The Truth About Heartworm Disease Every Dog Owner Should Know

The Truth About Heartworm Disease Every Dog Owner Should Know

This week on Dr. Molly Says, it’s just me… and we’re talking about one of the most important diseases in veterinary medicine that somehow still manages to be one of the most misunderstood: heartworm disease.  I know, I know… heartworms aren't exactly the sexiest podcast topic BUT if you've ever wondered, "Does my indoor dog really need heartworm prevention?" or "Is heartworm prevention actually safe?" or "Can't I just skip it during the winter?"… we're answering all of it. We start with Heartworm 101 (don't worry, I'll make parasites as fun as they can possibly be 🤝). We talk about how dogs actually get heartworms, why mosquitoes are the real villains here, and how these parasites somehow manage to make their way from one tiny mosquito bite all the way into your dog's heart and lungs. (Nature is... honestly kind of terrifying.) Then we get into the questions I hear every single day in practice. * How heartworm disease actually develops * Why your dog can have heartworms for MONTHS before showing any symptoms * The scary complications veterinarians worry about (including caval syndrome) * What heartworm treatment actually looks like... and why we'd all rather prevent it than treat it * How heartworm preventatives actually work (because they don't work the way most people think they do) * Whether indoor dogs really need heartworm medication (spoiler: yes 😅) If you've ever had questions about heartworm prevention (or you've seen one too many TikToks trying to convince you it's more dangerous than heartworm itself) this episode is for you. LOVE YOU GUYS 💛 Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome back! Why we're talking about heartworm disease 01:20 What heartworm actually is 03:58 How mosquitoes transmit heartworm 07:18 The heartworm life cycle explained 11:10 What heartworms do inside the body 15:57 Early signs of heartworm disease 17:34 Right-sided heart failure & caval syndrome 20:13 Wolbachia bacteria & why it matters for treatment 22:30 How veterinarians diagnose heartworm disease 25:45 Heartworm treatment explained 30:39 Why treatment is expensive (and dangerous) 31:39 Heartworm prevention myths debunked 32:28 How heartworm preventatives actually work 34:24 Ivermectin, resistance & prevention options 36:30 Why year-round prevention matters 37:43 Why your vet recommends annual heartworm testing 38:31 Indoor dogs still need prevention 39:20 LOVE YOU GUYS 💛 --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod [https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod]  https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1]  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028] --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Dr. Molly: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays [https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays/] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays] Follow the podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/ [https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod] ---------------------------------------------------------------

Cushing’s Disease, Cancer Scares & Learning to Advocate for Your Pet

This week on The Dr. Molly Says Podcast, I’m joined by neurosurgeon, dog mom, and one of my favorite internet friendships to come out of veterinary medicine… Dr. Betsy Grunch. We talk about everything from spinal cord injuries and pet vs human medicine, to the wild story of how we actually became friends (spoiler: it involved a dog, a scary medical situation, and a social media DM 😅). Dr. Grunch shares her incredible journey into medicine after her mother suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury when Betsy was a teenager, how becoming a caregiver shaped her career, and what it's been like opening her own independent neurosurgery practice in her hometown.  Then we get into the dog story that brought us together. We ALSO get into: * The surprising similarities between human and veterinary medicine * Why getting a second opinion can save lives * Cushing’s disease, Addisonian crises & diagnostic challenges * Navigating cancer diagnoses in beloved pets * Veterinary specialists, referral medicine & advocating for your animals * The emotional reality of caring for pets with complex medical conditions PLUS: Vizsla chaos, private investigator dog stories, rescue dog moms, Napoleon Dynamite references, dog bed mysteries, fast cars, parasocial friendships, and a very important discussion about what dog breed Betsy would be. 😂 LOVE YOU GUYS 💛 Timestamps 00:00 Welcome back! Meet Dr. Betsy Grunch 02:00 Why Betsy became a neurosurgeon 05:20 Her mother's spinal cord injury changed everything 08:33 Opening her own neurosurgery practice 12:00 Human medicine vs veterinary medicine 17:24 How Molly & Betsy became friends 17:45 The chicken-stealing dog story 19:21 Cushing's disease diagnosis & Addisonian crisis 20:20 The social media post that caught Molly's attention 21:30 Why getting a second opinion mattered 22:53 Finding liver cancer & life-saving surgery 30:00 Navigating cancer treatment as a pet owner 39:29 When the second dog had a medical emergency too 49:04 Talking dogs, breeding & pet ownership 50:06 Meet Bobo, the legendary private investigator dog 52:02 Vizsla stories & littermate updates 53:17 What dog breed would Betsy be? 01:06:50 LOVE YOU GUYS 💛 --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod [https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod]  https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1]  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028] --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Dr. Molly: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays [https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays/] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays] Follow the podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/ [https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod] ---------------------------------------------------------------

