how Ashley went from dreaming of working with animals to feeding sharks at the Pittsburgh Zoo, becoming a licensed veterinary technician, working emergency medicine, and eventually helping run hospital operations at VEG (Veterinary Emergency Group).

We also get into:

• What veterinary technicians/nurses actually do all day (spoiler: basically everything)
• The difference between vet techs, assistants, and veterinary nurses
• Why the “vet nurse vs vet tech” debate is way more complicated than people think
• How emergency vet hospitals really work behind the scenes
• Why open-concept ERs are changing veterinary medicine
• The relationship between pet owners, vets, and veterinary nurses during emergencies
• Why efficiency and teamwork matter so much in emergency medicine
• The emotional reality of caring for hospitalized pets
• How veterinary assistants can grow into long-term careers in vet med

PLUS: Ashley shares her hottest takes in veterinary medicine (including owners helping restrain pets 👀), we discuss the absolute chaos of emergency rooms, favorite and least favorite dog breeds in the ER, and why veterinary nurses are truly the backbone of every hospital.

And of course… we end with important conversations about Pomeranians, doodles, Great Danes pooping everywhere, and what dog breed Ashley would be if she had to choose.

LOVE YOU GUYS 💛

Timestamps:
00:00:00 Welcome from Vegas + why we’re recording from a hotel room
00:01:00 Ashley’s journey into veterinary medicine
00:03:00 Working at the Pittsburgh Zoo + feeding sharks
00:05:00 What it takes to become a licensed veterinary technician
00:07:00 Vet tech vs veterinary nurse explained
00:11:00 Why people don’t realize how advanced vet med really is
00:12:00 Inside VEG emergency hospitals + open-concept ERs
00:17:00 Why collaboration between ERs and general practice matters
00:19:00 Dr. Molly’s new “open-ish” hospital concept
00:20:00 Hot take: should owners help restrain pets?
00:22:00 What veterinary nurses actually do during ER shifts
00:26:00 Surgery techs, inpatient care & emergency teamwork
00:28:00 Why Ashley moved into operations & leadership
00:30:00 Veterinary technician specialists (VTS) explained
00:34:00 The complicated relationship between vet assistants & licensed techs
00:38:00 Advice for assistants considering tech school
00:39:00 Favorite pets, breeds & ER patients
00:42:00 Emergency cases Ashley actually loves treating
00:44:00 The adrenaline of emergency medicine
00:45:00 Meet Ashley’s pets: Miss Kitty Meow Meow & Linda
00:46:00 Outro

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Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod 

https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028

---------------------------------------------------------------

Follow Dr. Molly:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays

Follow the podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod

This week on Dr. Molly Says, we’re coming to you LIVE(ish) from a very not-fancy hotel room in Orlando… I’m joined by my friend and internal medicine specialist, Dr. Nicole Fein, and we’re diving into everything from what internists actually do to the reality of specialty vet care (plus a few unhinged tangents… obviously).

We break down how someone becomes a board-certified veterinary internist (spoiler: years of chaos + 16-hour exams), the types of cases they see all the time (yes… so much poop), and a hot take you might not expect: more diagnostics ≠ better medicine.

We also get into:

• When it’s actually time to see a specialist
• The relationship between pet owners, general practitioner veterinarians, and specialists (it’s a throuple, not a love triangle)
• Why some cases should be referred sooner (and what can go wrong when they’re not)
• The real cost conversations that need to happen in vet med
• Why internal medicine is basically the “everything that doesn’t make sense” specialty

PLUS: Dr. Nicole explains her viral “baby talking patients” videos (yes, including “mouth meat” 💀), we discuss cuteness aggression, and share what really happens behind the scenes at the vet.

And of course… we end with Global Pet Expo chaos: piglet parades (aka Frenchies in wagons), influencer pets, and why veterinarians are just trying their best out here.

LOVE YOU GUYS 💛

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Welcome + recording from a hotel bed
00:02:00 What is Global Pet Expo?
00:03:00 Meet Dr. Nicole Fine (internal medicine specialist)
00:07:00 How you become a veterinary internist (aka years of torture)
00:14:55 What cases internal medicine actually sees
00:18:30 Favorite cases (Addison’s, immune disease & emergencies)
00:21:00 What a typical day looks like (and why it’s so communication-heavy)
00:23:00 When should you ask for a specialist referral?
00:26:00 GP vs specialist dynamics (the “throuple” conversation)
00:33:50 Cases that should be referred sooner
00:37:00 Cost conversations & setting expectations
00:39:00 Making specialty care more accessible
00:42:30 Trends in cases + city vs rural vet med
00:46:00 IVDD, surgery vs medical management
00:49:00 Viral baby talk videos explained (yes… really)
00:55:00 Global Pet Expo chaos (piglet parade, influencer pets)
00:59:00 Outro

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Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod 

https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028

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Follow the podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod

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Text me your question or inquiry here!

Hey friends! This week on the pod, I'm answering YOUR questions... prescription food for allergies, treatment for lipid deposits, tick fever management in dogs, and so much more.

Do you have a question or inquiry for me? Send me a text from the link above, ask me on any social media platform, or email [email protected]!

Episodes of The Dr. Molly Says Podcast are on all podcast services along with video form on YouTube!

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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
03:35 Prescription Food for Allergies
11:00 Treatment for Lipid Deposits
14:07 Tick Fever Management in Dogs
18:42 How to Know if a Supplement is Working Properly
24:13 When Will My Puppy Be Fully Grown
26:37 Tips for Finding a Holistic Vet
31:04 Outro