American Water Spaniels are energetic, field-bred retrievers that may pace, pull, and vocalize (whine/bark) when excited or in new spaces; many are reserved with unfamiliar people and quite sensitive to harsh voices or firm restraint, so low‑key greetings and a brief warm‑up with the owner nearby often help. Their strong retrieve/scent drive can lead to grabbing or guarding high‑value items—ask before offering treats or toys and remove chews before weighing. Expect curiosity and roaming tendencies at doors or near water features; use secure slip‑leads and double‑check exits. If vocalization is accompanied by sudden severe distress (collapse, open‑mouthed labored breathing, disorientation, or a sharp yelp with immediate non–weight‑bearing), alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: This breed can be high‑energy and a bit vocal in new places, and some prefer a slower greeting. We’ll keep things calm and let [Pet Name] warm up—would you like to stay with them during check‑in? Are there any foods or toys they guard so we avoid offering the wrong reward? If you notice sudden heavy panting, collapse, or a sharp yelp with limping, please tell us right away.
American Water Spaniels are generally hardy but have known predispositions that clinics should watch for: orthopedic issues (hip dysplasia); inherited eye disease (cataracts, retinal dysplasia, and reported PRA risk); cardiac abnormalities detectable as heart murmurs/valve disease; and a non-itchy, cosmetic “pattern baldness” that often starts around 6–12 months on the neck, thighs, or tail. Breed resources also note occasional neurologic (degenerative myelopathy), endocrine (hypothyroidism, diabetes), and seizure disorders. Parent-club and AKC guidance emphasize routine screening of hips, eyes, and heart throughout life and especially in breeding stock.
Front desk script: For American Water Spaniels, please note any rear-limb stiffness/lameness, night-vision changes or cloudy eyes, a new heart murmur/cough or exercise intolerance, or non-itchy hair thinning on the neck, thighs, or tail, and flag for the doctor at check‑in. These can be breed‑linked risks. If an owner reports sudden eye pain (red eye, squinting) or abrupt vision loss, severe breathing trouble/collapse, or fainting, advise immediate emergency evaluation and alert a clinician now. Otherwise, schedule a same‑day exam for new concerns.
American Water Spaniels are medium, active sporting dogs with a wavy/curly, water‑resistant brown coat; they shed lightly but benefit from weekly brushing and routine ear checks after swimming. They’re smart and people‑oriented, thriving on daily exercise and training. Responsible breeders typically screen hips, eyes, and heart (OFA/CAER; CHIC), and veterinarians commonly monitor the breed for hip dysplasia, eye disease (e.g., PRA/cataracts), and cardiac issues. If you notice collapse, severe trouble breathing, fainting, or sudden eye pain/vision loss, seek emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Think medium, outdoorsy spaniel—curly waterproof coat, active, and people‑oriented. They do best with daily exercise and regular brushing; ask your veterinarian about routine ear checks after swimming. When speaking with breeders, request OFA hip results, a veterinary heart exam, and a current CAER eye exam (CHIC). If the dog collapses, has severe breathing trouble, faints, or shows sudden vision problems, call us now or go to the emergency clinic.
For American Water Spaniels, front-desk calls often center on ear discomfort after swimming or field work (head-shaking, odor), itchy skin or recurrent ear flare-ups tied to allergies, eye concerns (redness, squinting, discharge, or new cloudiness), and limping or stiffness after vigorous activity; owners also ask about wellness/vaccine or tick-prevention needs for active outdoor dogs and about weight/coat changes that prompt thyroid checks. Escalate if the eye is suddenly painful/red or the dog can’t open it, or if there’s a marked head tilt, loss of balance, or non–weight-bearing lameness.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your American Water Spaniel—this breed commonly comes in for post-swim ear issues, itchy skin/ear flare-ups, eye irritation, or limping after heavy activity. I can book a same-day exam and note recent swimming or field work. If the eye is suddenly red/painful or your dog shows a pronounced head tilt or won’t bear weight, we recommend a same-day visit; if symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now. For wellness items (vaccines, heartworm/tick prevention), I can also schedule a preventive-care appointment.
American Water Spaniels have a dense, water‑resistant double coat with waves or curls and natural oils; they shed lightly to moderately, with heavier sheds in spring and fall. Owner expectations: weekly brush‑outs most of the year (increase during seasonal sheds) and infrequent baths to avoid stripping coat oils; plan grooming/referral needs around swimming/outdoor activity. Their long, pendulous ears can trap moisture—especially after water play—so recurrent ear odor, head‑shaking, redness, or discharge should trigger a same‑day veterinary exam; loss of balance or a persistent head tilt warrants immediate escalation.
