Chinese Cresteds—especially the Hairless variety—are highly temperature- and skin‑sensitive, so owners may report shivering in cool rooms, sun “rashes,” or paw soreness after hot pavement; keep them warm at check‑in and ask about recent sun or surface exposure. They’re bred for close companionship and often settle better if their person stays nearby during intake. Hairless Cresteds commonly have missing/atypical teeth, so clients may describe mouth sensitivity or picky chewing—flag these observations for the clinician. Escalate immediately if you hear about blistering/red painful skin after sun, refusal to walk from paw pain after heat, extreme panting/collapse, or (in toy‑breed puppies) sudden tremors, wobbliness, or seizures after stress/fasting. ([vcahospitals.com](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chinese-crested-dog))
Front desk script: Cresteds can be very sensitive to temperature and sun. We’ll keep your dog warm and you’re welcome to leave a sweater on; please tell us about any recent sun or very hot‑surface exposure. If you’ve noticed blistered/red skin, sore paw pads, extreme panting/collapse after heat, or in a young toy‑breed puppy any tremors, wobbliness, or seizures, please let us know right away so we can fast‑track care or direct you to emergency services.
Chinese Cresteds—especially the hairless variety—are predisposed to abnormal/missing teeth and early dental disease, sensitive skin with blackheads/follicle infections and sunburn, kneecap laxity (patellar luxation), and inherited eye diseases including primary lens luxation (PLL) and some forms of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). If an eye becomes suddenly red, painful, squinty or cloudy, or vision changes appear, alert the medical team immediately—this can be an emergency; otherwise, note chronic hind‑limb skipping/lameness, recurrent skin issues/sunburn, or dental concerns for routine evaluation.
Front desk script: This breed has known risks for eye problems (PLL/PRA), loose kneecaps, skin sensitivity/blackheads, and early dental issues. If you’re seeing a sudden red or painful eye, squinting, or a rapid change in vision today, please tell me right away so the doctor can see your pet urgently. Otherwise, we can schedule a visit to review routine breed‑specific screenings recommended by breed clubs. I’ll note any ongoing knee, skin, or dental concerns for the veterinarian.
Chinese Cresteds are affectionate toy dogs that need modest daily exercise but high grooming attention: hairless skin is sensitive to sun and cold and can develop blackheads, and the breed (especially hairless) is prone to dental abnormalities and early periodontal disease, so plan regular dental check‑ins. They’re also predisposed to eye disease (primary lens luxation, PRA) and kneecap issues (patellar luxation). Call us immediately or go to a 24/7 ER for sudden eye redness, squinting, obvious eye pain, or a cloudy/blue eye; contact us the same day for new limping/bunny‑hopping, or significant sunburn/blistering of the skin.
Front desk script: Chinese Cresteds typically do best with routine dental care and skin protection, and we can review that at your next visit. They’re also a breed we watch closely for eye and kneecap issues—let’s schedule a baseline exam and set up a prevention plan. If you ever see a suddenly red, painful, or squinting eye, that’s an emergency—call us right away or head to the nearest ER. New limping or a skin burn should be seen the same day.
Chinese Cresteds—especially the Hairless variety—commonly prompt front‑desk contact for: skin issues from sun or irritation (sunburn, rashes, pimples/blackheads), temperature‑sensitivity questions; oral concerns (bad breath, loose/missing or retained teeth, broken teeth); frequent or excitement‑triggered coughing or “goose‑honk” sounds; intermittent hind‑leg “skipping” or lameness; and eye squinting/tearing or vision changes. Encourage scheduling when owners report dental odor/bleeding, repeated cough, mobility changes, or eye concerns. Escalate immediately to emergency for breathing distress (labored/rapid breathing, blue‑tinged gums, collapse) or severe/blistering sunburn; arrange same‑day care for sudden eye pain/redness/cloudiness, facial swelling, refusal to eat, or inability to bear weight.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Chinese Crested—many owners reach out for skin irritation/sun exposure concerns, dental problems, coughing, or brief hind‑leg “skips.” I can book a same‑day exam to check them and answer care questions. If you notice fast or struggling breathing, blue gums, collapse, or severe blistering burns, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now. For sudden eye pain/redness or your pet won’t bear weight, we’ll prioritize a same‑day slot.
Chinese Cresteds come in two coat types that change front-office planning: hairless (skin largely exposed with feathering) and powderpuff (full double coat). Hairless dogs need routine skin checks and owner counseling on sun-exposure risk and a skin-care plan; they are predisposed to clogged follicles/blackheads and may need dermatology referral if bumps recur or become infected. Powderpuffs mat easily and benefit from frequent brushing and regular professional grooming; book longer appointments if mats or coat maintenance are concerns. For either type, ask about recent sun exposure, skin sensitivity, and current grooming schedule; escalate if owners report painful, rapidly spreading redness, open or oozing sores, or blistering after sun—please alert the medical team for same-day assessment.
