75 — Canine Corneal Health: A Guide to Dog Eye Problems, Ulcers and Care

77 -- Unlocking Canine Retina Health: Blindness, Detachments and Genetics in Dogs

UNLOCKING CANINE RETINA HEALTH: BLINDNESS, DETACHMENTS AND GENETICS IN DOGS Join Marty and Laura as they dive into the complex world of the canine retina, exploring common eye diseases, the dangers of retinal detachment and essential genetic health screenings. Our hosts focus on the canine retina, an essential part of the back of the eye that acts like the "film" in a camera to interpret light, images and motion. Because the retina is a highly complex structure, diagnosing retinal issues often requires the specialized equipment and training of a veterinary ophthalmologist. Key Topics Discussed: * Retinal Detachment:This is a severe condition that usually results in blindness. In dogs, it can be triggered by trauma, tumors, immune-mediated diseases, uveitis, or high blood pressure linked to kidney failure or hyperthyroidism. While humans can often have their retinas reattached via laser, it is incredibly difficult and rare to successfully reattach a dog's retina. * Hidden Blindness in Pets:Dogs and cats are incredibly skilled at hiding their vision loss by memorizing their home's layout. Owners may not realize their pet is going blind until they rearrange the furniture or move to a new house. * SARD (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration):A rare, irreversible condition of unknown cause where a dog suddenly goes blind. * The Dangers of Merle-to-Merle Breeding:Breeding two dogs with the Merle gene (such as Aussies or Collies) can produce puppies with severe visual and hearing impairments. It is crucial to DNA test for "cryptic Merles" to avoid accidentally crossing two Merle dogs. * The "Hybrid Vigor" Myth:Mixing two breeds, such as a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle to make a Bernadoodle, does not magically cure or filter out bad genetic traits. Sometimes, this combination actually doubles up on genetic issues. * Health Testing & Preventive Care:Responsible breeders and owners should utilize both DNA tests for conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and physical exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Breeders can visit the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) website to discover which specific eye diseases to test for based on their dog's breed. * Medication Toxicities:Giving a dog a massive, accidental mega-dose of ivermectin—such as using farm store variants instead of proper heartworm preventatives—can lead to temporary blindness.

76 — Dog Eyelid Health Guide: Entropion, Dry Eye and Puppy Eye Emergencies

DOG EYELID HEALTH GUIDE: ENTROPION, DRY EYE AND PUPPY EYE EMERGENCIES Welcome back to the Marty and Laura Show! In this episode, we are continuing our deep dive into the fascinating world of canine eye care. You might think an eyelid is simple, but as Marty explains, there are six main categories of eyelid issues to watch out for: swellings, tumors, infections, allergies, immune-mediated diseases, and conformation. Key Topics in This Episode: * Entropion vs. Ectropion:Learn the crucial difference betweenentropion(where the eyelid painfully rolls inward and scratches the eye) andectropion(the loose, droopy eyelids commonly seen in Bassets, Saint Bernards and Clumber Spaniels). If a young puppy suffers from entropion,getting their eyelids temporarily "tacked" is vital to break the cycle of squinting and prevent permanent corneal damage. * Breed Conformation:We discuss why sled dogs have almond-shaped eyes to protect against harsh snow, while brachycephalic breeds have large, round eyes for a more infant-like appearance. * The Secret of Tear Ducts:Did you know that tears actually drain into the nose? We explain how vets easily test for blocked tear ducts using glowing fluorescein dye. * Dry Eye & The Tear Film:A dog's tear film consists of a water layer, a mucus layer, and an oil layer. We issue a major warning: if your dog develops "cherry eye,"never allow the third eyelid gland to be surgically removed, as it produces the crucial watery layer of the tears and removing it will cause permanent dry eye later in life. * Eyelid Tumors and Mites:Discover why most eyelid margin tumors in older dogs are benign, whereas cats face a higher risk of cancer. Plus, we share a mind-blowing fact aboutDemodex mitesliving in the eyelid margins of dogs—and humans! * Neonatal Ophthalmia:A critical alert for dog breeders. If an infection develops behind a young puppy's closed eyelids before they naturally open,it is a genuine medical emergency. The eyelids must be opened immediately to prevent the puppy from going completely blind. At-Home Care Tips: If your dog has a mild garden-variety eye discharge, you can try washing it with a little baby shampoo, using artificial tears, and applying a warm compress before your vet appointment. However, always get a proper diagnosis from a veterinarian before administering antibiotics or steroids.