Front desk script: This breed’s coat is curly/wavy and naturally oily—recommend weekly brush‑outs and only occasional baths; we can refer to a groomer familiar with double coats. If the dog swims often, suggest more frequent de‑shedding/brush‑out visits. If an owner reports smelly ear discharge, redness, or head‑shaking, please book a same‑day vet exam; if there’s head tilt or balance problems, advise immediate emergency care. Would you like us to set up a grooming referral and add an ear check to the next wellness visit?
American Water Spaniels (active, water‑loving spaniels with drop ears) commonly present for ear problems after swimming, plus breed‑noted risks for cardiac issues (mitral valve disease; also pulmonic stenosis/PDA), orthopedic hip concerns, eye conditions, and occasional neurologic hind‑end weakness in seniors. During intake, ask about recent water exposure, head‑shaking/ear odor or pain, new cough/tiring easily or prior murmurs, vision changes, hind‑limb weakness/knuckling, hair loss patterns, seizures, and any OFA/CHIC health clearances or prior cardiology/ophthalmology reports. Route same‑day for painful ear signs or notable skin/ear flares; sooner appointments for new cough/exercise intolerance or a newly noted murmur; and direct to emergency immediately if there is trouble breathing, collapse/fainting, blue or very pale gums, sudden severe head tilt/balance loss, or sudden eye pain/vision loss.
Front desk script: Because this breed swims and has floppy ears, ear issues are common—if there’s head‑shaking, ear odor, discharge, or pain (especially after swimming), I’ll book a same‑day sick visit. If you’re seeing new coughing, tiring more easily, or your vet has mentioned a heart murmur, I’ll schedule you with a doctor soon and ask you to bring any prior records (including OFA/CHIC clearances). If your dog is having trouble breathing, has blue or very pale gums, collapses, or has sudden severe balance/eye pain, please go to the nearest emergency clinic now.
American Water Spaniels (AWS) are active, water‑loving dogs whose scheduling needs shift by life stage: Puppies need exams every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks to complete core care and answer common questions about socialization, safe exercise, and post‑swim ear concerns; young adults generally come every 6–12 months, with front‑desk prompts to ask about ear odor/itch after swimming and any new limping or vision changes; seniors (about 10+ years, with a typical AWS lifespan of ~10–14 years) should be seen at least every 6 months with mobility, behavior, and vision check‑ins prioritized. Immediate escalation language for reception: if an AWS has trouble breathing, collapses, has repeated/prolonged seizures, or is retching without producing vomit with a swollen abdomen, direct the owner to the nearest emergency hospital now.
Front desk script: For AWS puppies, we schedule wellness visits every 3–4 weeks through ~16 weeks to keep vaccines and preventive care on track—let us know about any ear issues after swims. As adults, we book checkups every 6–12 months; please call sooner for ear odor/itching after water, new limping, or vision changes. From about age 10, we see them at least every 6 months. If your dog is struggling to breathe, collapses, has repeated/prolonged seizures, or is retching without bringing anything up, this is an emergency—go to the nearest ER now.
American Water Spaniels are high‑energy, water‑loving sporting dogs that can be reserved with strangers and vocal; set calm, low‑stimulus expectations on arrival and offer quick rooming when possible. Proactively ask about recent swimming, ear history, and any head‑shaking, odor, or discomfort after water play (schedule same‑day if reported). Confirm and upload any breeder health clearances (OFA hip evaluation, cardiac exam, ophthalmologist evaluation and any CHIC number). Give clear safety guidance: if the owner reports sudden breathing difficulty, blue or very pale gums, fainting/collapse, or extreme weakness, direct them to a 24/7 emergency hospital immediately and call us en route.
Front desk script: “Because American Water Spaniels are active and often swim, I’ll ask about water time and any recent head‑shaking, ear odor, or discomfort—if that’s happening we can see you same day.” “If you ever notice sudden trouble breathing, blue or very pale gums, or a collapse, please go straight to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way.” “If you have breeder health clearances like OFA hips, cardiac, eyes, or a CHIC number, feel free to email them before your visit so we can add them to the record.”
American Water Spaniels are active, water‑loving dogs prone to ear infections from trapped moisture, inherited eye issues (e.g., PRA/cataracts/distichiasis/retinal dysplasia), hip dysplasia, and occasionally cardiac, thyroid/skin (pattern baldness), or senior hind‑end weakness (degenerative myelopathy). For preventive scheduling, confirm annual wellness (consider twice yearly for seniors), ask about recent swimming and any ear odor/discharge or head‑shaking to book prompt ear checks, and keep breed‑club screenings current (annual CAER eye exam, cardiac exam, and hip evaluation). Escalate immediately if owners report a red/painful eye or sudden vision change, collapse/fainting, or head tilt/imbalance after an ear problem—these warrant same‑day to emergency care.
