Boerboels are powerful, guardian-bred dogs that bond closely with their family and may be aloof or suspicious of unfamiliar people and dogs; common stress triggers include direct approaches toward the owner, doorway/vehicle transitions, crowded lobbies, tight spaces, and strangers leaning over or touching without an introduction. For intake and handling, ask about bite/guarding history, tolerance for other dogs/strangers, and owner handling or muzzle preferences; car-to-room and quiet, low-traffic entry often reduce arousal. If a caller reports a recent bite, escalating growling/stiff body in public areas, or inability to control the dog, alert the medical team immediately and arrange direct, low-traffic entry; if there is an active bite risk on arrival, instruct the client to remain in the car and call for immediate assistance.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know your dog is a Boerboel—these guardian breeds can be very protective. Would you like to check in from your car so we can bring you straight to a quiet room? Has your dog shown stress around unfamiliar people or dogs, or had any growling, snapping, or bite incidents we should note? Please arrive with a secure leash/harness (and a muzzle if you use one at home) and call us when you park so we can guide you in on a low-traffic route.
Boerboels (large, deep‑chested mastiffs) are predisposed to orthopedic dysplasia (hips/elbows), eyelid disorders (entropion/ectropion), and life‑threatening gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat). Peer‑reviewed data also document Boerboel lines carrying the hyperuricosuria mutation (urate stone risk) and a rare hereditary focal epilepsy with fear‑type episodes. Front‑desk watchouts: sudden non‑productive retching, a tight/swollen/painful abdomen, collapse, or seizure‑like episodes require immediate escalation; note chronic trends like hind‑limb stiffness/lameness or eye irritation for the veterinarian to assess.
Front desk script: For Boerboels, we keep an eye on hips/elbows, eyelids, and any signs of bloat due to their deep chest. If you ever see retching without vomit, a hard or distended belly, collapse, or a seizure, this is an emergency—please call us and come in right away. We’ll flag the chart for joint, eye, and urinary stone genetic risks and ensure the doctor discusses appropriate screening during routine visits.
Boerboels are very large, confident guardian dogs that are affectionate with family but may be wary of strangers; early, consistent training and socialization are essential. They need daily exercise and room to move, with simple grooming (weekly brushing; some drool). Average lifespan is about 9–11 years. Common vet concerns include hip/elbow dysplasia, eyelid issues (entropion/ectropion), and some heart disease; like other deep‑chested breeds they’re at risk for bloat/GDV. Watch for red‑flag signs of bloat—sudden swollen/tight abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, drooling, collapse—and seek emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Boerboels are giant, loyal guardian dogs that do best with early training and regular exercise; grooming is low‑maintenance. We can schedule wellness care and talk about screening for hips/elbows, eyes, and heart as recommended for the breed. If you ever see a tight, swollen belly with retching but no vomit, sudden distress, or collapse, that’s an emergency—come in now or go straight to the nearest ER.
Boerboels commonly trigger front-desk contacts for: hind-limb lameness or stiffness after exercise or on rising (large/giant-breed predisposition to hip/elbow issues and cruciate injury); eye irritation, squinting, or tearing (entropion/ectropion seen in the breed); gastrointestinal upset, drooling, or owner concern for bloat in this deep-chested dog; ear scratching/odor or skin irritation around lips/face from drool; weight/growth and nutrition questions in fast-growing puppies; preventive care (vaccines, parasite prevention, nail/anal gland/weight checks) and medication refills. Escalate immediately if owners report a tight/swollen abdomen with repeated unproductive retching, pale gums, collapse, or sudden non–weight-bearing pain.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—let me ask a few quick questions to determine urgency for your Boerboel. Is your dog bearing weight on all legs, and do you see a swollen, tight belly, repeated attempts to vomit without anything coming up, pale gums, collapse, or severe pain? If any of those are present, this is an emergency—please come in now or go to the nearest emergency hospital. For lameness, eye/ear/skin concerns, or GI upset without those red flags, I’ll book the first available appointment and note duration, appetite, stool/vomit history, and any known injuries.
Boerboels have a sleek, short, smooth, dense coat that sheds moderately; most owners can manage with a weekly rubber mitt/soft‑bristle brush and occasional baths (as needed) using dog‑formulated shampoo, with thorough drying. Their drop ears and heavy lips can trap moisture—advise routine ear checks/drying after baths or swimming and wiping lip folds to keep skin dry. Plan nail trims about every 3–4 weeks given their size/weight. Escalate if owners report ear odor, discharge, redness/swelling, head shaking/tilt, or if they note red, painful, moist, foul‑smelling skin patches in folds or hotspots—these may need prompt veterinary evaluation; sudden facial swelling or breathing difficulty after grooming products warrants emergency care.
