Azawakhs are sighthounds with guardian instincts—typically reserved with strangers, deeply bonded to their people, quiet, and strongly motion/prey‑driven—so lobby movement, crowding, and direct/frontal approaches can heighten fear or trigger lunging/bolting; use side‑on, low‑key greetings and minimize eye contact. They may “shut down” or stay silent when uncomfortable (noted as stoic), so owners might underreport pain; ask targeted questions. Their lean build and thin coat can read as cold sensitivity—provide warm, padded, non‑slip surfaces and consider seating straight to a quiet room with the owner present. Treat them as flight‑risk in common areas (seat away from small pets/traffic, confirm secure collar/harness and consider a backup slip‑lead). Escalate immediately if the owner reports unproductive retching/gagging, sudden abdominal swelling, collapse, or marked restlessness after a meal—these are emergency red flags.
Front desk script: “Azawakhs can be very reserved with new people. We’ll seat you in a quiet area and approach from the side with minimal eye contact; please keep a secure leash on at all times, and we may add a slip‑lead for safety. Would you prefer going straight to a room, and is your dog more comfortable with you assisting or wearing a familiar basket muzzle? If you ever notice trying to vomit without bringing anything up or a suddenly swollen belly, please tell us immediately so we can move to emergency care.”
Azawakh (a sighthound) owners should know about a few breed‑linked risks reported in veterinary and breed references: occasional hypothyroidism and immune‑mediated issues such as masticatory muscle myositis; seizures have also been observed. As a deep‑chested breed, they can be at risk for gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat)—watch for sudden abdominal distention, repeated unproductive retching, restlessness, pale gums, or collapse; these signs require emergency care. Like other sighthounds, Azawakhs may have naturally lower baseline thyroid hormone values than other dogs, so thyroid screening results should be interpreted in a sighthound‑appropriate context rather than by total T4 alone. Front‑desk note: encourage clients to flag jaw pain/difficulty opening the mouth, unexplained neurologic events, or thyroid concerns for the veterinarian to review.
Front desk script: If your Azawakh ever shows a tight, rapidly enlarging belly, repeated retching without producing vomit, restlessness, pale gums, or collapse, please go to the emergency hospital immediately—these are red‑flag signs of bloat. For concerns like possible seizures, jaw pain or trouble opening the mouth, or questions about thyroid results, we’ll book the next available exam and note ‘sighthound—possible thyroid/autoimmune concern’ for the doctor. Just a heads‑up: sighthounds often have lower thyroid numbers than other breeds, so our veterinarian will interpret labs with that in mind.
Azawakhs are tall, very lean West African sighthounds that bond closely with family, are often reserved with strangers, and need daily vigorous exercise in a secure, fenced area; keep them leashed due to strong prey drive and expect minimal grooming for their short coat. Routine veterinary care should include regular wellness exams and discussion of breed-relevant screening (the breed club notes hypothyroidism, seizures, and some autoimmune conditions). Seeing several ribs is normal body condition for this breed. Seek emergency care now if you see signs of bloat (sudden swollen abdomen, unproductive retching, excessive drooling, pale gums, weakness/collapse) or if a seizure lasts over 5 minutes or occurs back-to-back.
Front desk script: They’re naturally very slim—seeing a few ribs is normal for a healthy Azawakh. They do best with daily, vigorous exercise in a secure area and early, gentle socialization; grooming needs are minimal. At check-in, we’ll note they’re a sighthound and flag any breed‑specific questions for the doctor (e.g., thyroid screening or any seizure history). If you ever notice a suddenly bloated belly with repeated dry heaving or a seizure lasting over 5 minutes, go to the emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way.
Azawakhs commonly prompt front-desk contacts for: “too thin” appearance or weight checks (this breed is normally very lean with some ribs visible); pre-procedure questions about anesthesia/sedation because sighthounds have breed-specific considerations; minor soft‑tissue, nail, or ear‑tip injuries from high‑speed play and thin skin/ears; sudden lameness after sprinting; and logistics for low‑stress visits due to a reserved/stranger‑wary temperament. GI concerns also arise—if an owner reports unproductive retching, a rapidly swelling/tight abdomen, collapse, or severe escalating pain, instruct them to proceed to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—Azawakhs are naturally very lean; we can schedule a quick weight/body‑condition check to be sure everything looks on track. If you’re calling before a procedure, I’ll note that your dog is a sighthound so the doctor can review anesthesia/sedation plans. For nail/ear injuries or sudden lameness after running, we can arrange a same‑day exam. If you’re seeing non‑productive retching or a swollen, tight belly right now, please go to the nearest emergency clinic immediately.