The Complete Dachshund Guide: What Every Owner Needs to Know

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 puppy Whether 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 💛 Timestamps 00:00 Welcome back + life updates 00:00:52 Building The Local Vet & rabbit medicine updates 🏥🐰 00:02:06 Meet the Dachshund: history, origins & why they're so popular 00:03:32 Standard vs. Miniature Dachshunds 00:04:22 Smooth, Long-Haired & Wire-Haired Dachshunds 00:06:08 Common Dachshund colors & the dangers of Double Dapple breeding 00:08:05 Dachshund personality: stubborn, loyal & VERY opinionated 00:10:22 Why Dachshunds love to bark, chase & ignore your commands 😅 00:12:03 The #1 health issue in Dachshunds: IVDD explained 00:14:42 Signs of IVDD & when it's an emergency 00:16:25 Preventing back problems: exercise, weight & muscle mass 00:18:15 Why every Dachshund owner should consider pet insurance 00:18:55 Dental disease: the health problem nobody talks about 00:20:18 Why brushing your Dachshund's teeth matters so much 00:22:00 Heart disease & mitral valve disease in Dachshunds 00:23:15 Patellar luxation, arthritis & mobility concerns 00:24:42 Allergies, cancer risks & mammary tumors 00:26:08 Finding an ethical Dachshund breeder: what to look for 00:27:08 Red flags, coat colors & breeding practices to avoid 🚩 00:28:05 Are Dachshunds right for your family? Final thoughts 00:28:55 LOVE YOU GUYS 💛 --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod [https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod]  https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1]  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028] --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Dr. Molly: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays [https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays/] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays] Follow the podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/ [https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod] ---------------------------------------------------------------

The Truth About Dog Arthritis, Acupuncture & Veterinary Rehab w/ Dr. Kristen Frevert

This week on Dr. Molly Says, I’m joined by one of my real-life friends (and current work buddy 😅), Dr. Kristen Frevert VMD! Kristen is a veterinarian here in Franklin, TN who recently added a HUGE new credential to her résumé: she officially became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) through the University of Tennessee, aka the birthplace of canine rehab. We start with Kristen’s journey from traditional general practice into integrative medicine, how she became certified in medical acupuncture during COVID, and why she felt called to develop skills that could help pets in ways many owners don’t even realize exist. We also settle the very important question: if Kristen were a dog breed, would she actually be a Border Collie? (Spoiler: absolutely.) Then we get into Kristen’s HOT TAKE: age is NOT a disease. Just because your dog is slowing down doesn’t mean it’s “just getting old.” We talk about chronic pain, arthritis, muscle loss, why limping always matters, and the subtle signs pet owners often miss in senior dogs and cats. From there, we dive into the world of veterinary rehab—underwater treadmills, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, regenerative medicine, post-surgery recovery, and all the ways these tools are helping pets stay active and comfortable longer. We also tackle acupuncture myths, what it actually does (hint: it's not just for pain), and some of the surprising conditions it can help treat. If you have a senior pet, a dog recovering from surgery, or you've ever wondered whether acupuncture and rehab are actually worth considering, this episode is packed with practical information you can start using right away. LOVE YOU GUYS! 💛 Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome + introducing Dr. Kristen Frevert 00:07:14 Why Kristen pursued acupuncture & integrative medicine 00:11:23 If Kristen were a dog breed… 🐾 00:13:11 Hot Take: Age Is NOT a Disease 00:16:32 What is an integrative veterinarian? 00:17:23 What does a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner actually do? 00:23:00 Which pets are the best candidates for rehab? 00:27:00 What a rehab treatment plan looks like 00:28:00 Underwater treadmills: why they're so effective 00:30:58 Shockwave therapy, lasers, PRP & regenerative medicine 00:34:32 Cost, insurance coverage & barriers to rehab 00:43:07 Acupuncture Explained: The science behind the needles 00:47:58 Surprising conditions acupuncture can help treat 00:52:05 How often should pets receive acupuncture? 00:55:55 When should pet owners consider rehab or acupuncture? 00:57:30 The most underrated rehab tool 01:01:08 Tennessee's chiropractic legislation & why veterinarians are concerned 01:12:46 Weight, muscle mass & protecting your pet's future 01:13:58 Final thoughts + where to find Dr. Frevert 01:15:02 See you next week! 🐶🐱 --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod [https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod]  https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1]  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028] --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Dr. Molly: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays [https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays/] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays] Follow the podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/ [https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod] --------------------------------------------------------------- Keywords: dog arthritis, senior dog health, dog pain symptoms, signs your dog is in pain, canine rehabilitation, veterinary rehabilitation, dog acupuncture, acupuncture for dogs, pet mobility, aging dogs, senior dog care, dog limping, arthritis in dogs, integrative veterinary medicine, regenerative medicine for dogs, underwater treadmill for dogs, laser therapy for dogs, pet wellness, veterinary podcast, dog health podcast, pet health, canine health