Front desk script: This breed’s short, dense coat is low‑maintenance: a weekly brush and occasional bath are usually enough. We can schedule nail trims every 3–4 weeks and add ear checks/drying after swims or baths. If you notice ear odor/discharge, head shaking, or any red, moist, smelly skin patches, that can’t wait—let’s book a same‑day exam; if there’s sudden facial swelling or trouble breathing after a bath, please go to the emergency clinic now.
Boerboels are giant, deep‑chested guardian dogs (often 150–200 lb) with protective temperaments; for intake, ask about handling preferences, bite history, tolerance of strangers/other dogs, and whether a muzzle is owner‑approved, then offer car‑to‑room escort and request a sturdy leash/harness. Route new‑patient/wellness or behavior‑flagged visits to a longer, quieter slot; proactively note prior screening records (hips/elbows, eyes, cardiac) and any history of bloat/GDV. Sooner scheduling is appropriate if the caller reports new limping or difficulty rising (ortho), squinting/eye swelling or discharge (eye), or coughing/exercise intolerance/fainting (cardiac). If the caller mentions non‑productive retching, a tight/distended or painful abdomen, restlessness, excessive drooling, pale gums, weakness, or collapse, treat this as an emergency and direct them immediately to the nearest ER—do not delay in‑clinic arrival for paperwork.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Boerboel. Because of their size and protective nature, I’ll reserve a longer, low‑traffic appointment and we can bring you straight to a room—please arrive with a well‑fitted leash or harness and let us know if your dog prefers to wait in the car. If you are seeing non‑productive retching, a swollen/tight belly, restlessness, heavy drooling, pale gums, weakness, or collapse, this is a life‑threatening emergency—please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now and I can provide directions. Otherwise, I’ll also note any prior hip/elbow, eye, or heart testing so the doctor is prepared.
Boerboels transition from rapid-growth puppies to powerful, deep‑chested adults and earlier-onset seniors, so scheduling shifts accordingly: puppies need visits every 3–4 weeks through ~16–20 weeks to complete vaccines, track growth/weight, review parasite prevention, and support socialization; young/mature adults move to at least annual wellness with prevention, dental planning, weight/body‑condition checks, and breed‑appropriate screening conversations (e.g., hips/elbows) plus discussing GDV risk with the doctor as indicated; seniors (often earlier for giant breeds) benefit from twice‑yearly exams and age‑appropriate screening per DVM to monitor mobility, cognition, and organ health. If an owner reports non‑productive retching, a tight/distended abdomen, drooling, sudden restlessness, weakness, or collapse, instruct them to seek emergency care immediately—do not wait for an appointment.
Front desk script: For Boerboel puppies, we book vaccine and growth visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16–20 weeks. As adults, we schedule at least an annual wellness; please mention any mobility or digestive changes, and we can arrange a doctor consult about breed‑specific screening. When your Boerboel reaches senior years (often earlier for giant breeds), we switch to twice‑yearly checkups with any labs or imaging the doctor recommends. If you notice sudden retching without vomit or a swollen, tight belly, go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way.
Boerboels are giant, guardian-bred dogs that are devoted to family but may be cautious with unfamiliar people; reduce lobby stress by offering direct-to-room check-in, asking for a sturdy leash/harness, and using calm, confident, low-arousal language. Proactively ask about handling preferences, prior training, and whether the dog is comfortable with treats, and schedule a few extra minutes for weighing and movement (large/giant breeds are more prone to elbow/hip issues). Provide non-slip paths and ample space for turns. Deep-chested breeds like Boerboels have a known risk for life‑threatening bloat (GDV); if an owner reports a hard or rapidly enlarging abdomen, repeated retching with little or no vomit, drooling, restlessness, weakness, or collapse, activate emergency protocol immediately.
Front desk script: Because Boerboels are large, protective dogs, we’ll room you directly to keep things calm. Please keep a well-fitted leash or harness on and let us know any handling preferences so we can go slowly. If you ever notice a hard, swollen belly with repeated unproductive retching or sudden weakness/collapse, this is an emergency—go to the nearest 24/7 ER immediately and call us on the way. For today’s visit, we’ll allow extra time and space for low-stress handling and weighing.
Boerboels are large, deep‑chested dogs; front‑desk teams should watch for breed‑linked issues and route appropriately: prioritize prompt visits for any limping, reluctance to rise, or forelimb lameness (hip/elbow dysplasia risk); book same‑day if owners report eye squinting, excessive tearing, or eyelid irritation (entropion/ectropion noted in the breed); and escalate immediately to ER if callers describe non‑productive retching, a tight/bloated abdomen, excessive drooling, sudden restlessness, pale gums, weakness, or collapse—these can indicate life‑threatening GDV. Confirm current weight at each visit for accurate dosing, and if orthopedic imaging is likely, check with the medical team about fasting/sedation needs and reserve a longer slot.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Boerboel—this breed can be prone to joint problems and, because they’re deep‑chested, a dangerous bloat condition. If you ever see unproductive retching with a tight belly or sudden collapse, please go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately. For limping, stiffness, or eye squinting/tearing, we’ll get you a prompt appointment—does today or tomorrow work? If X‑rays may be needed, I’ll confirm any fasting or timing instructions with our medical team.