Azawakhs have a very short, fine single coat and tight skin, so routine care is light: a quick weekly rub with a grooming mitt or soft brush and baths only when visibly dirty. Most owners can skip full grooms; instead, schedule quick nail trims/ear checks about every 3–4 weeks. Because thin-coated sighthounds chill quickly, ask clients to bring a sweater in cold weather and minimize outdoor waiting. Escalate to a same-day visit for sudden intense itching, raw/oozing skin, or rapid hair loss; if hives, facial swelling, or any breathing trouble occur after a bath, product, or sting, direct the owner to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: This breed’s coat is very short and low-maintenance—usually a weekly brush and baths only when dirty. We can book quick nail/ear care about every 3–4 weeks; full baths are as needed. In cold weather, please bring a sweater and we’ll keep outdoor time brief. If you ever notice hives or facial swelling after a bath or sting, please go to the emergency vet; for sudden intense itching or raw skin, we’ll fit you in the same day.
Azawakh are very lean, deep‑chested sighthounds that may normally show several ribs; confirm whether any recent weight change has occurred and do not assume neglect. During intake, screen for red flags: non‑productive retching or a tight/bloated abdomen, collapse/weakness, or an active/recent (today) seizure—these warrant immediate ER referral. Ask about sudden jaw pain, reluctance to open the mouth, or abrupt appetite drop (book same‑day). Note that Azawakhs are often reserved with strangers—use a quiet, go‑straight‑to‑room check‑in with owner present and minimal lobby time. Route dentals/imaging or any sedation/anesthesia cases to a DVM comfortable with sighthounds and flag “sighthound anesthetic considerations” in the chart; allow extra time. Capture history of hypothyroidism, seizures, or autoimmune issues and plan follow‑up for any labs the doctor orders.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Azawakh. Before we schedule, can I quickly ask if there’s unproductive retching, a firm/bloated belly, collapse/weakness, or a seizure happening today? If yes, this is an emergency—please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now and I can text you the address. If no, I’ll book you for the appropriate exam, note that we’ll take your dog straight to a quiet room, and if sedation or a dental is expected I’ll route you to a doctor experienced with sighthounds.
Azawakh care needs shift by life stage: Puppies benefit from frequent 3–4‑week visits through the vaccine/parasite series to track rapid growth, socialization, and to reassure owners that a very lean look (ribs visible) is normal for this sighthound; adults are typically scheduled every 6–12 months for wellness, dental planning, and preventive care, with staff prepared for a reserved temperament in busy lobbies; seniors should be booked at least every 6 months to monitor weight/appetite trends, mobility, and age‑related screening as the veterinarian recommends. Because Azawakhs are deep‑chested, front desk teams should be ready to escalate immediately if an owner reports sudden unproductive retching, a tight/bloated abdomen, weakness, or collapse—advise immediate emergency care and direct them to the nearest ER.
Front desk script: For Azawakh puppies, we’ll schedule vaccine/weight check visits every 3–4 weeks until the series is finished. As adults, we’ll see them every 6–12 months; once they’re seniors, we’ll plan checkups at least twice a year. This breed is normally very lean, so some ribs showing can be normal—we’ll assess body condition at each visit. If you ever notice sudden retching without vomit, a tight swollen belly, or collapse, go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way.
Azawakhs are sighthounds that bond closely with their people and are often reserved with strangers, so greet calmly, avoid looming or direct eye contact, and offer quick rooming with minimal handling to reduce stress. Reassure owners that this breed’s very lean look (some ribs visible) can be normal, and that you will document weight and behavior for the veterinarian. Ask proactively about any prior sedation/anesthesia and recovery history so the medical team can note sighthound-specific considerations. If an owner reports unproductive retching, a tight or distended abdomen, sudden restlessness/drooling, weakness, or collapse—especially after a meal—advise immediate emergency care and instruct them to proceed to the nearest ER and call us en route.
Front desk script: “Azawakhs can be slow to warm up to new people—let’s give [Name] some space and we’ll get you into a room as soon as we can.” “Because sighthounds can respond differently to some sedatives, has [Name] ever had anesthesia or a slow wake‑up? I’ll note any history for the doctor.” “If you ever see unproductive retching, a swollen/tight belly, sudden restlessness or drooling, weakness, or collapse—especially after a meal—this is an emergency. Please go straight to the nearest ER and call us on the way.”
Azawakhs are deep‑chested sighthounds—flag charts for possible bloat (GDV) risk and instruct owners that non‑productive retching, a tight/swollen abdomen, pale gums, restlessness, collapse, or severe distress are emergencies and require immediate ER care. For routine visits, note sighthound‑specific anesthesia considerations and alert the medical team before any sedation/surgery to plan monitoring. During wellness checks, have the veterinarian assess body condition (some ribs showing can be normal in this breed) and consider thyroid screening; ask owners to log and report any seizure‑like events. Book a same‑day exam if the dog is reluctant to open the mouth or suddenly stops eating, as masticatory muscle myositis has been reported in this breed.
