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The Dr. Molly Says Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Dr. Molly Brinkmann
Hey friends! I’m Dr. Molly Brinkmann (@drmollysays), a small animal veterinarian, lifelong animal lover, and your go-to source for all things pet health. Welcome to The Dr. Molly Says Podcast! I’m probably already obsessed with your pet, and I want to help you understand veterinary medicine in a way that’s fun, relatable, and actually makes sense.Each week, I’ll break down important pet care topics, debunk common myths, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at life as a vet. Because let’s be real—life is hard, but dogs help… and so does knowing how to take the best care of them. Grab your coffee (or tea), snuggle your pup (or cat, I guess), and join me every Wednesday at 9 AM EST on all platforms (and YouTube)!
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- 4 days ago28 min
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 puppyWhether 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 💛Timestamps00:00 Welcome back + life updates00:00:52 Building The Local Vet & rabbit medicine updates 🏥🐰00:02:06 Meet the Dachshund: history, origins & why they're so popular00:03:32 Standard vs. Miniature Dachshunds00:04:22 Smooth, Long-Haired & Wire-Haired Dachshunds00:06:08 Common Dachshund colors & the dangers of Double Dapple breeding00:08:05 Dachshund personality: stubborn, loyal & VERY opinionated00:10:22 Why Dachshunds love to bark, chase & ignore your commands 😅00:12:03 The #1 health issue in Dachshunds: IVDD explained00:14:42 Signs of IVDD & when it's an emergency00:16:25 Preventing back problems: exercise, weight & muscle mass00:18:15 Why every Dachshund owner should consider pet insurance00:18:55 Dental disease: the health problem nobody talks about00:20:18 Why brushing your Dachshund's teeth matters so much00:22:00 Heart disease & mitral valve disease in Dachshunds00:23:15 Patellar luxation, arthritis & mobility concerns00:24:42 Allergies, cancer risks & mammary tumors00:26:08 Finding an ethical Dachshund breeder: what to look for00:27:08 Red flags, coat colors & breeding practices to avoid 🚩00:28:05 Are Dachshunds right for your family? Final thoughts00:28:55 LOVE YOU GUYS 💛---------------------------------------------------------------Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028---------------------------------------------------------------Follow Dr. Molly:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysaysTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysaysFollow the podcast:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod---------------------------------------------------------------
- 1 weeks ago22 min
How I Designed a Vet Clinic Built for Both Pets AND People
Hi friends! This week's episode is a quick one because by the time you're watching this, I'll be in Jamaica! But before I left - I recorded an episode about something a lot of you have been asking about: my new veterinary practice!I know I've mentioned it here and there, but I've never actually sat down and told you the whole story — how it came to be, what it's going to look like, and why I'm doing this instead of just... not (spoiler: there was a corporate buyout involved, and honestly, that was my sign 😅). I give you all the details about some special features in the new practice:Why our exam rooms have their OWN exterior doors (hint: anxious dogs and achy senior dogs will thank us)The comfort room - a private space with its own entrance specifically for euthanasia appointments, so families don't have to walk back through the lobby afterward"The vet bar" - basically a nurse's station meets open pharmacy window, so you can actually SEE the care happening as you walk throughThen we finish off chatting about the real timeline (soft opening tentatively September 1st, grand opening party September 19th — mark your calendars!), hiring updates, and why I believe so strongly in private practice vet med.If you've ever wondered what actually goes into opening a vet clinic — or you just want to nose around the design decisions with me — this episode is for you!!!!If you want to see visuals of everything I'm describing, come find me on socials; I'm @drmollysays and the clinic is @thelocalvets. And if you've got questions about the practice, please send them in! I'd love to do a Q&A episode as we get closer to opening.LOVE YOU GUYS!Timestamps:00:00:00 Welcome back + why today's episode is just me00:04:27 The building, the layout & what our clinic will look like00:09:57 Design details — porches, the comfort room & full transparency00:15:32 Opening timeline, hiring updates & the mystery new vet00:20:52 Private practice vs. corporate vet med (and how you can help)00:22:00 LOVE YOU GUYS 💛---------------------------------------------------------------Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028---------------------------------------------------------------Follow Dr. Molly:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysaysTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysaysFollow the podcast:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod---------------------------------------------------------------
