Alert, athletic sighthounds with strong chase instincts, Cirnechi may fixate on small pets or fast movement and can jump or dig to reach them—seat away from cats/pocket pets and secure doors/double‑leash. Many dislike feet being handled, which can raise stress during check‑in; ask owners about handling preferences before touching paws or moving to an exam table. They are people‑oriented yet independent, so calm, brief handling and clear space cues help. With thin coats they can be sensitive to cold A/C or hard floors—offer a blanket or mat if they shiver or curl tightly. If arrival signs include collapse, disorientation, or relentless open‑mouth panting, alert the medical team immediately—treat as an emergency.
Front desk script: We know Cirnechi can be quick and very focused on small animals, so we’ll seat you in a quieter area and keep two points of control at doors. Are there handling preferences we should note—such as avoiding feet being touched or staying on the floor instead of the table? We’ll provide a mat or blanket if they seem cold or uncomfortable. If your dog arrives suddenly weak, disoriented, or panting hard and can’t settle, please tell us right away so a doctor can see them immediately.
Cirneco dell’Etna are generally robust with few documented inherited issues; the U.S. parent club and AKC list no breed‑specific screening tests. As a sighthound‑type, flag anesthesia/sedation in advance—this group can process certain anesthetics differently and benefits from tailored monitoring. Because they are fast, agile runners, be alert for sudden toe/leg lameness after hard exercise; if a Cirneco is acutely non‑weight‑bearing, swollen, or painful, advise a same‑day exam and restrict activity until seen.
Front desk script: This breed is considered healthy overall, and the AKC/parent club currently lists no required breed‑specific health tests. Please note that Cirnechi are sighthounds—tell the medical team ahead of any sedation or anesthesia so they can use breed‑appropriate protocols. If a Cirneco has sudden, significant limping or won’t put weight on a limb after running, we recommend scheduling a same‑day evaluation. If the pet seems in severe distress or the limb looks deformed, we will direct you to emergency care.
Cirneco dell’Etna (cheer-NECK-oh) is a medium, lean Sicilian sighthound—typically 17–20 inches tall—built for speed and agility; expect an affectionate but independent dog that needs about an hour of daily exercise, secure fencing/leash (high prey drive), and gentle, reward-based training; grooming is minimal (weekly brush, routine nail/ear care) and shedding is light to moderate; generally considered a healthy, hardy breed with routine preventive care needs and no widely documented breed‑specific issues—ask breeders about health screening (e.g., OFA/CHIC); lifespan commonly extends beyond 10 years; thin coat means many do best with a sweater in cold weather; if you see signs of heat stress (excessive panting, drooling, pale/blue gums, collapse), repeated unproductive retching with a swollen belly, severe breathing trouble, or an eye injury after running, call us now or go to the ER.
Front desk script: They’re a medium, athletic hound that thrives on about an hour of daily exercise and a secure yard; grooming is easy—weekly brush and routine nail/ear care. Most are healthy; we recommend regular wellness visits and asking breeders about OFA/CHIC health screenings on the parents. If you notice collapse, trouble breathing, or signs of heat stress (very heavy panting, pale/blue gums), or repeated gagging/retching with a tight, swollen belly, please call us immediately or head to the emergency hospital.
Cirneco dell’Etna owners most often contact the front desk for active-dog issues (torn/broken nails, pad scrapes, sudden limping after sprinting), grass‑awn/foxtail exposure with head‑shaking or sneezing (ears, nose, paws), routine preventive needs (vaccines/parasites, travel documents), gastrointestinal upset calls, and pre‑procedure questions about anesthesia common to sighthounds. Escalate immediately if the caller reports non‑productive retching, a tight or enlarging abdomen, pale gums, collapse/weakness, or severe distress—these can be signs of bloat and are an emergency.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—Cirnechi are athletic sighthounds, so we frequently see torn nails/pad injuries, foxtails in ears or paws, GI upset, and anesthesia questions before dentals or surgeries. If you’re seeing non-productive retching, a swollen/tight belly, pale gums, collapse, or intense distress, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now; we can call ahead for you. For limping, torn nails, or suspected foxtails, we recommend a same‑day nurse triage or the next available exam.