Front desk script: “Is your Chinese Crested hairless or powderpuff? That helps us plan grooming and appointment length.” “Hairless Cresteds can sunburn and often get skin bumps; we’ll note a skin check and the doctor can discuss a protection plan.” “Powderpuffs can mat—if you’re seeing tangles, we can book extra time or a groomer referral.” “If you’re seeing blisters, oozing sores, or fast-worsening redness, please tell me now so we can get you a same-day medical evaluation.”
Chinese Cresteds commonly call in for dental concerns (bad breath, loose/missing teeth), eye issues (red or painful eyes, cloudiness, tearing, suspected vision changes), skin problems in the hairless variety (sunburn, comedones/bumps, sores), and small-breed hindlimb skipping/lameness; ask if the dog is hairless or powderpuff and note age. Route routine bad breath/loose tooth concerns, chronic skin bumps, or intermittent mild lameness to a general exam. Escalate same-day for eye redness/squinting, sudden cloudiness, or vision change; escalate urgent/emergency for collapse, seizures, extreme weakness/tremors (toy-breed hypoglycemia risk), or extensive/blistering/oozing sunburn. Document any photosensitivity/sun exposure, eye signs, or non–weight-bearing pain in the intake note and flag for the clinician.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Chinese Crested—are they hairless or powderpuff, and how old are they? For bad breath/loose teeth, chronic skin bumps, or a mild intermittent limp, I can book a general exam. If you’re seeing a red, squinting, or suddenly cloudy eye or a change in vision, we should see your pet today; if we can’t accommodate promptly, please go to the nearest emergency hospital. If there’s collapse, seizures, extreme weakness/tremors, or blistering/oozing sunburn, this is an emergency—go to the nearest ER now while we alert the team.
Puppies (0–12 months): schedule core vaccine/parasite visits and early check-ins for knees (patellar luxation), eyes, skin/sun exposure, and dental development—hairless varieties often have atypical/missing teeth. Adults (1–7 years): book annual wellness with dental assessments/cleaning as the vet advises, plus routine skin checks and an ophthalmologist screening (CAER) since the breed is at risk for inherited eye disease (e.g., primary lens luxation, PRA); confirm breeder test results if available. Seniors (8+ years): plan semiannual wellness to monitor mobility, heart, eyes, and ongoing dental needs; ask about any new squinting, cloudiness, or behavior changes. Escalate immediately for a suddenly red, painful, or squinting eye or noted vision loss, as lens luxation/glaucoma can be an emergency.
Front desk script: For a Chinese Crested puppy, we’ll set up the vaccine series and brief checks on knees, eyes, skin care, and early dental questions. For adults, we recommend yearly wellness with dental evaluation and a screening eye exam; for seniors, visits every 6 months help us track eyes, mobility, heart, and teeth. If you notice a suddenly red or painful eye, squinting, or vision changes, please come in right away or go to the nearest emergency clinic.
For Chinese Cresteds—especially the hairless variety—set expectations around sensitive skin (sun/cold) and fragile dentition: ask about sun exposure, temperature management and clothing, skin-care products used, and any prior dental work; let owners know the veterinarian will focus on skin and oral health during routine exams and may recommend ongoing monitoring. Triage guidance: book same-day if callers report painful/red or blistering skin, new eye squinting/redness, or mouth pain limiting eating. Use explicit escalation if they report emergency signs (trouble breathing, collapse/unresponsiveness, seizures, major bleeding, or pale/blue gums): advise, “Please come in immediately; if we’re closed, go to the nearest emergency clinic.”
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Chinese Crested—this breed often has sensitive skin and teeth, so I’ll note those and schedule a visit that gives the doctor time to review skin and dental concerns. If you’re seeing red or blistering skin, a suddenly painful eye (squinting/red), or your pet can’t eat due to mouth pain, we should see you today. Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, major bleeding, or pale/blue gums are emergencies—please come in now, or go to the nearest emergency clinic if we’re closed. Otherwise, let’s book the next available exam, and please bring any skin or dental products you’re using.
Chinese Cresteds need front-loaded preventive care: hairless varieties have ectodermal traits linked to missing/fragile teeth and early periodontal buildup—schedule an early dental check by 6 months and frequent dental rechecks thereafter. Hairless skin is sun‑sensitive; add UV/sun‑exposure counseling and routine skin/lesion checks to wellness visits. Eyes: this breed is predisposed to primary lens luxation and dry eye—book annual eye screening from young adulthood and escalate immediately for a suddenly red, squinting, or painful eye. Orthopedics: toy-breed patellar luxation is common and some young dogs develop Legg‑Calvé‑Perthes—ensure patella/hip checks at each wellness visit and prompt evaluation for new hind‑limb limping.