Boerboels are large, confident guardian mastiffs—deeply loyal to family but often aloof with unfamiliar people and dogs—so plan for a calm, controlled, direct-to-room handoff with minimal lobby exposure. Ask the owner about prior vet behavior, triggers, and whether the dog is comfortable with a basket muzzle; use least‑stress, minimal restraint and an experienced handler, with owner present if helpful. Confirm secure equipment (well‑fitted collar/harness, strong leash), consider double‑leash control, and weigh in-room if needed; ask about mobility assistance for the scale/car due to size. What matters most: safety planning for a powerful, protective dog; clear communication before approach; and proactive low‑stress handling. If the owner reports repeated unproductive retching, a suddenly swollen/tight abdomen, excessive drooling, restlessness, or collapse, treat this as an emergency and direct them to the nearest ER immediately while calling ahead.
Front desk script: “Boerboels are strong, protective guardians. We’ll take you straight to a quiet room and keep the visit low‑stress—does your dog have any handling triggers or do best with a basket muzzle? Please keep a secure leash/collar on, and we’ll have an experienced team member approach calmly with treats. If you ever see repeated retching without vomit or a sudden swollen belly, go to the nearest emergency hospital right away and call us on the way.”
Boerboels are very large, powerful guardian-type mastiffs; at intake use experienced, two-person handling, calm/low-traffic areas, and slow, controlled introductions to people and dogs. Newly adopted dogs may be devoted to family yet wary or territorial with strangers—early positive socialization support is often needed. Health considerations to flag for adopters include large-breed orthopedic issues (hip/elbow dysplasia), eyelid disorders (entropion/ectropion), and heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy); as deep-chested dogs, they are also at risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat). If you observe non-productive retching, a rapidly enlarged abdomen, restlessness/collapse, or repeated attempts to vomit with nothing produced, treat this as a life‑threatening emergency and direct the client to call the clinic or proceed to a 24/7 ER immediately.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know you’ve adopted a Boerboel. They’re large, guardian-bred dogs, so we’ll use a calm, two‑person intake and do slow introductions here. If you ever see retching without vomit or a suddenly swollen belly, that’s an emergency—call us right away or go to the nearest ER. Otherwise, we can book a new‑pet exam to discuss appropriate large‑breed screening (hips, elbows, eyes, heart).
Boerboels are large guardian mastiffs—typically calm and affectionate with family but naturally territorial and often aloof with strangers—so manage arrivals as direct-to-room when possible, asking clients to text/call on arrival; keep the dog on a short, non‑retractable leash and maintain at least one‑body‑length distance from other dogs; avoid crowding, greet the owner first, and do not reach over or make direct eye contact with the dog; weigh in the exam room or via portable scale; have a basket muzzle available if there is a history of reactivity or if warning signs appear (hard stare, freezing, lip lift, growling, lunging); if these signs occur or the owner cannot maintain control, stop approach, clear nearby clients/animals, and alert the medical/handling lead for a quiet, controlled entry route.
Front desk script: “Thanks for bringing your Boerboel in. Because this breed is a protective guardian, we’ll text you to bring him straight to a room—please keep him on a short, non‑retractable leash and avoid close contact with other pets. If he shows worry (staring, freezing, growling), let us know immediately so we can provide a quiet entry and a muzzle if needed. We’ll handle check‑in and weigh‑in in the exam room to keep things calm.”
For Boerboels (large, deep-chested), treat the following as same‑day emergency triggers: repeated unproductive retching, sudden abdominal swelling, restlessness, or obvious abdominal pain (possible GDV); any breathing distress—rapid/labored breathing at rest, open‑mouth breathing, extended neck, blue/gray or very pale gums, or collapse; signs of heat stress (heavy panting, excessive drooling, wobbliness, confusion, or collapse); first‑time seizure, a seizure lasting >5 minutes, multiple seizures in 24 hours, or failure to return to normal; straining to urinate with little/no urine; major trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden severe weakness, or very pale gums. If any of these are reported, this is an emergency—direct the client to proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately and notify the team there.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this can be life‑threatening and needs emergency evaluation today. Please go to the nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital now; I will call ahead to alert them. If your dog’s breathing worsens or they collapse en route, proceed directly and we’ll inform the ER.