- 2 weeks ago1h 7m
The Biggest Red Flags at a Veterinary Clinic, What Veterinarians Wish Pet Owners Knew, and Our Emergency Vet Success Stories w/ Dr. Tannetje Crocker
This week on Dr. Molly Says, I’m hanging out with our FIRST repeat guest, Dr. Tannetje Crocker! We’re talking about veterinary medicine, practice ownership, motherhood, social media, and what it’s really like trying to build a business while juggling everything else.Then we get into YOUR questions…from choosing the right veterinarian and veterinary clinic red flags to dental health, supplements, arthritis, emergency cases, and more. Plus, we talk about how pet owners can better support their veterinary teams and share some of the craziest cases we’ve seen in emergency medicine. 😂Basically, it’s two veterinarian friends talking about the realities of vet med, business, pets, and everything in between.LOVE YOU GUYS 💛00:00 Dr. Tanja Is Back!04:31 Opening a New Veterinary Surgery Practice14:15 Answering Your Pet & Veterinary Questions17:13 The Pros & Cons of Being a Vet Content Creator23:40 Balancing Motherhood & Practice Ownership29:31 What Pet Owners Should Ask Their Veterinarian47:58 Veterinary Clinic Red Flags56:47 Crazy Emergency Vet Stories01:02:43 How to Support Your Veterinary Team---------------------------------------------------------------Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028---------------------------------------------------------------Follow Dr. Molly:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysaysTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysaysFollow the podcast:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspodFollow Dr. Tannetje Crocker:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dr.tannetje.crocker ---------------------------------------------------------------
- 3 weeks ago40 min
Pet Vaccines 101: Parvo, Distemper, Lepto, Lyme & More
This week on Dr. Molly Says, we’re going to vet school! Well… kind of lol. We’re doing a Vet School for Pet Owners episode because I firmly believe educated pet parents are the best pet parents, and today, we’re talking about something that every dog and cat owner has probably dealt with at some point: vaccines.I’m breaking down the diseases we vaccinate our pets against, what those diseases actually do, and why your veterinarian recommends the vaccines they do. Because “your dog needs the distemper combo” is helpful information… but knowing what that vaccine is actually protecting your dog from? Even better.We get into:What the infamous distemper/parvo combo actually protects dogs fromWhy distemper can be so devastating, including the neurologic form that can show up weeks or months laterWhy parvo is basically the absolute worst and why it’s so incredibly contagiousWhat leptospirosis is, why it’s now considered a core vaccine for dogs, and why it’s not just a “farm dog” diseaseThe truth about the kennel cough vaccines (and why they don't necessarily prevent every single cough)Canine influenza, Lyme disease, and which dogs may benefit from those vaccinesThe vaccines cats need, including herpesvirus, calicivirus, and feline panleukopeniaWhy feline leukemia vaccination is especially important for outdoor catsWhy some vaccines are recommended every year while others can be given every three yearsBasically, if you’ve ever sat in your veterinarian’s office and thought, “Okay, but what exactly are you vaccinating my pet AGAINST?” - THIS episode is for you.LOVE YOU GUYS 💛Timestamps:00:00 Welcome y’all!!00:52 Why Pet Owners Should Understand Vaccines02:01 Dog Vaccines: What Are We Protecting Against?02:25 Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza & Parvo03:28 Canine Distemper08:59 Adenovirus11:21 Parvovirus17:00 Parainfluenza & Kennel Cough8:57 Dog Core Vaccine Schedule19:41 Leptospirosis24:10 Bordetella & Kennel Cough26:01 Canine Influenza28:13 Lyme Disease30:07 Cat Vaccines30:42 Feline Herpesvirus33:21 Feline Calicivirus34:34 Feline Panleukopenia36:25 Feline Leukemia Virus 38:30 Final Thoughts & Vaccine Q&A---------------------------------------------------------------Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028---------------------------------------------------------------Follow Dr. Molly:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysaysTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysaysFollow the podcast:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod---------------------------------------------------------------
- Aug 19, 202639 min