75 — Canine Corneal Health: A Guide to Dog Eye Problems, Ulcers and Care

Join Marty and Laura as they "scratch the surface" of dog eye health, breaking down everything from painful corneal ulcers to the right way to safely wrestle your pup for their eye drops! We might be a little punch-drunk from a busy weekend of seminaring, but we are absolutely thrilled to kick off our new mini-series all about your dog's eyeballs! Today, we are keeping things focused on the cornea—that beautifully clear window at the very front of the eye. In this episode, we dive into: * Eye Anatomy 101:Why the cornea needs to stay perfectly clear and why sudden cloudiness, redness or brown pigment means you need to get to the vet yesterday. * Pigmentary Keratitis (PK):Why flat-faced cuties with protruding eyes (we're looking at you, Pugs and Frenchies!) are so prone to this dark pigmentation and how to manage it. * Corneal Ulcers:The super painful reality of grass seeds, bush scratches and even car airbag injuries (PSA: Please keep your dog out of the front seat!). * The Golden Rule of Eye Meds:Why you mustneveruse a leftover steroid eye drop on your dog without a vet checking for an ulcer first. * Vet Tests Demystified:What to expect at the clinic, including why that agonizingly long 60-second Schirmer tear test always has to be the very first step. * Pro-Tips for Meds:Marty’s expert advice for getting eye drops into a squirmy dog—hint: back them into a corner and straddle them. * Doggy Contact Lenses?Yes, you heard that right! Learn how vets use human soft contact lenses as a "bandage" to save your dog's vision while an ulcer heals. A quick reminder: If your dog's eye is slammed shut, watering or looks "steamy" (like a bathroom mirror after a hot shower), treat it as an emergency and get to a vet or ophthalmologist immediately! Sponsor Shoutouts: Check out Dogg!t to help find responsibly bred, health-verified puppies. Also, don't forget to head over to martyandlaurashow.com/kids-corner for our free weekly downloads and the fun Color Me Pets coloring packs!

74 -- Dog Training Schedules & Tips: Structuring Success for Puppies to Senior Dogs

DOG TRAINING SCHEDULES & TIPS: STRUCTURING SUCCESS FOR PUPPIES TO SENIOR DOGS Join experts Marty and Laura as they share practical scheduling tips, socialization hacks and communication strategies for training dogs of any age, from baby puppies to older rescues. Episode Highlights: * The "3-3-3" Training Method:Discover how practicing three simple things, three times a day, for just three minutes can build a highly effective training routine for young dogs. * 100 Experiences in 100 Days:Learn how to easily socialize your puppy even with a busy schedule, using simple items around the house like different textured bath mats or new safe foods like cantaloupe. * Mastering Emergency Commands:Find out why teaching an "emergency come" is crucial, and why running away from your puppy (or laying on the ground!) is a better strategy to get them to come than chasing them. * Clear Communication:Understand why dogs read your tone and facial expressions more than your actual words. Marty and Laura explain the importance of being firm, fair and consistent, and why your entire family must use the same vocabulary for commands. * Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks:Learn how to use a "long line" for older rescues and why breaking new boundaries and tricks into bite-sized pieces (back-chaining) sets them up for success. * Common Pitfalls:Learn why yelling at a barking dog just makes them think you are joining their "bark-a-thon," and how we accidentally train our dogs to hide their potty accidents.

73 — Managing Pet Allergies: Flea Control, Hair vs. Fur & Safe Preventatives

MANAGING PET ALLERGIES: FLEA CONTROL, HAIR VS. FUR & SAFE PREVENTATIVES Discover the surprising hidden causes of pet allergies, the critical difference between hair and fur and why modern flea and tick preventatives are safer and more essential than ever for your pet's health. In this episode of The Marty and Laura Show, the hosts tackle a listener request to explore the root causes of pet allergies. Marty and Laura reveal that humans are frequently allergic to what their pets carry—such as cat litter, wool blankets, carpet powder or flea bites—rather than the animals themselves. To help manage allergies, they discuss Purina's allergy-reducing cat food and the importance of having a non-allergic family member or professional groomer handle pet bathing. The hosts dive into the fascinating biological distinctions between dogs with hair (like Poodles) and dogs with fur (like Labrador Retrievers), noting that hair-coated dogs are generally more allergy-friendly and uniquely lose their coats during chemotherapy. They also discuss ancient hairless breeds, such as the Xoloitzcuintli and Sphinx cats, which are highly sought after by allergy sufferers, and explain the unique genetic link between their hairlessness and dentition. Additionally, Marty addresses the "anti-chemical" approach to pest control, explaining that natural does not always mean safe. She emphasizes that modern flea and tick preventatives—including the new one-year Bravecto Quantum injectable—are highly targeted, much safer than older products, and absolutely critical for preventing dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Finally, the hosts urge pet owners to stay updated on modern veterinary protocols, pointing out that the Leptospirosis vaccine is now considered a core vaccine for most dogs due to improved safety and prevalent environmental risks.