Front desk script: Because this breed swims and has drop ears, we proactively schedule ear checks if you notice odor, discharge, or head‑shaking. Their breed club also recommends periodic hip and heart evaluations and an annual eye screening—would you like us to review what’s due and get that on the calendar? If you ever see a red or painful eye, sudden vision change, collapse, or a head tilt/imbalance, please tell us right away—we may direct you for same‑day or emergency care.
American Water Spaniels are energetic, people‑oriented sporting dogs that can be reserved with strangers and are sensitive to harsh voices or rough handling; greet quietly, let the owner lead the approach, and use calm, reward‑based handling (treats/toy fetch cues work well). Expect high arousal around water/retrieving; minimize lobby stimulation and allow extra time for a slow warm‑up. Front‑desk priorities: confirm exercise outlets and recent water exposure (wet coat/ears), note any vocalizing or stress behaviors, and ask if the pet has had breed‑recommended screenings (hips, cardiac, eyes). Escalate immediately if there is coughing, labored breathing, fainting/collapse, blue/pale gums, or sudden exercise intolerance—notify the medical team at once.
Front desk script: Hi there—American Water Spaniels often warm up best with a calm, slow greeting. We’ll let your dog approach us and use treats if that helps. Has your dog had hip, heart, or eye screening before? If you notice coughing, trouble breathing, fainting/collapse, or blue/pale gums at any point today, please tell me right away so our medical team can see your dog immediately.
American Water Spaniels are rare, high-drive sporting dogs bred for water retrieving; in shelter settings they often appear energetic and people-focused, and can become vocal or destructive if under‑stimulated. Prioritize placement with active adopters who can provide daily vigorous exercise and structured training; a secure yard or consistent leash use is recommended. Their curly coat and pendulous ears, plus frequent swimming, raise ear‑infection risk—coach adopters to plan routine post‑swim ear checks and to seek same‑day veterinary care for painful, foul‑smelling ears or head‑tilting. Review any available breed‑typical health clearances (hips, eyes, heart) noted by the breed club. When counseling about water access, remind adopters to avoid scummy/discolored water because harmful algal blooms can be fatal; sudden vomiting, weakness, drooling, or seizures after water exposure warrants immediate emergency care.
Front desk script: This is an active, water‑loving spaniel that does best with an adopter who can commit to daily vigorous exercise and training. Please remind new owners to do quick ear checks after swims and to contact us for a same‑day exam if there’s ear pain, odor, or head‑tilting. If the dog becomes ill after being in a lake or pond (vomiting, weakness, seizures), advise them to go to emergency care immediately and mention possible harmful algal bloom exposure.
Energetic, people-oriented sporting dogs that may be reserved with unfamiliar people and dogs; approach calmly and use positive reinforcement. Expect high arousal in busy spaces, vocalizing (barking/whining) when stressed or waiting, and strong interest in moving animals/objects (prey drive). For smooth check-in and handoff, seat away from heavy traffic, minimize wait times, offer car/quiet-room waiting if vocal, use high-value treats with a soft voice, and confirm owner-preferred cues. Use a secure leash and clear paths to the exam room; avoid abrupt touch or crowding. If behavior escalates to panic or aggression (continuous lunging, escape attempts, snarling), move to a quiet room immediately and alert the medical team.
Front desk script: Welcome! We know American Water Spaniels are energetic but sensitive, so we’ll use a gentle, low‑distraction approach. We’ll seat you in a quieter area and keep the wait short—would car check‑in help if [Pet Name] gets vocal? Are there specific treats, cues, or handling tips that help [Pet Name] relax?
American Water Spaniels are active, water‑loving dogs—escalate to same‑day emergency care if you hear or observe: any breathing distress, collapse, or repeated/prolonged seizures; after swimming, any submersion or onset (up to 24 hours later) of coughing, labored/fast breathing, blue gums, or marked lethargy (near‑drowning/aspiration); sudden lethargy, vomiting, wobbliness, confusion, or seizures after intense water play or ocean exposure (freshwater or saltwater intoxication); suspected toxin exposure (including blue‑green algae) or ingestion of unknown substances; a tight, swollen abdomen with unproductive retching/drooling (possible GDV/bloat); straining to urinate with little/no urine or bloody urine; or a red, very painful, bulging/cloudy eye or sudden vision change. If any of these are reported, direct the owner to proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately; for possible poisons, instruct them to also contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888‑426‑4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855‑764‑7661) while en route.
Front desk script: Thank you for calling—based on what you’ve described, this requires immediate evaluation. Please proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital now; I will alert our clinician/ER and share the address. If a toxin may be involved, please also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 while you travel. If anything changes during transport, call the ER to update them.