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 disease01:20 What heartworm actually is03:58 How mosquitoes transmit heartworm07:18 The heartworm life cycle explained11:10 What heartworms do inside the body15:57 Early signs of heartworm disease17:34 Right-sided heart failure & caval syndrome20:13 Wolbachia bacteria & why it matters for treatment22:30 How veterinarians diagnose heartworm disease25:45 Heartworm treatment explained30:39 Why treatment is expensive (and dangerous)31:39 Heartworm prevention myths debunked32:28 How heartworm preventatives actually work34:24 Ivermectin, resistance & prevention options36:30 Why year-round prevention matters37:43 Why your vet recommends annual heartworm testing38:31 Indoor dogs still need prevention39:20 LOVE YOU GUYS 💛---------------------------------------------------------------Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028---------------------------------------------------------------Follow Dr. Molly:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysaysTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysaysFollow the podcast:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod---------------------------------------------------------------
- Aug 12, 202659 min
When to See a Vet Specialist (+ Why Your Pet Isn’t Getting Better) | with Dr. Nicole Fein
This week on Dr. Molly Says, we’re taking a little trip down memory lane!!! We’re working hard behind the scenes on the clinic right now (more on that soon 👀), so while we’re in the thick of it, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes with my friend and internal medicine specialist, Dr. Nicole Fein.We’re diving into everything from what internists actually do to the reality of specialty vet care (plus a few unhinged tangents… obviously).We break down how someone becomes a board-certified veterinary internist (spoiler: years of chaos + 16-hour exams), the types of cases they see all the time (yes… so much poop), and a hot take you might not expect: more diagnostics ≠ better medicine.We also get into:* When it’s actually time to see a specialist* The relationship between pet owners, general practitioner veterinarians, and specialists (it’s a throuple, not a love triangle)* Why some cases should be referred sooner (and what can go wrong when they’re not)* The real cost conversations that need to happen in vet med* Why internal medicine is basically the “everything that doesn’t make sense” specialtyPLUS: Dr. Nicole explains her viral “baby talking patients” videos (yes, including “mouth meat” 💀), we discuss cuteness aggression, and share what really happens behind the scenes at the vet.And of course… we end with Global Pet Expo chaos: piglet parades (aka Frenchies in wagons), influencer pets, and why veterinarians are just trying their best out here.LOVE YOU GUYS 💛Timestamps:00:00:00 Welcome + recording from a hotel bed00:02:00 What is Global Pet Expo?00:03:00 Meet Dr. Nicole Fine (internal medicine specialist)00:07:00 How you become a veterinary internist (aka years of torture)00:14:55 What cases internal medicine actually sees00:18:30 Favorite cases (Addison’s, immune disease & emergencies)00:21:00 What a typical day looks like (and why it’s so communication-heavy)00:23:00 When should you ask for a specialist referral?00:26:00 GP vs specialist dynamics (the “throuple” conversation)00:33:50 Cases that should be referred sooner00:37:00 Cost conversations & setting expectations00:39:00 Making specialty care more accessible00:42:30 Trends in cases + city vs rural vet med00:46:00 IVDD, surgery vs medical management00:49:00 Viral baby talk videos explained (yes… really)00:55:00 Global Pet Expo chaos (piglet parade, influencer pets)00:59:00 Outro---------------------------------------------------------------Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028---------------------------------------------------------------Follow Dr. Molly:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysaysTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysaysFollow the podcast:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod
- Aug 5, 202632 min
The Truth About Corporate Owned Veterinary Clinics (What Pet Owners Need to Know)
This week on Doctor Molly Says, we're diving into one of the biggest conversations happening in veterinary medicine right now: corporate ownership of veterinary practices.If you've seen posts claiming that "Wall Street owns your vet," or wondered why veterinary care seems to be getting more expensive every year, this episode is for you. This isn't a simple issue, and I wanted to share the perspective of someone who's worked in both corporate and privately owned practices.We start by talking about what private equity actually is, why investors have become so interested in veterinary medicine, and how corporate buyouts have changed the landscape of the profession. I also explain why I think the conversation online is missing some really important context—and why your veterinarian is almost never the villain in this story.Then we talk about older generations of practice owners, why veterinary care was historically underpriced, how better equipment and better pay for staff have changed the cost of running a clinic, and why some price