Front desk script: Because Azawakhs are deep‑chested sighthounds, if you ever see unproductive retching, a tight or swollen belly, pale gums, collapse, or extreme distress, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way. For checkups, our doctor may review thyroid labs and body condition (seeing a few ribs can be normal) and we’ll flag your dog’s sighthound status before any sedation or surgery. If your dog suddenly won’t open their mouth or stops eating, we can arrange a same‑day visit. Have you noticed any seizure‑like episodes or other changes we should note today?
Lean, deep‑chested West African sighthound—deeply bonded to owner, typically calm/quiet indoors, and reserved or aloof with unfamiliar people. For smooth handoffs, route Azawakhs straight to a quiet room, keep the lobby exposure brief, and let the dog approach staff; use sideways body posture, owner‑delivered/tossed treats, a nonslip mat/blanket, and minimal restraint (basket muzzle if the owner already uses one). Flag the patient as a sighthound for gentle handling. Escalate immediately if the owner reports non‑productive retching, a tight/bloated or painful abdomen, excessive drooling, restlessness, weakness/collapse—treat as a potential GDV emergency and direct to ER now.
Front desk script: “Azawakhs can be reserved with new people, so we’ll move you straight into a quiet room and let [Name] come to us at their pace. Please bring high‑value treats and, if you use one at home, a basket muzzle. If you ever see [Name] trying to vomit without bringing anything up, a swollen/tight belly, sudden restlessness, or collapse, tell us immediately—this is an emergency and we’ll direct you to the ER.”
Azawakhs are sighthounds that often appear very lean at a healthy weight (ribs/hip bones may be visible), so avoid labeling “emaciation” at intake without a veterinary assessment; note their typically reserved/aloof behavior with strangers and use calm handling in a quiet space with secure, double-leash control due to chase/flight risk. Flag in the record that the dog is a sighthound before any sedation or anesthesia (share with the attending DVM). Because they are deep‑chested, brief staff on bloat/GDV awareness—non‑productive retching, sudden abdominal distension, restlessness, collapse—treat as an emergency and direct immediately to a 24/7 ER. Provide warm, padded bedding and minimize crowding to reduce stress during holding and transport.
Front desk script: This breed is naturally very lean and can be reserved with unfamiliar people—that’s normal for Azawakhs. Please let your veterinarian know your dog is a sighthound before any sedation or surgery. If you ever see unproductive retching or a suddenly swollen belly, go straight to an emergency hospital immediately. We’ll note these points in your adoption packet.
Azawakhs are sighthounds that bond closely with their people, are typically quiet, and may be reserved or aloof with unfamiliar staff; they can be protective and have a strong prey drive. For check‑in and waiting areas: keep them on a short, secure leash, seat them away from foot traffic and small pets, and minimize direct approach—invite the owner to keep them close and provide a quick move to a quiet room when possible. Use calm voices, slow movements, and minimal, gentle handling; allow owner presence for weighing and handoff, and use non‑slip/padded surfaces for their lean build. Watch for stress signals (freezing, trembling, lip licking, growling, hard stare) and pause handling; consider a basket muzzle only if needed and safe. Escalate immediately to the medical team if the dog shows repeated unproductive retching, sudden abdominal distension, marked restlessness/collapse, or obvious breathing difficulty—treat as an emergency.
Front desk script: This breed is often quiet but reserved with new people. We’ll keep handling minimal and move you to a quieter space so your Azawakh can stay with you—please keep them on a short leash and away from cats or small pets. If you notice repeated gagging without vomit, a swollen belly, sudden agitation, or collapse, tell us right away—this is an emergency. If your dog seems stressed, we’ll slow down and adjust our approach.
Azawakh are very deep‑chested sighthounds; report any signs of bloat/GDV immediately—sudden hard or swollen abdomen (often behind the ribs), repeated unproductive retching, excessive drooling, restlessness/pacing, pale gums, weakness or collapse—this is an emergency and the pet should be seen now. Also treat as emergency any breathing difficulty, blue/pale gums, seizures, collapse, major trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or inability to urinate. In hot or humid conditions or after exertion, heavy or worsening panting with drooling, confusion, vomiting/diarrhea, or collapse are red‑flag signs of heatstroke and require immediate care. Same‑day escalation is warranted for persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours, severe pain, or marked lethargy even if the dog seems stable.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this may be a life‑threatening emergency. Please bring your Azawakh to the clinic immediately; if we are closed or you cannot arrive promptly, go to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital now. If symptoms are persistent but the pet is stable (for example vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours), we need to schedule a same‑day urgent exam. I’m alerting our clinical team so we’re ready on arrival.