Australian Terriers are alert, vocal terriers with strong chase/prey instincts; they commonly bark at movement or noise, may fixate on or lunge toward cats and small pets, and can be scrappy with unfamiliar dogs (often more with same‑sex dogs). They’re independent and can be sensitive to tight restraint or face/feet handling. Front-desk triggers include squeaky noises, door chimes, busy sightlines, and wildlife visible through windows—seat them in a quiet area away from cats/pocket pets and limit visual contact with other dogs; ask owners about any handling preferences or muzzle history. If an owner reports sudden collapse, severe breathing difficulty, profound disorientation, or unresponsiveness, notify the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: Australian Terriers tend to be very alert and vocal. To help your dog relax, would you prefer a quieter seat or an exam room away from other pets—especially cats or small animals? Does your dog react to squeaky noises or other dogs, and is there any handling we should avoid (for example, tight restraint or touching the face/feet)? If you notice collapse, trouble breathing, or sudden confusion at any time, please tell me right away so I can alert our medical team.
Australian Terriers have a documented high breed risk for diabetes mellitus, so front-desk teams should note reports of increased thirst/urination, weight loss, or appetite changes; the parent club also recommends thyroid screening. As a small terrier, the breed is predisposed to orthopedic issues such as patellar luxation and Legg–Calvé–Perthes that may appear as intermittent hind‑leg "skipping" or lameness. Inherited eye disease (progressive retinal atrophy) is reported in this breed, so owners mentioning night-vision changes or navigating poorly in dim light should be flagged for an eye exam.
Front desk script: Australian Terriers can be prone to diabetes, certain knee/hip problems, and inherited eye disease. At check‑in, please ask if they’ve noticed increased thirst/urination or weight change; any hind‑leg skipping/lameness; or trouble seeing at night. If an owner reports sudden red, painful or squinting eyes, sudden vision loss, extreme lethargy, vomiting, or collapse, tell them this is an emergency and alert medical staff immediately. Otherwise, note concerns and offer the next available visit; this breed’s club recommends routine thyroid, patella, and eye screening.
Small, sturdy terriers with big energy and affection, Australian Terriers do well in apartments if given daily brisk walks/play and mental stimulation; keep them leashed or in a fenced yard due to strong prey drive and a tendency to bark and dig. Their wiry coat sheds lightly—brush weekly and tidy as needed. Typical lifespan is about 11–15 years. Vets commonly monitor for knee issues (patellar luxation) and hip problems in youngsters (Legg-Calvé-Perthes), plus thyroid disease, diabetes, and occasional seizures. Call us immediately for any seizure, collapse, or sudden non–weight‑bearing hind‑limb lameness; schedule a same‑day visit for persistent hind‑limb limping, a marked increase in thirst/urination, or notable behavior changes.
Front desk script: Australian Terriers are small, energetic companions who thrive with daily walks and positive training; their wiry coats need weekly brushing. They can be vocal and have a strong prey drive, so we recommend leashed outings and early socialization. We routinely keep an eye on knees/hips in youngsters and thyroid/diabetes risks as they age. If your Aussie has a seizure, collapses, or won’t put weight on a back leg, please call us right away or go to the nearest emergency hospital.
For Australian Terriers, front-desk teams most often field calls about intermittent hind‑leg “skipping”/limping, itchy skin or ear scratching/odor, eye discharge/redness or squinting, bad breath/tartar checks and dental cleanings, weight or coat changes (owners asking about thyroid screening), vaccine/parasite preventive refills, nail/coat maintenance, and new lumps. These align with breed screening priorities (patella, eyes, thyroid). Escalate immediately if there is sudden non‑weight‑bearing lameness, a painful red eye, collapse/seizure, labored breathing, or repeated vomiting with lethargy.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Australian Terrier—this breed commonly comes in for limping or “skipping” steps, itchy skin/ears, eye discharge/redness, or dental odor. Let’s schedule a same‑day exam; please bring any videos, the start date of signs, and a list of foods, medications, and parasite preventives. If you notice sudden non‑weight‑bearing lameness, a very red/painful eye, a collapse or seizure, or trouble breathing, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now.
Australian Terriers have a harsh, wiry double coat with a softer undercoat; upkeep is light but consistent: weekly brushing and infrequent baths help prevent dry, flaky skin and undercoat matting. Most pets don’t need full salon clips; offer basic tidy services (nails/ears/brush) in-house and refer out if an owner specifically requests terrier hand‑stripping to preserve coat texture. During intake, ask about itching, redness, odor from ears, or hair loss—these may indicate skin/ear issues and warrant a prompt veterinary exam. Advise same-day scheduling for intense, persistent itch, rapidly spreading redness, or painful “hot spots,” and direct clients to emergency care immediately if they report facial swelling, hives, or breathing trouble.