Short, sleek single coat with minimal shedding; most Cirneci do well with a weekly rubber mitt or soft-bristle brush and occasional baths. Erect ears have little hair but should be checked routinely; nails need regular trims. Thin coat and bony frame mean poor cold tolerance and a need for soft bedding; routine salon services are typically limited to bath/ears/nails rather than haircuts. Short, thin haircoats can sunburn (ear tips, nose bridge, belly/groin)—ask the veterinarian about sun protection if the dog spends time outdoors. Escalate scheduling if the owner reports red, painful, smelly ears, head-shaking, or discharge (book a same-day exam); if there is sudden facial swelling, hives, vomiting, or trouble breathing after a sting/vaccine, direct to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: This breed’s short, low-shedding coat is easy-care—most owners just do a weekly brush. We can book bath/ear/nail appointments; no breed-specific haircut is needed. If you’re noticing red, smelly, or painful ears or head-shaking, let’s schedule a same-day doctor visit. Sudden facial swelling, hives, or breathing trouble is an emergency—please go to the nearest ER now.
Cirneco dell’Etna are active, generally healthy sighthounds; on intake, ask about any residence or travel to Mediterranean regions (e.g., Italy/Sicily) or sandfly exposure because imported/traveled dogs can carry Leishmania—flag same‑day if the caller reports weight loss, nonhealing skin lesions, nosebleeds, eye changes, enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, or increased drinking/urination. For any procedure needing sedation/anesthesia (dentals, spay/neuter, imaging), route as a pre‑anesthesia consult and note “sighthound—anesthetic planning”; request prior anesthesia/sedation records and any past reactions. For acute sport/zoom-related limping or toenail/foot injuries, schedule urgent/same‑day if non‑weight‑bearing or persistent pain; direct immediately to ER if the pet is unable to stand/walk, there is an obvious fracture, or major trauma is reported.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Cirneco dell’Etna. Has your dog lived in or traveled to Mediterranean areas (like Italy/Sicily) or had possible sandfly exposure? If you’re noticing weight loss, skin sores, nosebleeds, eye changes, enlarged nodes, or increased drinking/urination, we’ll book a same‑day doctor visit and note possible leishmaniasis risk. If you’re scheduling a dental or other sedated procedure, I’ll route you to a pre‑anesthesia consult and request any past anesthesia records; if your dog won’t put weight on a leg or had major trauma, we should see you today or refer to emergency if unable to stand/walk or there’s an obvious fracture.
Cirneco dell’Etna lifecycle scheduling is similar to other medium sighthounds: book puppy wellness every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks for vaccine series, parasite prevention setup, microchip confirmation, and socialization guidance; remind families to secure yards and supervise due to strong chase instincts. Transition to adult care with annual wellness, prevention refills, weight/dental checks, and discuss timing for elective procedures or sports clearance (lure coursing/athletics). From roughly 8 years on, shift to senior care with twice‑yearly exams and screening labs per clinician protocol and note that any planned anesthesia or sedation should be flagged so the doctor can tailor protocols. Escalate immediately if owners report non‑productive retching, a tight/distended abdomen, collapse, or pale gums—these can indicate bloat/GDV and require emergency care now.
Front desk script: For Cirneco puppies, we schedule quick visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks—would you like me to book the full series today? As an adult, we’ll see your dog yearly for wellness and prevention; for seniors (around 8+ years), we recommend twice‑yearly checkups with screening labs. If you ever see unproductive retching, a swollen belly, collapse, or pale gums, go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way. Also, please mention any upcoming procedures needing anesthesia so our doctor can plan appropriately.
Cirneco dell’Etna clients respond well to calm, clear expectations: ask them to arrive with a non‑retractable leash and keep their dog close in the lobby; offer quick rooming if the dog is alert to small pets or noise; preview that, as a lean sighthound, the team may ask extra questions before any procedure that could involve sedation and to share any prior anesthetic reactions; invite owners to bring high‑value treats or a favorite toy to help focus during handling; and proactively confirm how to reach your clinic after hours and which ER to use if severe breathing trouble, repeated unproductive retching with a tight/swollen belly, collapse, or heat distress occur.
