Pancreatitis is one of the most painful and misunderstood conditions affecting dogs — and one of the most common reasons pets end up hospitalized. Dr. Marty Greer, who has personally survived four bouts of pancreatitis, joins Laura Reeves to walk pet owners through everything they need to know, from early warning signs to long-term management.

1. What the pancreas actually does— and why problems with it affect everything from digestion to blood sugar
2. Acute pancreatitis— warning signs to watch for (vomiting, severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dehydration) and why up to 30% of severe cases can be fatal
3. How it's diagnosed— CBC, chemistry panel, and the more accurate cPLI test (80–90% accurate), plus why x-rays won't help but ultrasound can
4. Treatment— why this is a hospitalization situation: IV fluids, nothing by mouth for 72+ hours, pain management, anti-nausea medication, and supportive care
5. Breeds at higher risk— miniature schnauzers, dachshunds, miniature poodles, Cavaliers, Cocker Spaniels, and others
6. Chronic pancreatitis and diabetes— how repeated flare-ups can scar the pancreas and eventually lead to Type 1-equivalent diabetes requiring twice-daily insulin injections
7. Insulinoma— the rare pancreatic tumor that causes blood sugar to crash and can trigger seizures, and what treatment looks like
8. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)— most common in young German Shepherds, the TLI blood test to ask for, and how it's managed with pancreatic enzyme supplements

Key takeaway: High-fat meals are a well-known trigger, but pancreatitis can strike without an obvious cause — especially in middle-aged, overweight females of susceptible breeds. If your dog is vomiting and seems painful, don't wait. This is not a condition that resolves on its own.

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

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:

1. Common culprits behind jaw/neck lumps:abscesses,hematomas, andsalivary cysts—often after chewing sticks or bones
2. When swelling is an emergency:fever + not eating/drinking= get seen fast
3. Why recurrent abscesses may mean aforeign bodyis still hiding (hello, plant material)
4. Foxtails and other “mean seeds”: where they lodge, why they’re risky, and how tools like theOutFoxed hoodcan help
5. How enlargedlymph nodescan be reactive…or signal something systemic likelymphoma
6. Puppy strangles (juvenile cellulitis):what it looks like and why early treatment matters
7. Ear hematomas: what causes “cauliflower ear,” treatment options and why dogs may never have a totally “normal” ear again
8. “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.

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.