Australian Shepherds are high-drive herding dogs that can be easily over‑aroused by fast movement (running children, bikes) and may respond with circling, barking, or heel‑nipping; they’re often reserved with unfamiliar people and can become destructive if under‑stimulated. Many are sensitive to loud, unpredictable noises (thunder, fireworks) and busy or novel environments (crowded lobbies, slick floors, veterinary clinics), and some show distress shortly after being separated from their owner. For appointments, note any motion/noise triggers, preference for a quiet entry or waiting in the car, and any owner‑requested handling tools (e.g., basket muzzle, harness). If a client reports panic with escape attempts, self‑injury, or sudden disorientation/collapse during noise events or at the clinic, escalate to the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: Aussies are energetic herding dogs and some are sensitive to noise or busy spaces. Are there specific triggers we should plan around today—storms/fireworks, fast movement, separation, or new people? We can arrange a quiet entry, note handling preferences (owner present, minimal restraint, or muzzle if you use one), or have you wait in the car until a room is ready. If your dog is currently panicking, trying to escape or injuring themself, or is suddenly confused or collapsing, please tell me now so I can alert the medical team immediately.
Australian Shepherds have notable breed-linked risks your team should screen for and flag on intake: (1) MDR1/ABCB1 drug sensitivity is relatively common and can trigger severe neurologic reactions after certain medications—always ask about prior genetic testing and recent drug exposures; (2) inherited eye diseases are seen in this breed, especially hereditary cataracts linked to the HSF4 mutation, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA); (3) merle-patterned Aussies, particularly “double merles,” carry a higher risk of congenital deafness; and (4) orthopedic dysplasia (hips/elbows) is a recognized screening priority for the breed. If an Aussie develops sudden tremors, severe sedation, stumbling, seizures, or collapse after a medication, advise the owner this is an emergency and direct them to immediate veterinary care.
Front desk script: I want to note a few breed-linked risks we watch for in Australian Shepherds. Has your dog had MDR1 (drug-sensitivity) or eye genetic testing, and do you have results we can add to the record? Please tell us about any recent medications or sedatives before today’s visit. If you ever see sudden stumbling, tremors, seizures, or collapse after a dose, call us immediately and proceed to the nearest emergency hospital.
Australian Shepherds are high-energy herding dogs that shed year-round and do best with daily vigorous exercise, mental work, and routine brushing; early training helps channel herding/nipping instincts. Health flags to note: hereditary eye conditions (e.g., collie eye anomaly/cataracts), frequent MDR1/ABCB1 drug sensitivity that can cause severe reactions to certain medications, and merle-to-merle breedings that can produce double merles at high risk for deafness/eye defects. Ask owners to share any MDR1 test results and current medications before procedures or sedation. Escalate immediately if the dog has a seizure, collapses, becomes severely disoriented after a new medication, or has sudden vision loss—these are emergencies.
Front desk script: Aussies are smart, very active dogs that shed a lot—plan on daily activity and regular brushing. Many carry the MDR1/ABCB1 gene that can cause serious reactions to certain meds; please tell us your dog’s MDR1 status and any recent medications before visits or procedures. If your Aussie has a seizure, collapses, suddenly can’t see, or acts very uncoordinated after a new medicine, go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way. For wellness care, we can note breed flags and schedule appropriate eye/hip and genetic screening per your vet’s recommendations.
