Bracchi Italiani are affectionate, people‑oriented, high‑energy gundogs that are very scent‑driven and curious; they often calm once they’ve had adequate exercise and may be most comfortable staying close to their person during handling. They generally respond best to calm, positive, low‑pressure handling and a chance to sniff and acclimate. Strong prey drive can lead to sudden fixation on small animals or outdoor smells, which owners may describe as “distracted” or “not listening.” Their long, drooping ears predispose them to ear discomfort—owners might report head‑shaking, ear scratching, or odor. Urgent red flags to escalate immediately: unproductive retching, a tight/distended abdomen, restlessness/pacing, or sudden excessive drooling (possible bloat/GDV).
Front desk script: This breed is very scent‑focused and people‑attached. We’ll seat you in a quieter area, let your dog sniff around, and you’re welcome to stay nearby for comfort while we handle them. If you’ve noticed unproductive retching, a tight or swollen belly, restlessness, or sudden heavy drooling, please tell me right now—this can be an emergency.
Bracco Italianos have documented breed risks for hereditary kidney disease (including amyloidosis/renal maldevelopment), orthopedic issues (hip and elbow dysplasia), eyelid problems (entropion/ectropion) and ear infections from pendulous ears; they may also develop skin allergies and, less commonly but reported, cancers such as osteosarcoma and lymphoma. As a large, deep‑chested breed, they carry risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat); if you see sudden abdominal swelling, non‑productive retching, excessive drooling, restlessness, pale gums, weakness/collapse, or a “praying” posture, this is an emergency—seek immediate veterinary care.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know your dog is a Bracco Italiano. This breed is predisposed to kidney disease, joint issues (hip/elbow), eyelid and ear problems, and can be at risk for life‑threatening bloat because of their deep chest. If you notice a swollen belly with unproductive retching or collapse, please go to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way. If you’re seeing increased thirst/urination, vomiting, or loss of appetite, we’ll aim to book a same‑day visit so our medical team can evaluate.
Bracco Italianos are large, people‑oriented hunting dogs that do best with lots of daily exercise and basic obedience from an early age; their short coat is low‑maintenance, but their long, floppy ears need regular checks. When buying or advising owners, confirm breeder health screening for hips (OFA/PennHIP), elbows, eyes (OFA), and kidney health as recommended for the breed. Watch for ear trouble (head‑shaking, redness, foul odor, discharge) and book a same‑day exam if noted. As a deep‑chested breed, they can be at risk for bloat (GDV) — sudden abdominal swelling, non‑productive retching, excessive drooling, pale gums, or collapse are emergencies and the pet should go to a veterinary ER immediately.
Front desk script: They’re a high‑energy, people‑friendly sporting breed with an easy short coat; plan on daily activity and early training. For breeders or new pups, we recommend verifying health tests: hips, elbows, OFA eye exam, and kidney screening. If you notice ear shaking, odor, or discharge, we should see your dog today. If the belly suddenly swells and your dog retches without producing anything or drools heavily, go to the emergency hospital now.
Bracchi Italiani frequently prompt calls for ear odor, head‑shaking, or discharge (pendulous ears predispose to ear infections); itchy skin and recurrent ear/skin issues (allergies); red, watery, or squinting eyes and noticeable eyelid droop/roll (entropion/ectropion); new limping or stiffness after activity (hip/elbow dysplasia concerns); and increased thirst/urination or weight loss (kidney disease is reported in the breed). Sudden abdominal swelling with unproductive retching, restlessness, or heavy drooling should be treated as a possible bloat/GDV emergency and escalated immediately.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Bracco Italiano. For ear shaking/odor, itchy skin, red or squinty eyes, or new limping, I can book a same‑day exam as available. If you see a tight or swollen belly, repeated attempts to vomit without anything coming up, excessive drooling, collapse, or pale gums, this is an emergency—go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way. For increased thirst/urination or weight loss, we’ll schedule the next available visit and note labs with the doctor.
Bracco Italianos have a short, dense coat that sheds moderately and is generally low maintenance; most owners do well with routine weekly brushing and occasional baths. Their long, pendulous ears and active, outdoor lifestyle (hunting/field work, swimming) increase the risk of debris and moisture buildup that can predispose to otitis externa, so plan regular ear checks and schedule technician ear-care visits as needed, especially after wet or brushy outings. Front desk should remind owners to check for burrs/foxtails and ticks after field time and to use groomer/clinic support for safe removal if anything is stuck or the dog is uncomfortable. Urgent red flags to escalate to the doctor the same day: persistent head shaking, ear pain or crying when touched, foul odor or discharge, visible swelling/hematoma of the ear flap, head tilt, or loss of balance.