The Flea & Tick Medication Controversy: What Pet Owners Need To Know

This week on The Dr. Molly Says Podcast, it’s just me… and we are getting into one of the biggest conversations happening in pet health online right now: flea & tick prevention misinformation. But first… life update because YES, I’m building a veterinary clinic!!! I give you a sneak peakreal behind-the-scenes update on buying a building, construction chaos, leaving my previous role, and what it’s actually been like creating the practice I’ve dreamed about for years. (We also do a quick follow-up on last week’s cat scruffing discourse because apparently veterinary restraint debates are thriving on the interne!!) THEN… we get into the big one. We talk flea & tick preventatives, internet fear-mongering, “natural” wellness marketing, and the class of medications everyone seems to be panicking about right now: isoxazolines. We get into: * Why fleas & ticks are WAY more than just annoying bugs * The diseases veterinarians are actually trying to protect pets from (Lyme disease, ehrlichia, flea allergy dermatitis, bobcat fever & more) * How flea & tick preventatives really work (yes… including the “neurotoxin” conversation) * The truth about oral preventatives, tick transmission, and the “they poison your dog’s blood” myth * FDA label updates, seizures, neurologic side effects & what we actually know about risk * Correlation vs causation, medication safety studies & how these products are tested * “Natural” preventatives, essential oils, detox protocols & the business of pet wellness misinformation PLUS: hot takes on internet grifters, why “natural” doesn’t automatically mean safer, pharmaceutical nuance, veterinary transparency, and a very honest conversation about how confusing all of this can be for pet owners just trying to do right by their animals. LOVE YOU GUYS 💛 Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome back! Real life updates + recording in the future vet clinic 👀 00:00:52 Follow-up on the cat scruffing debate (because the internet had thoughts…) 00:05:22 I’M BUILDING A VETERINARY CLINIC?! Behind-the-scenes update 00:08:24 Flea & tick prevention misinformation is EVERYWHERE right now 00:12:05 Why vets take fleas & ticks so seriously 00:13:02 Fleas: allergies, anemia, tapeworms & yes… plague 00:16:28 Tick-borne diseases explained: Lyme, ehrlichia, bobcat fever & more 00:23:17 How flea & tick medications actually work 00:24:23 “They’re neurotoxins?!” — let’s talk about that 00:31:36 The “they poison your dog’s blood” myth 00:34:18 How flea & tick meds are safety tested before approval 00:37:21 Isoxazolines, seizures & the FDA warning conversation 00:39:28 Correlation vs causation: are these medications actually causing problems? 00:43:40 Which dogs may be more sensitive to these preventatives? 00:47:08 Risk vs benefit: how veterinarians actually think about prevention 00:49:52 “Vets push meds for money” — myth vs reality 00:51:04 Are flea meds causing cancer in dogs?! 00:52:15 Natural preventatives, essential oils & pet wellness influencers 00:56:14 Final thoughts: nuance, integrative medicine & protecting your pets 00:57:06 LOVE YOU GUYS 💛 --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod [https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod]  https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1]  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028] --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Dr. Molly: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays [https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays/] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays] Follow the podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/ [https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod] ---------------------------------------------------------------