For Australian Shepherds, front desks most often field calls about: ear scratching/head shaking or ear odor (ear inflammation is common in dogs), itchy skin/hot spots, red or squinting eyes or vision concerns (this breed has noted eye-disease predispositions), sudden limping after intense play, vomiting/diarrhea after getting into food/water/trash, heat stress after vigorous activity, and worry about unusual neurologic signs after a new medication (herding breeds, including Aussies, can carry the MDR1 drug-sensitivity variant). Escalate immediately if there is collapse, seizures, trouble breathing, severe heat signs (heavy panting with weakness, vomiting/diarrhea—especially bloody), or new neurologic signs after starting a medication.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—first, is your dog collapsing, seizing, struggling to breathe, showing severe heat distress, or having new neurologic signs after a new medication? If yes, please proceed to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital now; I can provide the address. If no, for ear scratching/odor, red or squinting eye, vomiting/diarrhea, or new limping while otherwise stable, we’ll book a same-day exam; please bring current medications/products (especially any new preventives) and a fresh stool sample if GI signs are present. If the eye seems suddenly painful or vision is affected, we’ll prioritize an urgent same-day slot.
Australian Shepherds have a medium-length, weather‑resistant double coat that sheds year‑round and “blows coat” heavily about twice yearly; set expectations for regular at‑home brushing and to book bath/brush/deshedding appointments—especially during seasonal sheds. Avoid routine full‑body shaving; if clipping is being considered, confirm with a veterinarian because plush/double‑coated breeds can have delayed regrowth and reduced coat protection. Schedule longer grooming slots during coat‑blow periods and refer to experienced groomers for de‑shedding and hygiene trims. If an owner reports sudden bald patches, red/painful or foul‑smelling skin, or nonstop scratching, advise a same‑day veterinary exam.
Front desk script: Aussies are heavy shedders with a double coat. We recommend regular brushing at home and scheduling bath/brush/deshedding visits—especially during spring/fall coat blow—so appointments may run longer. We don’t recommend full shaves on double coats unless a veterinarian advises it; we can refer to a groomer for hygiene trims and de‑shedding. If you’re seeing sudden hair loss, red or smelly skin, or intense itching, let’s book a same‑day vet visit.
For Australian Shepherds, flag potential MDR1/ABCB1 drug sensitivity at intake: ask if the dog has had genetic testing or past medication reactions, and specifically screen for any recent or planned use of over-the-counter loperamide (Imodium) or livestock dewormers containing ivermectin; if ingestion is reported or neurologic signs are present (wobbliness, tremors, dilated pupils, blindness, seizures), route to emergency care immediately. Capture seizure history because Aussies have documented breed involvement in idiopathic epilepsy: note age at first event, frequency, last episode, and current control status; active seizures or clusters (more than one in 24 hours) = emergency/ER; a single resolved first-time seizure in the last 24 hours without other signs = same-day doctor exam. For procedures likely to involve sedation/anesthesia, add a chart alert “Possible MDR1 breed—confirm medication plan with DVM.” Ask about fear/anxiety for low-stress handling, and note any hearing/vision concerns in heavily merled/white-headed dogs for routine evaluation (acute vision loss or head trauma still warrants urgent assessment).
Front desk script: Because Australian Shepherds can carry a medication-sensitivity gene (MDR1), has your dog been tested or ever had a reaction to medications? Has your dog received any over-the-counter meds like Imodium (loperamide) or any ivermectin/horse dewormer recently, or are they having wobbliness, tremors, vision changes, or seizures? If your dog is actively seizing, has more than one seizure in 24 hours, or shows neurologic signs after any medication, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now—I can give you the address. If stable, I’ll book a same-day doctor exam and note any anxiety so we can prepare a low-stress visit.
Puppy (to ~12 months): book a vaccine series through at least 16 weeks and a new‑pet consult; expect owner questions on socialization, high energy, microchipping, and timing of spay/neuter—flag the chart to discuss lifestyle‑based vaccines and a prevention plan. Adult (about 1–7 years): schedule annual wellness with vaccines tailored to activity; common questions include exercise/weight, dental cleanings, and sport/working clearances; for Australian Shepherds, confirm whether an MDR1 genetic test is on file before new medications or sedation, and note that eyes/hips–elbows are commonly monitored per the doctor’s plan. Senior (often ~7+ years for medium breeds): plan twice‑yearly senior wellness with screening labs and mobility/cognitive check‑ins; owners often report stiffness, slowing, or vision/hearing changes. Escalate immediately if callers report seizures, collapse, trouble breathing, or sudden vision loss; vomiting/diarrhea beyond 24 hours or new lameness should be scheduled the same day.