Front desk script: This breed’s wiry double coat does best with weekly brushing and only occasional baths to avoid dry skin. We can book a brush/ear/nail tidy here; if you prefer traditional terrier hand‑stripping, we’ll refer you to an experienced groomer. If you’re noticing persistent itching, red or smelly ears, or raw spots, let’s get you a same‑day vet appointment. If there’s facial swelling, hives, or any breathing difficulty, please go to the emergency clinic now.
For Australian Terriers, be alert to small-breed orthopedic calls: intermittent hind‑limb "skipping," reluctance to jump, or slowly worsening puppy lameness can indicate patellar luxation or Legg–Calvé–Perthes—route to a standard GP exam within 24–72 hours; use a same‑day slot if non‑weight‑bearing, severe pain, or unable to walk. Ask if the breeder completed health screens (patella, eyes, thyroid) and note any prior knee/hip surgery. Common reasons to call also include itching or ear problems—book a non‑urgent exam and capture chronicity/meds tried. Escalate immediately to emergency for trouble breathing, collapse, pale/white gums, seizures, or repeated vomiting/diarrhea.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Australian Terrier—let me ask a couple of quick safety questions first. Is your dog bearing weight and breathing normally? If the lameness is intermittent and your dog seems comfortable, I can book our next available exam; if your dog is suddenly not using a leg, in severe pain, has trouble breathing, collapses, or is vomiting repeatedly, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now and let us know so we can alert the team. Has your dog had patella, eye, or thyroid screening, or any prior orthopedic diagnosis?
Australian Terriers are small, long‑lived dogs (often 11–15 years). Front‑desk scheduling can follow life stages: puppy (0–12 months) with visits every 3–4 weeks until ~16 weeks for vaccine series, parasite prevention start, microchip, and socialization support; young adult (1–6 years) with annual wellness exams, year‑round preventives, and weight/dental check‑ins; mature adult (7–10 years) with at least yearly exams (many clinics opt for twice‑yearly) and questions about mobility or behavior changes; senior (10+ years) with wellness every 6 months and age‑appropriate screening per the veterinarian. Ask owners about limping or “skipping” steps (knees/hips can be a concern in this breed), increased thirst/urination, coughing, or new lumps to guide scheduling. If there is collapse, trouble breathing, sudden severe pain or inability to use a limb, eye injury, or repeated vomiting/diarrhea with lethargy, direct the owner to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: For Aussie Terrier puppies, we book a series of checkups every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks—can I schedule your next visit now? For adults we recommend a yearly wellness visit with preventives; for dogs 7+ (especially 10+), we schedule every 6 months to catch age‑related changes early. If you notice sudden limping, trouble breathing, collapse, or repeated vomiting/diarrhea, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way.
Australian Terriers are energetic, vocal, prey‑driven small terriers and can be selective with other dogs—offer a car‑wait/text‑in option and a quick room when available, and ask clients to arrive on a secure leash or in a carrier. Set expectations that alert barking and digging are normal breed behaviors; invite owners to bring short videos of any limping or behavior concerns to streamline the visit. For calls about sudden hind‑limb “skipping” or new lameness (seen in small breeds like Aussies), aim for same‑day scheduling; if there is collapse, trouble breathing, or any seizure activity, instruct the owner to proceed to the nearest emergency hospital immediately. Remind new clients to bring a current medication/diet list and any training cues their dog knows so the team can reduce stress and keep the lobby calm.
Front desk script: “Australian Terriers are high‑energy and can be vocal around other dogs, so please keep your pup on a secure leash; we’re happy to text you when a room is ready if waiting in the car is easier. If you’re noticing sudden back‑leg ‘skipping’ or new limping, we’ll work to see you today. If your dog collapses, has trouble breathing, or has a seizure, please go to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital now and call us on the way.”
Australian Terriers have a markedly higher risk for diabetes; flag annual wellness labs (blood and urine) and ask owners about increased thirst/urination, weight loss, or new cloudy eyes so you can book promptly. They also have small-breed orthopedic risks (patellar luxation/Legg-Calvé-Perthes)—schedule an exam if owners report intermittent hind‑limb skipping or persistent lameness. Breed club guidance recommends patella, eye (ophthalmologist), and thyroid screening—encourage routine eye checks and escalate for eye redness, squinting, or sudden vision changes. If the pet has severe lethargy, repeated vomiting with excessive drinking/urinating, collapse, or acute eye pain, tell the owner this is urgent and to come in today; if after-hours or worsening, direct to the nearest emergency hospital.
