The Marty & Laura Show

By Marty Greer DVM & Laura Reeves | Expert Veterinary Advice & Pet HealthKids & Family Pets & Animals

The Marty & Laura Show episodes

May 1374 — Dog Training Schedules & Tips: Structuring Success for Puppies to Senior Dogs
Dog 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.
41 min
May 06 73 — Managing Pet Allergies: Flea Control, Hair vs. Fur & Safe Preventatives
Managing 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.
29 min
April 2972 — Why Is My Dog Vomiting? Complete Guide to Causes, Red Flags and Home Remedies
Why 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 tool
Clevor— 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 objects
Cerenia (maropitant)— the go-to anti-nausea drug, including its use for surgical recovery and car sickness
Ginger snaps— a drug-free option for car sickness and reflux gastritis
Serious causesto watch for: pancreatitis, parvovirus, kidney disease, and intestinal obstruction
When to go to the vetvs. when you can wait it out
Pet insurance— why it's especially smart for Labradors, Goldens, and known "sock eaters"
37 min
April 2271 — Tummy Trouble: Pet Owner’s Guide to GI Upset and Diarrhea
Tummy 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!
37 min
April 1570 — The Complete Guide to Pet Dental Health: Anesthesia Safety & At-Home Care
The Complete Guide to Pet Dental Health: Anesthesia Safety & At-Home Care
Join 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.
36 min
April 0869 — Why Is My Cat’s Nose Running? Feline Upper Respiratory Infections Explained
Why Is My Cat's Nose Running? Feline Upper Respiratory Infections Explained
Marty 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 stress
What FVRCP means and why keeping up with your cat's vaccines matters — even for indoor cats
Why cats "fall off the veterinary radar" after kittenhood and why that's dangerous
The risks of bringing stray or new cats into a home with existing cats without testing first
Feline leukemia (FELV) and FIV: how they spread, what a positive test means, and why a $100 blood test can save your resident cat's life
Vaccine safety in cats: injection site sarcomas, non-adjuvanted vaccines, and why Marty prefers the intranasal FVRCP
Convenia — the 14-day injectable antibiotic that can save you from trying to pill your cat twice a day
Feline asthma vs. upper respiratory infections, and when a cough means it's urgent
Practical tips: gabapentin for vet visits, carrier training and at-home hygiene clips
The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.
31 min
April 0168 — Canine Good Citizen: How to Train Your Dog to Go Anywhere With You
Canine Good Citizen: How to Train Your Dog to Go Anywhere With You
Marty 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 housetraining
Why consistency, fairness and repetition are the foundation of any training success
The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program — what it tests, how to find a trainer and how any dog (purebred or not) can earn the title
The AKC Farm Dog and Trick Dog titles as fun alternatives
The legal differences between service dogs, emotional support animals and pets — and why it matters
How a CGC title can open doors to therapy dog work in libraries, nursing homes and beyond
Puppy raising programs like Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and how to get involved
The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.
30 min
March 25 67 — Pet Grooming for Health: Toenails, Ears, Hot Spots & More
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.
36 min
March 1866 — Spring Gardening Hazards Your Pets Will Definitely Find
Spring Gardening Hazards Your Pets Will Definitely Find
Spring means gardens, chemicals and curious pets — a combination that can turn dangerous fast. Veterinarian Marty and host Laura break down what every pet owner needs to know before heading outside this season.
In This Episode
The ASPCA's toxic plant database is your first stop before planting anything new — it's free, searchable and includes photos. Not all "toxic" plants are equally dangerous: some cause a numb tongue, others can be fatal. Knowing the difference saves you money and panic.
For chemical hazards, herbicides are generally low-risk for dogs, but insecticides can affect the nervous system immediately. Always keep product packaging — the label often has an 800 number that connects you to free poison control support.
Marty makes a strong case for keeping Clevor on hand if you have a dog that eats everything. One eye drop, three minutes, done — no risky hydrogen peroxide needed.
And yes, skunk season is here. The de-skunking formula (peroxide + baking soda + dish soap) only works if you apply it to a dry dog first. Don't skip that step.
Key Takeaways
Bookmark aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
Save the ASPCA Poison Control number with a credit card nearby
Stock your garage: Clevor, baking soda, peroxide, dish soap
Baby wildlife? Leave it. Put it back. Move on.
Brought to you by Veterinary Village — enhancing the quality of animal and human lives throughout Wisconsin and Dogg!t - find your new puppy now!
The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.
26 min
March 1165 — When You Can’t Get Into the Vet: Safe Home Remedies for Dogs — and What to Never Try
When You Can't Get Into the Vet: Safe Home Remedies for Dogs — and What to Never Try
Getting a veterinary appointment can feel impossible right now — but that doesn't mean you're out of options. Dr. Marty Greer joins Laura Reeves to walk pet owners through the everyday products that are genuinely safe to use at home, and the ones that could land your dog in a serious emergency.
In this episode:
Dr. Marty covers the full medicine cabinet — what helps, what harms, and when to stop treating at home and get to a clinic fast.
Never use these:Xylitol in any form, ibuprofen, Tylenol (especially in cats), Sudafed and decongestants, and any prescription medication without veterinary guidance
Safe for kennel cough:Robitussin DM (guaifenesin + dextromethorphan) and saline nasal spray for congested brachycephalic breeds
Safe for allergies and skin:Benadryl, Claritin (loratadine), Dawn dish soap, hydrocortisone cream, lidocaine gel, and diaper rash ointment for sore hindquarters
Safe for GI upset:Famotidine (Pepcid), meclizine (Bonine) for nausea and vestibular syndrome, simethicone (Gas-X) for bloat prevention, Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate with caveats, and canned spinach to help pass small sharp objects
Safe for wounds:Saran wrap, socks, duct-taped bandaging, and Epsom salt soaks for foxtails in the feet
Foxtail warning:Feet are manageable at home — but foxtails in the nose, ears, or eyes need same-day veterinary care, and in the lungs they are a life-threatening emergency
Bottom line: These are stopgap measures, not substitutes for veterinary care. Use them to buy time, keep notes on what you tried and always be kind to your veterinary team — they're doing their very best.
The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.
30 min

About The Marty & Laura Show

From the publisher's feed

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.