Front desk script: For Aussies, puppies need a vaccine series and new‑pet visit; adults come in yearly for wellness with vaccines based on activity; seniors do best with checkups about every 6 months. May I confirm if your dog has had the MDR1 genetic test on file before any new meds or procedures? If you’re seeing seizures, collapse, trouble breathing, or sudden blindness, this is an emergency—please go to the nearest 24/7 ER now. If vomiting/diarrhea has lasted over 24 hours or there’s new limping, we’ll book a same‑day appointment.
Key reminders for Aussie owners: ask if their dog has ever had an MDR1/ABCB1 gene test and to list all meds, preventives, and any OTC products they might give—Aussies can be unusually sensitive to certain drugs (for example, loperamide/Imodium). Set clear triage: seizures, collapse, or suspected ingestion of a problem medication = immediate emergency referral. Because Aussies have breed‑listed eye risks (e.g., CEA/cataracts), advise that new squinting, redness, cloudiness, or sudden vision change should be scheduled the same day. Operational tips: request secure leash/harness (no retractables), offer car check‑in for reactive or high‑energy dogs, and note activity/working‑dog status to set appointment length and handling plan.
Front desk script: “Australian Shepherds can carry a gene (MDR1) that makes them sensitive to some medications. Has [Pet] been MDR1‑tested, and what meds or preventives—including OTC—are you using? Please don’t give OTC meds like Imodium (loperamide) without veterinary guidance; if [Pet] has a seizure, collapses, or may have swallowed a problem medicine, this is an emergency—go to the nearest ER now and call us on the way. Also, if you notice new eye squinting, cloudiness, or vision changes, we should see [Pet] today.”
Australian Shepherds often carry the MDR1/ABCB1 gene variant that can cause serious reactions to certain medications (notably loperamide/Imodium, some sedatives, and some chemotherapy drugs)—verify MDR1 test status before prescribing/refilling and flag unknown status for the veterinarian. They are at risk for inherited eye disease (e.g., CEA, cataracts), so offering a yearly dilated ophthalmic screening (CAER) helps catch issues early. The breed also has documented idiopathic epilepsy—ensure owners know to report any first-time or recurrent seizure activity. Escalate immediately for neurologic signs after a new medication, sudden eye pain/cloudiness or vision loss, or seizures lasting over 5 minutes or occurring in clusters.
Front desk script: For Aussies, we double-check whether an MDR1 (drug-sensitivity) test is on file before scheduling or refilling certain meds; if it’s not, I’ll note this for the doctor and can arrange testing. We also recommend a yearly dilated eye screening (CAER)—I can add that to your wellness visit. If you ever notice stumbling/tremors after a new medication, a suddenly painful or cloudy eye, or any seizure, please call us immediately; seizures over 5 minutes or multiple in a day require the nearest emergency hospital now.
Australian Shepherds are very intelligent, high‑drive herding dogs; in clinic settings they’re often alert, motion‑sensitive, and may be reserved with unfamiliar people or dogs. Handling: keep interactions calm and predictable, announce approach, avoid overhead petting/crowding, use treats/focus cues, and shorten lobby time with quick rooming or car‑to‑exam options. Front‑desk priorities: confirm MDR1 (drug‑sensitivity) test status or any prior medication/sedation reactions; note any seizure history, eye/vision concerns (common in herding breeds), or lameness/hip issues; ask about reactivity/nipping history and muzzle comfort to plan safe handling. If the owner reports new neurologic signs after starting a medication (wobbliness, tremors, seizures) or sudden vision loss/collapse, treat as an emergency and alert the veterinarian immediately.
