The Marty & Laura Show

Neck Lumps, Ear Hematomas & “Happy Tail”: What That Sudden Swelling Might Mean
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:
Common culprits behind jaw/neck lumps:abscesses,hematomas, andsalivary cysts—often after chewing sticks or bones
When swelling is an emergency:fever + not eating/drinking= get seen fast
Why recurrent abscesses may mean aforeign bodyis still hiding (hello, plant material)
Foxtails and other “mean seeds”: where they lodge, why they’re risky, and how tools like theOutFoxed hoodcan help
How enlargedlymph nodescan be reactive…or signal something systemic likelymphoma
Puppy strangles (juvenile cellulitis):what it looks like and why early treatment matters
Ear hematomas: what causes “cauliflower ear,” treatment options and why dogs may never have a totally “normal” ear again
“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.
The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.

How Much Does a Well-Bred Puppy Really Cost? Breaking Down Smart Puppy Buying
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.

Health-Tested Parents Increase the Odds of Healthy Puppies
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.
In this episode:
The difference betweenDNA (genotype)andOFA/specialist exams (phenotype)
How to verify results throughOFA and CHIC
Why microchips matter in accurate reporting
The truth about “hybrid vigor”
What responsible breeders should provide — including contracts and documentation
Why a “cheap” puppy can cost far more in the long run

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

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.
Brief Show Notes
Introducing a new Kids’ Corner initiative, including downloadable coloring pages
What veterinarians really do—and why it’s one of the most versatile careers in animal science
How kids (and teens) can start preparing now for veterinary school and STEM careers
Scholarships, education paths and the real return on investment in veterinary medicine
The importance of people skills, business knowledge and self-determination in vet careers
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.

Arctic Blast Survival: Safety Tips for Dogs, Cats, and Livestock
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
Why extreme cold is dangerous—even for double-coated breeds
When dogs need coats, booties or heated gear
How freezing temperatures affect paws, digestion and behavior
Safe options for outdoor cats and livestock in subzero weather
Heated water bowls, shelters and DIY emergency solutions
What to do when power grids fail during winter storms
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.