Pure Dog Talk

Fenbendazole Side Effects in Dogs: What Breeders Need to Know About Rare Reactions
Fenbendazole (Panacur) has been a go-to dewormer for veterinarians and breeders for over 40 years — but a rare, life-threatening blood disorder in a 10-month-old French Bulldog is prompting a closer look. Dr. Marty Greer joins host Laura Reeves to share what happened, what it means, and why being an informed consumer of veterinary drugs matters more than ever.
Marty shares her experience with a young French Bulldog who developed severe pancytopenia — dangerously low white blood cells, platelets near zero, and declining red blood cells — after a 10-day course of fenbendazole for Giardia.
In this episode, Marty and Laura cover:
Idiosyncratic vs. idiopathic reactions— what the difference means and why it matters when a drug you trust causes an unexpected response
The fenbendazole case— a detailed walkthrough of diagnosis, the ruling-out process (parvo, tick-borne disease, vaccines, other drugs), and the treatment that turned it around within 24 hours
The FDA Dear Veterinarian letter— as of April 2024, pancytopenia had been reported in 12 dogs on fenbendazole; this case may make 13
How to report adverse drug reactions— and why that reporting matters for future label updates
MDR-1 gene mutations— which breeds are affected and what drugs to watch
Trimethoprim-sulfa (Bactrim/Albon)— breeds at higher risk for platelet drops, including Samoyeds, Dobermans, Goldens and Borzoi
Topical flea/tick products— the "heebie-jeebies" skin sensation and what to do if your dog reacts every month
Reading package inserts— a practical tip: search for the drug name + "package insert PDF" and use Ctrl+F to find terms like "pregnant," "breeding," or "male"

Key takeaway: Fenbendazole remains a safe, widely used drug — but as with any medication, idiosyncratic reactions can happen. Awareness is the goal, not alarm. If something seems off in a dog on any medication, add it to your list of differentials and call your vet.
Resources mentioned:
Search: "Dear Veterinarian letter fenbendazole" to find the FDA communication
Veterinary Information Network (VIN): vin.com
Pure Dog Talk Patron community: puredogtalk.com/patron
Pedigrees to Pups Seminar Weekend — Austin, TX (March 27–29) and Altoona, WI (April 10–12): puredogtalk.com/events

WKC Toy Group Winning Handler Tim Lehman on Campaigning a Maltese and Drop-Coat Excellence

Fresh off his Toy Group win at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Tim Lehman joins Pure Dog Talk to share the story behind Cookie, the breathtaking Maltese who captured hearts at the Garden. From a childhood obsession sparked in a Minnesota library to standing in the Best in Show lineup under the spotlight at Madison Square Garden, Tim’s journey is a testament to mentorship, meticulous coat care, purposeful breeding and staying in the path of kindness.







Lehman, a self-described “boutique handler,” takes us behind the scenes of campaigning Cookie, the exquisite Maltese who finished the year as the Number 4 Toy Dog—all on a limited schedule of fewer than 50 shows. Tim shares how balance—between his career as a hairstylist and his life with dogs—has shaped his approach to showing, conditioning and long-term success.



[caption id="attachment_15212" align="alignleft" width="446"] Who says show dogs aren't real dogs?! Cookie is all wrapped up and playing with her favorite ball.[/caption]
We dive deep into the art and science of maintaining a drop coat at the highest level. Maltese coat care is not about secret products or miracle sprays. According to Tim, it’s about daily vigilance, disciplined wrapping, gentle grooming and knowing when to pull back. “Virgin hair,” as he calls it, is preserved through consistency and restraint. From bathing routines to managing coat breakage in four-day show weekends, Tim explains why what happens at home matters more than what happens ringside.

The conversation also explores preservation breeding in action. Cookie represents six generations of intentional, thoughtful breeding—with multiple national specialty winners behind her. Tim discusses collaborating (and occasionally disagreeing!) with breeder Tammy Simon, the value of speaking your truth in breeding decisions, and the reality that even carefully planned breedings can produce surprises. In Maltese, where structure matures slowly and the coat requires years of commitment, patience may be the greatest virtue of all.

We also talk about mentorship. Tim credits his early years working for the legendary Peggy Hogg for shaping his technical skills and eye for detail. His advice for aspiring drop-coat exhibitors? Work for a professional handler who specializes in coated breeds, be prepared for a true labor of love, and immerse yourself in pedigree study and breed history.

Finally, Tim reflects on the electric atmosphere of Westminster 2026—the all-star Best in Show lineup, the sportsmanship in the ring, and the overwhelming positivity surrounding purebred dogs. His biggest takeaway? Winning is wonderful, but community, kindness, and giving back—through clubs like Progressive Dog Club and through personal integrity—are what truly sustain the sport.

This episode is a masterclass in dedication, detail and devotion to breed type.

Postpartum Complications in Dogs: Dr. Marty’s Whelping Survival Guide

Whelping doesn’t always end with a tidy pile of healthy puppies and a relaxed, glowing mama dog. Host Laura Reeves is joined by our favorite best friend in veterinary medicine, Dr. Marty Greer, to walk through the most common (and most dangerous) postpartum complications breeders face — from retained puppies and metritis to mastitis, eclampsia, and even the terrifying “SIPS” bleeding that shows up weeks later. If you’ve ever had a bitch crash after delivery… or you’re hoping you never will… this is the episode that helps you stay calm, prepared and ready to act fast.

The conversation begins with one of the biggest preventable tragedies: retained puppies. Dr. Greer emphasizes the importance of a properly timed puppy-count x-ray (day 55–60) and shares practical tips for improving accuracy, including using digital x-ray equipment, taking two views, and ensuring the bitch has an empty stomach and colon before imaging. Her bottom line is simple: know your count — and don’t go to bed if you’re missing a puppy.