increases were honestly inevitable.If you've ever wondered why vet bills have gotten more expensive, whether corporate practices are "bad," or what the future of veterinary medicine might look like, I hope this episode gives you some clarity.LOVE YOU GUYS 💛Timestamps:00:00:00 Welcome back + Why we're talking about corporate veterinary medicine00:02:26 What private equity is (and why it's buying veterinary practices)00:05:30 Corporate medicine vs. private practice: what's the real concern?00:07:34 How we got here: the history behind today's veterinary industry00:12:27 Why veterinary costs have increased over the years00:15:17 What actually happens after a practice is bought out00:20:02 Why I'm hopeful about the future of private practice00:23:29 How pet owners can support independent veterinary clinics00:25:25 The hidden cost of unhealthy dog breeds00:31:37 Final thoughts + What comes next---------------------------------------------------------------Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028---------------------------------------------------------------Follow Dr. Molly:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysaysTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysaysFollow the podcast:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod
- Jul 29, 202641 min
Kidney Disease in Pets: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
This week on Doctor Molly Says, it's just me, and we're finally tackling a topic so many of you have been asking me about for a long time: kidney disease!We start with kidney disease 101: what your dog or cat's kidneys are actually doing back there (hint: way more than you'd think), and why these little bean-shaped organs are so vital to basically every system in the body.Then we get into the two big categories: acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. For acute kidney injury, I'm walking you through all the surprising culprits; lilies, antifreeze, grapes and raisins, NSAIDs like ibuprofen, too much vitamin D, certain mushrooms, dehydration, heat stroke, anesthesia risk, heart disease, urinary obstructions, and one I get on my soapbox about: leptospirosis. I really want more of you to understand what "lepto" is and why vaccinating for it matters, especially if your dog has ever had unexplained kidney failure.Then we dig into chronic kidney disease: why it's so common in cats, why symptoms can be sneaky and subtle until it's fairly advanced, and all the bloodwork markers your vet is actually looking at (creatinine, BUN, SDMA, phosphorus, potassium, urine specific gravity, and protein) when they tell you your pet's kidney values. I also break down IRIS staging, which helps guide how often we monitor and treat.Finally, we talk treatment because while we can't "cure" chronic kidney disease, there is SO much we can do to slow it down and keep pets feeling good for a long time: prescription kidney diets (and why they're not the internet villain people think they are), hydration strategies, subcutaneous fluids, blood pressure management, and more.If you've ever gotten "the kidney talk" from your vet and left confused, or you just want to understand your pet's aging kidneys a little better, this episode is for you.LOVE YOU GUYS 💛Timestamps:00:00:00 Welcome back + We're finally talking kidney disease!00:05:02 Acute kidney injury: toxins that cause it (lilies, antifreeze, grapes & more)00:10:15 Leptospirosis: the soapbox on vaccination & missed diagnoses00:15:17 From acute injury to chronic kidney disease00:20:21 Decoding kidney bloodwork: creatinine, BUN & SDMA00:25:14 Kidney disease in cats00:30:15 IRIS staging: how vets grade kidney disease00:35:12 How do we treat kidney disease00:40:00 Thanks for listening!!!---------------------------------------------------------------Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028---------------------------------------------------------------Follow Dr. Molly:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysaysTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysaysFollow the podcast:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod---------------------------------------------------------------
About The Dr. Molly Says Podcast
Hey friends! I’m Dr. Molly Brinkmann (@drmollysays), a small animal veterinarian, lifelong animal lover, and your go-to source for all things pet health. Welcome to The Dr. Molly Says Podcast! I’m probably already obsessed with your pet, and I want to help you understand veterinary medicine in a way that’s fun, relatable, and actually makes sense.Each week, I’ll break down important pet care topics, debunk common myths, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at life as a vet. Because let’s be real—life is hard, but dogs help… and so does knowing how to take the best care of them. Grab your coffee (or tea), snuggle your pup (or cat, I guess), and join me every Wednesday at 9 AM EST on all platforms (and YouTube)!
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