Front desk script: This breed’s coat is short and easy-care, but their long ears and outdoor activities mean routine ear checks are important—especially after swimming or field days. We can book a technician appointment for nail/ear care or refer to a groomer for routine bathing and brushing. If you’re seeing head shaking, ear odor/discharge, pain when the ears are touched, swelling, or a head tilt, that may be urgent—let’s arrange a same-day exam with the doctor.
Bracco Italiano owners most commonly call about ear problems (head shaking, odor, discharge) linked to long, pendulous ears and outdoor/field exposure—book a primary care visit and ask about recent swimming or grass awns; escalate same day if severe pain, head tilt, or balance issues are reported. Eye concerns (redness, squinting, mucoid discharge) warrant same‑day/urgent routing because loose lower lids can predispose to irritation. As a large, deep‑chested sporting breed, they are at risk for bloat/GDV—if the caller reports a tight swollen abdomen, non‑productive retching, restlessness, pale gums, weakness/collapse, or intense pain, direct to a 24/7 ER immediately and offer to call ahead. Activity‑related lameness after hunting/training can be scheduled within 24–72 hours, but route same day if non‑weight‑bearing or acute severe pain is noted.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—can I confirm if your Bracco is having any of the following right now: a tight, swollen belly with gagging/retching but no vomit, marked restlessness, pale gums, or collapse? If yes, this is an emergency; please go to the nearest 24/7 ER now and I can call ahead. For ear odor/discharge or head shaking, or red/squinting eyes, I’ll schedule you today if there’s pain, head tilt, or vision concern; otherwise I’ll book the next available primary‑care visit and note any recent swimming or field exposure. For sudden non‑weight‑bearing lameness, we’ll see you same day; milder soreness can be next‑available with a recheck as advised by the doctor.
Puppy (to ~16–20 weeks): schedule vaccine/parasite visits every 3–4 weeks; common questions include socialization for a docile sporting breed, house-training, and managing long, pendulous ears that can trap moisture/debris. Young adult (after finishing vaccines): book wellness every 6–12 months; for field/hunting or boarding, confirm year‑round parasite prevention and discuss risk‑based noncore vaccines (e.g., Lyme, Bordetella, influenza); owners planning to breed may ask about hips/elbows/eyes/kidney screening. Mature adult (about 7–10 years): continue 6–12‑month wellness with mobility/dental checks; reinforce ear checks after swimming or fieldwork. Senior (about 10+ years): schedule exams at least every 6 months with appropriate screening (often including urinalysis) to monitor age‑related change and breed‑noted kidney concerns. Escalate immediately if signs of bloat/GDV appear—sudden nonproductive retching, a tight/swollen abdomen, restlessness, collapse—advise the client to go to the nearest emergency hospital now.
Front desk script: For Bracco Italiano puppies, we’ll set vaccine visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16–20 weeks. For adults, plan wellness exams every 6–12 months; if your dog hunts or boards, we’ll review Lyme, Bordetella, and influenza vaccines based on risk. For seniors (around 10+ years), we recommend checkups at least twice yearly and may add lab screening, including a urine test, to watch kidney health. If you ever see sudden retching without vomit and a swollen, tight belly, please go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.
Bracco Italianos are active, deep-chested sporting dogs with pendulous ears and loose lower eyelids; owners often call about ear odor/head-shaking, watery or irritated eyes, or stiffness after hard exercise. The breed club and AKC highlight routine screening priorities—hips, elbows, eyes, and kidney health—so when booking wellness visits, ask clients to bring any prior OFA/eye/kidney results and note family history of kidney disease or bloat. Encourage timely exams for increased thirst/urination, appetite change, weight loss, persistent lameness, or recurring ear/eye irritation to keep pets comfortable. If callers report non-productive retching, a tight or swollen abdomen, pale gums, extreme restlessness, or collapse, treat this as an emergency and direct them to the nearest 24/7 ER immediately.
Front desk script: “Thanks for calling about your Bracco Italiano. For this breed we routinely check ears, eyes, joints, and confirm kidney screening—could you bring any OFA, eye, or kidney test results to your visit?” “If you’re noticing increased drinking/urination, head-shaking or ear odor, or squinting/redness, let’s schedule the next available exam.” “If you ever see unproductive retching or a tight, swollen belly, this is an emergency—go to the nearest 24/7 ER now and call us on the way.”
Front-office watchouts for Bracco Italiano: deep chest = higher bloat (GDV) risk—coach owners on red flags (non-productive retching, tight/swollen belly, sudden distress/collapse) and instruct them to go to the ER immediately if seen; long, pendulous ears = increased otitis risk—prioritize routine ear checks at wellness and sooner if head-shaking, odor, or discharge; large-breed joints—confirm any OFA hip/elbow results and schedule a baseline orthopedic review by 12–18 months; breed reports document familial kidney disease (often amyloidosis)—flag annual blood/urine screening per DVM guidance and sooner if increased thirst/urination or appetite loss is reported; droopy eyelids can lead to entropion/ectropion—offer a sooner eye exam for redness, squinting, or discharge. ([vcahospitals.com](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/gastric-dilatation-and-volvulus-in-dogs))
Front desk script: Because Bracchi are deep-chested with heavy ears, we flag them for GDV education and routine ear checks. Let’s book their annual exam with kidney screening and confirm any hip/elbow records; we can also schedule a baseline joint check by 12–18 months. If you ever see unproductive retching or a rapidly enlarging, tight abdomen, please head to the emergency hospital now and call us on the way. For head-shaking, ear odor, red or squinty eyes, or new limping, tell us so we can offer a sooner appointment.