Front desk script: Because Australian Terriers have higher diabetes risk, we recommend yearly screening and sooner if you notice increased drinking/urination, weight loss, or new cloudy eyes. Their breed also benefits from patella, eye, and thyroid checks—can I schedule those with your next visit? If you’re seeing sudden eye pain/redness or your dog is very lethargic or vomiting while drinking/peeing more, this is urgent—please come in today; if we’re closed, go to the nearest emergency hospital.
Small, spirited terrier with big-dog confidence; typically friendly with people but can be scrappy with unfamiliar dogs, highly alert, and vocal (barks readily). Expect strong prey drive and quick door-darting—use a secure leash/harness and minimize lobby mingling with small pets. Handling: calm, upbeat, reward-based approach; allow sniffing time, avoid sudden overhead reaching, and keep sessions brief to prevent frustration. What matters most: smart but easily bored, noise/reactive tendencies, and a tendency to chase—prioritize quiet intake spaces, clear pathways, and controlled entrances/exits.
Front desk script: Welcome! Australian Terriers are bright and vocal, so we’ll get you into a quieter room and keep space from other pets. Please keep your dog on a secure leash or harness and let us know if they’re uncomfortable with handling around the face or feet. If you’ve noticed trouble breathing, collapse, or repeated vomiting/diarrhea (especially with blood), tell me right away so the doctor can see your dog immediately.
Australian Terriers are small, high‑energy terriers with strong prey drive; expect barking, digging, and chasing behavior—use secure leashing/fencing and slow, structured introductions to other pets. For intake and early post‑adoption, note any history of hind‑limb “skipping” or sudden lameness (breed predisposition to patellar luxation and Legg‑Calvé‑Perthes); advise same‑day veterinary evaluation if the dog is non‑weight‑bearing or painful. Parent‑club screening emphasizes patellas, eyes, and thyroid—capture any prior test results and share with the primary vet. Like many small breeds, they carry higher risk for periodontal disease—document visible tartar/halitosis and body condition score to support routine follow‑up. Escalate immediately for difficulty breathing, collapse, or persistent vomiting/diarrhea; direct adopters to the nearest emergency hospital without delay.
Front desk script: Thanks for adopting an Australian Terrier—these lively terriers can be vocal and have a strong chase drive, so please introduce them slowly to other pets and keep them leashed/secure around small animals. If you notice a sudden non‑weight‑bearing limp or yelping with movement, contact a veterinarian the same day. If there is trouble breathing, collapse, or repeated vomiting/diarrhea, go to the nearest emergency vet now. Please bring any prior patella/eye/thyroid test records to the first wellness visit.
Australian Terriers are small, confident, energetic terriers—people-friendly but assertive, vocal watchdogs with strong prey drive and a tendency to get scrappy with unfamiliar dogs. For check‑in, confirm a secure collar/harness and keep leashed; seat in a quiet area away from other dogs and small pets, and minimize lobby time (direct‑to‑room when possible). Use a calm, side‑on approach with high‑value treats; weigh on a non‑slip scale. Ask about known triggers (other dogs, the scale, handling of face/feet) and note any history of reactivity/bolting. For handoff, remind the team this breed may bark, lunge at fast‑moving animals, or try to chase—maintain visual distance from other pets, use side/back entrances if needed, and favor minimal‑restraint, reward‑based handling. If the dog shows escalating aggression that cannot be safely managed, or signs of distress such as difficulty breathing, collapse, or seizures, stop and alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: “Hi [PetName]! Aussies can be energetic and vocal around other pets, so we’ll take you to a quiet spot to help keep things calm. Are there any triggers we should know about—other dogs, the scale, or handling feet/face—and are treats okay today? Please keep [PetName] leashed and close; we’ll minimize time in the lobby and go at their pace. If you notice heavy panting, sudden agitation, collapse, or seizure‑like activity, tell us immediately so our medical team can assist.”
For Australian Terriers, escalate immediately if the caller reports any of the following: difficulty breathing, blue/white gums, collapse/unresponsiveness, seizure activity (new, >5 minutes, or multiple), suspected toxin exposure, major trauma or uncontrolled bleeding, a swollen/painful abdomen with non‑productive retching, inability/straining to urinate, sudden severe pain, or acute eye injury/pain—this is an emergency; direct to the nearest ER now. Same‑day escalation (urgent) if persistent vomiting/diarrhea especially with blood or inability to keep water down, marked lethargy, or sudden significant swelling/bloating without collapse.
Front desk script: Based on what you’ve described, this needs immediate veterinary evaluation. Please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now; do not wait—I can call ahead to alert them. If a possible toxin is involved, please also contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 while en route. If your pet’s condition worsens during the call, hang up and go straight to the ER.