The Dr. Molly Says Podcast

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 problemsPLUS: 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 Epstein00:01:00 Marching band, clarinet discourse & veterinary origin story00:05:00 Early career, GP life & leadership transitions00:06:30 Corporate veterinary medicine + what happened with My Pets Wellness00:08:50 Affordable care, vaccine clinics & community medicine00:10:20 Why Dr. Epstein is building cat-only hospitals00:11:30 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 education00:30:00 Cat-friendly care, environment & understanding feline behavior00:40:00 “Spicy cats” aren’t spicy… they’re cats00:41:30 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 fast00:50:00 Education pathways, supervision rules & big concerns about implementation00:57:00 Access to care vs quality of care — can both exist?01:00:00 Vet tech utilization, title protection & workforce challenges01:05:00 Where veterinary medicine might be headed next01:07:00 Final thoughts + why this is definitely not the last conversation we’re having about this---------------------------------------------------------------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/drmollysaysTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysaysFollow the podcast:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod---------------------------------------------------------------

This week on Dr. Molly Says… it’s just us!!! .… 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 lifePLUS: 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 build00:02:45 Why pet obesity is uncomfortable to talk about00:04:00 Hot take: your dog doesn’t need a potty treat forever00:05:00 The shocking number of overweight pets in the U.S00:06:00 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 overweight00:13:00 Diseases linked to obesity in cats00:15:00 Arthritis, mobility & obesity in dogs00:17:00 How pets become overweight in the first place00:18:00 Labs, beagles & genetics of appetite00:19:00 Why your pet probably isn’t as “active” as you think00:20:00 Feeding guides vs actual calorie calculations00:21:00 Free feeding vs meal feeding debate00:23:00 Treat calories add up FAST00:26:00 Spay/neuter, hormones & metabolism changes00:28:00 Helping pets lose weight realistically00:30:00 Measuring food correctly (the Solo cup problem 💀)00:32:00 Treat rules, exercise & muscle mass00:34:00 When weight loss isn’t working: thyroid & medical causes00:35:00 Multi-pet household struggles00:36:00 Exercise ideas for indoor cats00:38:00 Why vets keep bringing up weight (even when owners hate hearing it)00:39:00 Fresh food, calorie density & marketing myths00:42:00 Weight loss diets, supplements & final thoughts00:43:00 SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!!!!!---------------------------------------------------------------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/drmollysaysTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysaysFollow the podcast:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod---------------------------------------------------------------Keywords: Pet obesity, overweight dogs, overweight cats, dog weight loss, cat weight loss, veterinary medicine, Dr Molly Says, pet health, dog nutrition, cat nutrition, pet obesity prevention, body condition score, dog treats, cat treats, pet calories, healthy pets, dog health, cat health, veterinary advice, pet lifespan, dog obesity, cat obesity, pet wellness, vet podcast, pet care tips, pet nutrition, veterinarian, dog diet, cat diet, pet weight management

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 puppyWhether 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 💛Timestamps00:00 Welcome back + life updates00:00:52 Building The Local Vet & rabbit medicine updates 🏥🐰00:02:06 Meet the Dachshund: history, origins & why they're so popular00:03:32 Standard vs. Miniature Dachshunds00:04:22 Smooth, Long-Haired & Wire-Haired Dachshunds00:06:08 Common Dachshund colors & the dangers of Double Dapple breeding00:08:05 Dachshund personality: stubborn, loyal & VERY opinionated00:10:22 Why Dachshunds love to bark, chase & ignore your commands 😅00:12:03 The #1 health issue in Dachshunds: IVDD explained00:14:42 Signs of IVDD & when it's an emergency00:16:25 Preventing back problems: exercise, weight & muscle mass00:18:15 Why every Dachshund owner should consider pet insurance00:18:55 Dental disease: the health problem nobody talks about00:20:18 Why brushing your Dachshund's teeth matters so much00:22:00 Heart disease & mitral valve disease in Dachshunds00:23:15 Patellar luxation, arthritis & mobility concerns00:24:42 Allergies, cancer risks & mammary tumors00:26:08 Finding an ethical Dachshund breeder: what to look for00:27:08 Red flags, coat colors & breeding practices to avoid 🚩00:28:05 Are Dachshunds right for your family? Final thoughts00:28:55 LOVE YOU GUYS 💛---------------------------------------------------------------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/drmollysaysTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysaysFollow the podcast:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod---------------------------------------------------------------

Hi friends! This week's episode is a quick one because by the time you're watching this, I'll be in Jamaica! But before I left - I recorded an episode about something a lot of you have been asking about: my new veterinary practice!

I know I've mentioned it here and there, but I've never actually sat down and told you the whole story — how it came to be, what it's going to look like, and why I'm doing this instead of just... not (spoiler: there was a corporate buyout involved, and honestly, that was my sign 😅). 

I give you all the details about some special features in the new practice:
Why our exam rooms have their OWN exterior doors (hint: anxious dogs and achy senior dogs will thank us)
The comfort room - a private space with its own entrance specifically for euthanasia appointments, so families don't have to walk back through the lobby afterward
"The vet bar" - basically a nurse's station meets open pharmacy window, so you can actually SEE the care happening as you walk through

Then we finish off chatting about the real timeline (soft opening tentatively September 1st, grand opening party September 19th — mark your calendars!), hiring updates, and why I believe so strongly in private practice vet med.

If you've ever wondered what actually goes into opening a vet clinic — or you just want to nose around the design decisions with me — this episode is for you!!!!

If you want to see visuals of everything I'm describing, come find me on socials; I'm @drmollysays and the clinic is @thelocalvets. And if you've got questions about the practice, please send them in! I'd love to do a Q&A episode as we get closer to opening.

LOVE YOU GUYS!

Timestamps:
00:00:00 Welcome back + why today's episode is just me
00:04:27 The building, the layout & what our clinic will look like
00:09:57 Design details — porches, the comfort room & full transparency
00:15:32 Opening timeline, hiring updates & the mystery new vet
00:20:52 Private practice vs. corporate vet med (and how you can help)
00:22:00 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 Dr. Molly Says, I’m hanging out with our FIRST repeat guest, Dr. Tannetje Crocker! We’re talking about veterinary medicine, practice ownership, motherhood, social media, and what it’s really like trying to build a business while juggling everything else.

Then we get into YOUR questions…from choosing the right veterinarian and veterinary clinic red flags to dental health, supplements, arthritis, emergency cases, and more. Plus, we talk about how pet owners can better support their veterinary teams and share some of the craziest cases we’ve seen in emergency medicine. 😂

Basically, it’s two veterinarian friends talking about the realities of vet med, business, pets, and everything in between.

LOVE YOU GUYS 💛

00:00 Dr. Tanja Is Back!
04:31 Opening a New Veterinary Surgery Practice
14:15 Answering Your Pet & Veterinary Questions
17:13 The Pros & Cons of Being a Vet Content Creator
23:40 Balancing Motherhood & Practice Ownership
29:31 What Pet Owners Should Ask Their Veterinarian
47:58 Veterinary Clinic Red Flags
56:47 Crazy Emergency Vet Stories
01:02:43 How to Support Your Veterinary Team

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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

Follow Dr. Tannetje Crocker:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dr.tannetje.crocker 

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