Front desk script: “Aussies can be energetic and a bit reserved with new people, so we’ll keep things calm and get you into a room quickly. Has your dog had MDR1 (drug‑sensitivity) testing or ever reacted to medications or sedatives? Any seizure, eye/vision, or hip/lameness history we should flag? Would a quiet entrance or waiting in the car be more comfortable today?”
Australian Shepherds entering shelters are high-drive herding dogs that need daily physical and mental work; under-stimulation can lead to mouthy/herding behaviors and escape attempts, so plan for secure housing and early training conversations with adopters. Many Aussies carry the MDR1/ABCB1 mutation, which can cause life‑threatening neurologic reactions to certain drugs (e.g., high‑dose ivermectin, loperamide, some sedatives/chemotherapy); clearly flag medical records, discourage over‑the‑counter medications without veterinary guidance, and retain/obtain MDR1 test documentation when available. Merle or predominantly white Aussies may have congenital hearing and/or vision deficits; set expectations and, when feasible, schedule BAER hearing and ophthalmic screening. If an adopter reports vomiting, stumbling/ataxia, tremors, seizures, sudden vision loss/blindness, or collapse after any medication, instruct them to seek emergency care immediately and state “possible MDR1 sensitivity.”
Front desk script: Australian Shepherds are energetic herding dogs—please plan for daily exercise, training, and secure fencing. Many Aussies carry an MDR1 gene that can make certain medications dangerous; before giving any non‑prescribed meds, call us to confirm safety. If your dog shows wobbliness, tremors, seizures, or sudden vision changes after a medication, go to the emergency clinic now and tell them “possible MDR1 sensitivity.”
Australian Shepherds are high‑drive, motion‑sensitive herding dogs that are often reserved with unfamiliar people and can fixate on movement; in busy lobbies they may try to herd (circling, heel‑nipping), vocalize, or become overstimulated. For check‑in, keep the dog on a short leash with the owner in control, seat away from doorways/traffic and other pets, and offer a quick room or quieter space if the dog is tense, staring, or pacing. Ask staff to avoid hovering or reaching over the head; let the dog approach first, use calm voices, and note triggers (fast movement, children, carts/wheels) and preferred rewards in the chart for team handoff. If you observe escalating agitation (growling, lunging, frantic barking), attempts to escape/bite, or rapid, labored breathing/collapse, notify a technician immediately.
Front desk script: Hi! Many Aussies are very smart and energetic, and some prefer extra space with new people. Would [Name] be more comfortable waiting in a quieter area or going straight to a room? Please keep a short leash and let us know any triggers (kids, fast movement, other dogs); if [Name] becomes very agitated or is panting hard, I’ll alert a technician right away.
For Australian Shepherds, immediately escalate to an emergency clinician if any of the following are reported: breathing distress (rapid, labored, noisy; blue or pale gums), collapse/weakness, uncontrolled bleeding or major trauma, persistent vomiting/diarrhea with lethargy, seizures (lasting >5 minutes, multiple in 24 hours, or not returning to normal), suspected toxin exposure, heatstroke signs (excessive panting, drooling, confusion, collapse), a distended abdomen with repeated unproductive retching (possible bloat), inability to urinate, acute eye injuries, or difficult/abnormal labor. Because Aussies are predisposed to MDR1 drug sensitivity, urgently escalate if the dog was given or exposed to problem drugs (e.g., loperamide/Imodium, high-dose ivermectin, certain sedatives/chemotherapy agents) and shows neurologic signs (tremors, ataxia, seizures, sudden blindness). If any of these are reported, direct the client to come in now or proceed to the nearest 24/7 ER and alert the clinician immediately.
Front desk script: Based on what you’ve described, this is an emergency and your dog needs to be seen now. Please come directly to our clinic or the nearest 24/7 ER; we will notify the clinician and be ready on arrival. Do not give any over‑the‑counter medications (including Imodium) and bring any product packaging and your pet’s current medications with you. If breathing worsens or collapse occurs en route, call us from the car so we can meet you at the door.