From there, Marty and Laura tackle early postpartum red flags, including aggression toward puppies, which can be linked to low calcium. They discuss proactive tools like calcium gel during labor (not before), pheromone support collars, and the surprisingly effective trick of saving placental fluids after a C-section to help “switch on” maternal behavior once puppies get home.

Next up: poor milk production, dehydration, and what to do when a bitch simply won’t lactate. Dr. Greer shares her go-to strategies — from metoclopramide and OxyMama to boosting fluid intake with creative options like starter mousse mixed into water. And yes… even bratwurst makes an appearance as a lactation hack that longtime breeders swear by.

The episode also dives into the “big three” postpartum medical complications: metritis, mastitis, and eclampsia. Dr. Greer explains what to watch for, why fever is never something to ignore, and why antibiotics should always be vet-directed — not pulled from leftover bottles in the cabinet.

Finally, Marty demystifies normal postpartum discharge (lochia) versus SIPS (sub-involution of placental sites), a dramatic but usually benign bleeding episode that can happen around eight weeks after delivery.

If you breed dogs, this episode gives you the tools to recognize problems early — and save lives when it matters most.

Gut Health, Brain Health and the Science of Better Dogs

[caption id="attachment_15060" align="alignleft" width="363"] Dr. Lobos with her own dogs Finn and Journey.[/caption]

What if your dog’s digestion affects more than just stool quality—what if it influences immunity, stress responses and even behavior? Host Laura Reeves is joined by Dr. Ruth Ann Lobos, Senior Veterinarian with Purina Pro Plan, for a fascinating deep dive into the latest research on the canine microbiome and the gut-brain axis. From the real meaning of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to the role of MCTs in fueling the aging brain, this conversation brings cutting-edge canine nutrition science down to earth for breeders and serious dog people.
Lobos explores how modern canine nutrition is evolving beyond “just feeding a dog” and into targeted, research-backed support for digestion, cognition and quality of life.

Dr. Lobos explains that Purina doesn’t bring new diets to market simply for trendy ingredients or marketing hype—these new formulas are the result of years of research and partnerships with respected institutions like the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the renowned GI research lab at Texas A&M. Their goal is simple: support foundational health through the digestive system, since gut health affects everything from immunity to stress resilience—especially for dogs who travel, compete, or experience lifestyle changes.

One of the biggest takeaways is the clear explanation of the difference between prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics. Dr. Lobos breaks it down in a way every dog owner can understand, using a lawn analogy: prebiotics act like fertilizer, probiotics are the grass seed, and postbiotics are like compost—no longer alive, but still beneficial.

The new Digestive Support Plus formula builds on the success of Sensitive Skin & Stomach by adding a science-supported probiotic strain that is shelf-stable and effective for dogs who need “just a little more” digestive support—without jumping straight to a veterinary therapeutic diet.

The conversation also turns to senior dogs and brain health. Dr. Lobos shares the compelling research behind medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which help provide an alternative fuel source for the aging brain. Dogs fed MCT-supported diets have shown improved learning, awareness, and cognitive function. Even more intriguing: related research has demonstrated seizure reduction in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy using higher-MCT therapeutic diets.

This episode is a must-listen for breeders, competitors and devoted dog owners who want to understand the real science behind feeding decisions—without the buzzword nonsense.

Legendary Handler Andy Linton on Quality, Conditioning and Presentation

[caption id="attachment_15022" align="alignleft" width="338"] Andy and Penny shine at the DPCA Top 20.[/caption]
Host Laura Reeves sits down one-on-one with legendary professional handler Andy Linton for an in-depth conversation about a lifetime in the sport. From his beginnings as a Southern California teenager more interested in surfing than dog shows, to handling some of the most iconic Best in Show winners in history — including Indy winning BIS at Westminster Kennel Club — Andy shares the experiences, lessons and mindset that shaped his extraordinary career.

Andy walks listeners through his early days showing a Doberman in the 1970s, learning the ropes by working for top handlers and absorbing invaluable lessons from mentors like Clay Coady, Tim Brazier, Bob and Jane Forsyth, and others. He reflects on the importance of watching, learning and stealing the best ideas — not just how handlers move dogs, but why certain techniques change balance, expression and overall picture in the ring. For Andy, success has never been accidental. It’s the result of dreaming big, setting clear goals and backing those dreams with relentless effort and self-reflection.

Central to the conversation is Andy’s core philosophy of winning: quality, condition and presentation. He explains why even a modest dog can dramatically improve — or undermine — its chances depending on conditioning and handling, and why exhibitors should focus on improving their own skills rather than blaming judges or competition. Conditioning, Andy emphasizes, isn’t about one-size-fits-all roadwork, but tailoring fitness to each dog’s structure and needs while keeping them happy, healthy and enthusiastic about their job.

The discussion also dives into Andy’s trademark quiet hands and free-stacking style, emphasizing trust, simplicity and making the ring feel as relaxed as a dog waiting for a sandwich in the kitchen. He shares practical insight into situational awareness, reading judges, selling a dog’s strengths with integrity, and mastering the small details that can make all the difference at high-pressure events like Westminster.

Beyond the ring, Andy reflects on his role advising breeding programs, watching generational changes in breeds, and helping create great dogs behind the scenes. He also speaks candidly about mentorship, gratitude, and the dog show community, sharing heartfelt thoughts on kindness, legacy and staying engaged in the sport he loves. This episode is packed with timeless wisdom for breeders, owner-handlers and professionals who want to elevate their dogs — and themselves — in the world of purebred dogs.