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:

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.

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:

1. The difference betweenDNA (genotype)andOFA/specialist exams (phenotype)
2. How to verify results throughOFA and CHIC
3. Why microchips matter in accurate reporting
4. The truth about “hybrid vigor”
5. What responsible breeders should provide — including contracts and documentation
6. 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.

Does My Dog Have a Drinking Problem?

Excessive drinking and urination in dogs can be alarming—and it’s rarely something to ignore. In this episode, Laura Reeves and veterinarian Dr. Marty Greer take a deep dive into polydipsia and polyuria (PD/PU), breaking down the most common causes, the less common “zebras,” and the critical diagnostic steps every dog owner should understand before restricting water.

Brief Show Notes:

1. Common causes of excessive thirst in dogs: kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing’s
2. Less common (but serious) causes including lepto, hypercalcemia, Addison’s, and psychogenic polydipsia
3. Why urine testing is just as important as bloodwork
4. The danger of restricting water without a full veterinary workup
5. How leptospirosis affects dogs (and people) and why it’s now considered a core vaccine
6. Early kidney disease, protein loss, and why prescription kidney diets matter
7. Practical management tips for “water-obsessed” dogs—after medical causes are ruled out

A must-listen for dog owners dealing with excessive drinking, chronic kidney concerns, or confusing diagnostic results—and for anyone who wants to better advocate for their dog’s health at the vet.

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

When You Hear Hoofbeats… Think Zebras: Rare Dog & Cat Diagnoses

Marty and Laura dig into veterinary “zebras”—unusual or easily-misdiagnosed conditions in dogs and cats. Using the classic medical rule “when you hear hoofbeats, look for horses, not zebras,” they explain what these rare presentations can look like, when they’re urgent, and why a complete history (boarding exposure, wildlife encounters, travel, family/breed background) helps your veterinarian reach the right diagnosis faster.

What you’ll learn in this episode

Cat “zebras” (unusual but real)

1. Saddle thrombus in cats(often tied to underlying heart disease): sudden rear-leg paralysis/pain, cold paws, absent pulses—an emergency scenario.
2. Rodent ulcer(part of the eosinophilic granuloma complex): a distinctive upper-lip ulcer/swelling linked to immune/allergic processes; often responds to anti-inflammatory treatment.

Dog “zebras” and misdiagnosis look-alikes

1. Toxoplasmosis/Neospora-like neurologic syndrome in puppies: can mimic birth trauma/oxygen deprivation; may respond dramatically to appropriate antibiotics (as in Laura’s story).
2. FCE (fibrocartilaginous embolism): sudden paralysis (often rear legs) that can resemble a slipped disc; recovery often depends on intensive nursing/rehab support.
3. Coonhound paralysis: immune-mediated paralysis often followingraccoon bite/scratch; may progress from rear legs forward; requires dedicated supportive care over weeks.

Head, mouth, and eye conditions owners notice fast

1. Masticatory muscle myositis (MMM): painful jaw, difficulty opening mouth; can lead to muscle wasting and a “sunken” head appearance; a specific blood test exists (2M test).
2. Retrobulbar abscess: often from chewing sticks/bones—painful swelling behind the eye causing bulging.

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

Why Dogs Lick Their Feet (and What It Means)

If your dog is constantly licking, chewing, or biting their feet, it’s not “just a habit.” In this episode, Marty and Laura break down what foot licking really signals, why the red-colored staining happens, and how to sort out environmental allergies vs. food sensitivities.

You’ll learn why some dogs become “closet lickers,” why elimination diets must be strict for 12 full weeks and what modern prescription options may help itchy dogs feel better.

🐾 In This Episode, We Cover:

1. The difference betweenitch (sensation)andscratching/licking (action)
2. Why dogs lick their feet — and why it often gets worse over time
3. Whatrust-colored saliva stainingreally means
4. “Closet lickers”: why you may not see the behavior happening
5. Environmental allergies vs.food allergies/sensitivities
6. Why winter is often the best time to diagnose food allergies
7. How to do a true12-week elimination diet(and what can ruin it)
8. Why switching foods randomly can make diagnosis harder
9. Prescription allergy options includingApoquel, Zenrelia, and Cytopoint
10. A surprising crossover:Demodex mites in people and dogs

✅ Key Takeaway

Dogs don’t lick their feet for fun — they lick because they’re uncomfortable. Early veterinary guidance and careful tracking of foods and treats can save you months of frustration and help your dog get relief faster.

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

Too LITTLE or Too MUCH: Addison’s vs. Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

In this episode, Marty and Laura dive into two often-confused but fundamentally opposite adrenal diseases in dogs: Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) and Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism). While both involve the adrenal glands, one is caused by too little hormone production and the other by too much.

Marty explains the anatomy and function of the adrenal glands, how these diseases present very differently in real life, and why they can be so challenging to diagnose and manage. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions around genetics and breeding, emphasizing that even dogs from excellent breeding programs can develop these conditions. With real-world examples, including Laura’s own dogs, the episode highlights symptoms to watch for, diagnostic challenges, treatment options, long-term prognosis, and why careful veterinary monitoring is essential.

The discussion expands into related conditions like diabetes and kidney disease, underscoring an important message: similar symptoms can point to very different underlying problems, and accurate diagnosis matters.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Addison’s and Cushing’s Are Opposites — But Equally Serious

Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones, often causing sudden, severe illness. Cushing’s disease is caused by excess cortisol and develops slowly over months or even years. Despite affecting the same body system, they look and behave very differently.

2. You Can’t Always “Breed Away” From These Diseases

While some breeds (like Poodles and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers) show higher incidence, there is no universal genetic test for Addison’s or Cushing’s. Even carefully bred dogs from responsible programs can develop them, making transparency and education more important than blame.

3. Symptoms Can Be Subtle — Until They Aren’t

Addison’s often presents as waxing-and-waning illness, GI upset, lethargy, or sudden collapse. Cushing’s is more insidious, with signs like excessive drinking and urination, pot-bellied appearance, and gradual decline. Early signs are easy to miss or mistake for aging or other diseases.

4. Diagnosis and Management Are Tricky and Ongoing

Testing for both conditions can be complex and sometimes inconclusive. Management requires lifelong medication, frequent blood work, and close veterinary supervision. While both diseases are treatable, they demand commitment from owners and strong communication with the veterinary team.

5. PU/PD Isn’t Just One Disease

Excessive drinking and urination (PU/PD) can signal many different conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, infections, or adrenal disorders. Similar symptoms don’t mean the same diagnosis — which is why thorough diagnostics are critical to getting treatment right.

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