Bracco Italiano: typically gentle, people‑oriented, and sensitive; calm, low‑pressure handling works best (slow approach, allow sniffing, quiet voices, high‑value treats). Large, athletic, deep‑chested gundog—often easygoing in-clinic if well-exercised but can be strong; use non‑slip floors and roomy spaces. What matters most: watch for ear issues due to long, pendulous ears (owner reports of head‑shaking, scratching, odor, discharge); ask about intermittent hind‑limb stiffness/lameness after exercise (large‑breed hip concerns); confirm exercise outlets and mental stimulation. Red‑flag bloat/GDV awareness because of deep chest—owner reports of sudden tight/distended abdomen, nonproductive retching, restlessness/collapse must be treated as an emergency and escalated immediately.
Front desk script: “Hi! Bracchi are usually very gentle and people‑focused. We’ll approach slowly and let your dog sniff first. Any recent ear odor, head‑shaking, or scratching—and any stiffness or limping after activity? If you’ve noticed a suddenly swollen, hard belly with gagging/retching but no vomit, please tell us now—that’s an emergency and we’ll get the doctor immediately.”
Large, deep‑chested hunting breed with high exercise/mental‑stimulation needs; plan for secure containment and enrichment to reduce stress returns. Front‑desk should watch for red‑flags common to this type: bloat/GDV risk (non‑productive retching, sudden abdominal distension, restlessness, collapse = immediate ER); pendulous ears and loose eyelids can mean recurrent ear/eye irritation (head‑shaking, odor, discharge, squinting warrant same‑day exam); national/peer‑reviewed data also indicate a breed‑associated hereditary kidney disease (often protein‑losing/amyloidosis)—ask about any history of increased thirst/urination, poor appetite, or weight loss and note for clinician; routine orthopedic screening often recommended by the breed club (hips/elbows/eyes/kidney).
Front desk script: Thanks for adopting a Bracco Italiano—these are active, deep‑chested gundogs. If you ever see unproductive retching or a tight, swollen belly, go to the emergency hospital immediately. Because of their floppy ears and droopy lids, call us same day for ear odor/discharge, head‑shaking, or eye redness/squinting. This breed also has reported hereditary kidney issues—please tell us if you notice increased thirst/urination or poor appetite so we can book a prompt vet check.
Bracco Italianos are generally gentle, social, and eager to please but are sensitive to tone and very scent‑driven working dogs. At check‑in, greet calmly, confirm a secure collar/harness, and replace retractable leashes with a clinic slip lead; seat them away from exits and high‑traffic dogs to reduce pull/excitement and minimize separation by keeping the owner nearby. Expect exploratory sniffing and possible drool—offer a towel and allow a brief settle period. For handoff, ask the owner to keep the leash short; staff should approach from the side with slow, confident movements and avoid overhead reaching. If behavior escalates (stiff posture, growling), move to a quiet room and alert a technician. If the owner reports sudden non‑productive retching, a visibly bloated/painful abdomen, extreme drooling with pacing, weakness, or collapse, notify the medical team immediately—treat as an emergency.
Front desk script: “Bracchi are friendly but very nose‑forward, so we’ll keep a short, secure leash and seat you in a quieter area. Does he get anxious when separated or around other dogs? We’ll minimize wait time and move you to an exam room as soon as it’s ready. If you notice retching without vomit or a suddenly swollen belly at any point, please tell us right away.”
For Bracco Italianos, immediately escalate to an emergency clinician for any of the following: non‑productive retching with a tight or swollen abdomen, restlessness, collapse or severe weakness (possible bloat/GDV); labored or noisy breathing, blue/gray or very pale gums, open‑mouth breathing at rest, or sudden collapse; seizures or sudden inability to stand; signs of heat illness (excessive panting, hypersalivation, vomiting/diarrhea, confusion, collapse); acute eye pain or injury (squinting, bulging eye, sudden vision change); known/suspected toxin exposure; major trauma or uncontrolled bleeding; or straining to deliver without progress. These signs require same‑day escalation—if severe or rapidly worsening, direct the client to a 24/7 emergency hospital now.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this is an emergency for a Bracco Italiano. Please proceed to the nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital now—do not wait for an appointment. If a toxin may be involved, bring the packaging and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 while en route. I will alert the clinician/ER team to expect your arrival.