Front desk script: For Chinese Cresteds, we prioritize early dental care and skin/UV counseling, and we recheck teeth and skin at each visit. They’re also predisposed to eye issues (like lens luxation/dry eye) and trick knees, so we schedule annual eye and kneecap screenings. If you notice a suddenly red or painful eye, or your dog won’t use a hind leg, please contact us immediately—we should see them today. Would you like me to set up their wellness, dental, and screening appointments now?
Affectionate, people‑oriented toy breed that can be timid with strangers—greet calmly, allow the owner nearby, and use gentle, low‑stress handling. Hairless variety has delicate, sun‑sensitive skin; seat in a warm/quiet room and use soft towels (avoid abrasive/harsh wipes on exposed skin). Common history points: fragile/missing teeth in hairless dogs and eye issues; ask about prior dental care and skin routines. Small‑breed knee problems (patellar luxation) occur—if the client reports sudden non‑weight‑bearing hind‑limb lameness, repeated “skipping,” severe sunburn/blistering or oozing skin, or eye pain/squinting, escalate for same‑day veterinarian assessment.
Front desk script: “Chinese Cresteds tend to be very people‑attached and skin‑sensitive. We’ll get you into a quiet room and use a soft towel so your pup is comfortable. Any recent skin flare‑ups, sun exposure issues, eye squinting, limping, or dental concerns we should note today? If you’re seeing sudden non‑weight‑bearing lameness, severe skin redness/blistering, or obvious eye pain, I’ll alert the medical team for a same‑day evaluation.”
Chinese Crested (especially the hairless variety) commonly need sun and temperature protection and routine skin and dental follow-up; hairless dogs often have ectodermal (skin/teeth) differences that predispose to sunburn, comedones, and early periodontal disease, while the breed also has toy-breed orthopedic (e.g., Legg–Calvé–Perthes, patellar luxation) and ocular risks (lens/retinal problems). For intake, document any existing skin irritation/sunburn, dental abnormalities (missing/retained teeth), hind‑limb ‘skipping’ or lameness, and eye signs (squinting, cloudiness). Counsel adopters to avoid human sunscreens containing zinc oxide and discuss pet‑safe options with their veterinarian. Escalate immediately for severe sunburn with blistering/deep redness, acute eye pain/squinting with cloudiness or sudden vision change, or rapid worsening lameness—these warrant same‑day or emergency care.
Front desk script: This breed often needs careful skin and dental oversight—please plan for sun/cold protection and early wellness/dental checks. Avoid using human sunscreen (many contain zinc oxide, which is unsafe if licked); your veterinarian can recommend pet‑safe options. If you notice severe sunburn (blisters), eye squinting with cloudiness or sudden vision changes, or sudden inability to bear weight, seek emergency care now; for milder concerns, call us for a same‑day appointment. Please bring all shelter records to the first visit.
Chinese Cresteds are affectionate, people‑oriented toy dogs that often prefer staying close to their person and may become anxious with separation; most are friendly but can be sensitive to handling and temperature, especially the hairless variety. For check‑in and waiting, seat away from large or boisterous dogs, allow waiting on the owner’s lap or in a carrier, and avoid cold drafts; offer a towel/blanket and allow sweaters to remain on. Handle slowly and gently with full body support and a non‑slip surface; note if hairless (skin is delicate) vs. powderpuff. Handoff notes to the clinical team should include observed anxiety level, noise sensitivity, skin/hairless status and clothing, and whether treats or owner presence help. If the client reports sudden weakness, trembling, collapse, seizures, or a very young/toy‑breed puppy that hasn’t eaten and is markedly lethargic, alert the medical team immediately and fast‑track to triage.
Front desk script: Hi [Pet Name]! Chinese Cresteds often feel safest close to their person—would you like to keep [him/her] on your lap or in a carrier while we seat you away from bigger dogs? If [Pet Name] seems chilly, you can keep the sweater on; we can provide a towel or warm spot away from drafts. Please tell me right away if you notice sudden weakness, shaking, collapse, or any seizure‑like activity so we can alert the medical team immediately.
Chinese Crested (toy, often hairless) should be escalated same-day or to emergency care for any of the following: breathing distress (rapid/labored/open‑mouth breathing, blue or pale gums), collapse, seizures or repeated tremors (toy‑breed hypoglycemia risk), sudden extreme lethargy/weakness, suspected toxin exposure or ingestion, heatstroke signs (heavy panting, confusion, vomiting/diarrhea, collapse), acute eye pain or an eye held closed/red/cloudy or with discharge (vision threat), facial swelling/hives after a sting, vaccine, or medication (possible anaphylaxis), repeated vomiting or bloody/watery diarrhea, inability/straining to urinate or defecate, or any severe pain—immediately alert a clinician and direct the client for urgent arrival or ER transfer.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this is an emergency for a Chinese Crested and we need to escalate to a clinician now. Please come in immediately; if you cannot arrive promptly, proceed to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital. If a possible toxin is involved, bring the product or packaging. I’m notifying the medical team to be ready on your arrival.