Front desk script: “Thanks for choosing us for your Cirneco dell’Etna. For everyone’s comfort, please use a non‑retractable leash and keep them close; if they’re amped up around small pets or noise, we can room you right away.” “If any procedure today could involve sedation, please tell me about any past anesthesia or unusual reactions—sighthounds can have special considerations and our medical team will tailor the plan.” “If before your visit you notice severe breathing trouble, repeated unproductive retching with a swollen belly, collapse, or heat distress, go straight to the nearest emergency hospital and call us on the way.”
Generally robust, but as lean sighthounds and high‑speed athletes, Cirnechi benefit from a few front‑desk watchouts: flag “sighthound” in the chart and alert the doctor before any sedation, dentistry, or imaging so anesthesia and temperature monitoring can be tailored; keep year‑round heartworm, flea, and tick prevention and verify vaccines per AAHA (rabies, DA2PP, and leptospirosis are core; Lyme/Bordetella/CIV are risk‑based); book an annual oral exam/cleaning discussion to maintain dental health; advise owners to check feet/nails after runs and to call the clinic the same day for sudden limping—if the dog won’t bear weight, has marked swelling, or bleeding after activity, direct them to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.
Front desk script: I’ll note that your Cirneco is a sighthound so our doctor can tailor any sedation or anesthesia for procedures like dentals or imaging. We also keep these athletes on year‑round heartworm, flea, and tick prevention and make sure vaccines (including leptospirosis) are current; we’ll review that at check‑in. Please schedule an annual dental wellness visit, and if you ever see sudden limping after running, call us right away—if your dog won’t use the leg or there’s significant swelling or bleeding, go to the nearest emergency hospital now.
Alert, gentle, and affectionate but independent sighthound with a strong chase drive; may be polite yet reserved with strangers. In the lobby, prioritize security and calm: use a fixed short leash (no retractables), manage doors, seat away from cats or small pets, and move to a quiet room when possible. For handling, use low-stress, minimal restraint and let the dog approach first; soft treats and calm voices work best. Flag the case to the clinician if sedation/anesthesia is anticipated (sighthounds can have anesthetic idiosyncrasies), and avoid heat build‑up during waits; provide water on warm days.
Front desk script: “Cirnecos are alert sighthounds with a strong chase instinct, so we’ll bring you straight to a quieter space and keep a secure, non‑retractable leash on at all times. We’ll use light, reward‑based handling and let [Pet Name] come to us. If today may involve sedation or anesthesia, I’ll note that for the doctor. If [Pet Name] ever collapses, seems severely overheated, or is in sudden distress, proceed to the nearest emergency hospital and call us on the way.”
Cirneco dell’Etna are lean, athletic sighthounds with strong chase/prey drive—treat as potential flight risks at intake and placement (secure leash/harness, no off‑leash outside fenced areas). Note “sighthound” prominently in the record before any sedation/anesthesia, as this group can metabolize certain agents differently and is prone to peri‑anesthetic hypothermia (the veterinarian will select protocols). They are short‑coated and can be sensitive to cold; provide warm bedding and limit exposure in freezing weather. Watch for heat stress in hot/humid conditions during transport or exercise; excessive panting, thick drool, disorientation, collapse, or seizures warrant immediate emergency referral. The AKC parent‑club currently lists no specific breed health test requirements for Cirneco dell’Etna; routine wellness and case‑by‑case screening should follow the veterinarian’s intake exam. Royal Kennel Club notes their keen hunting tendency (hunts by scent, sight, and hearing), reinforcing secure handling and small‑pet introductions with care.
Front desk script: This breed is a high‑energy sighthound with a strong chase instinct, so we’ll use secure handling and advise leashed/outdoor control at all times unless fully fenced. I’ll flag “sighthound” in the medical record so our veterinarians account for breed‑specific anesthesia considerations before any procedure. Please avoid heat exposure and call immediately if you notice extreme panting, heavy drool, confusion, or collapse—if that occurs, proceed straight to the nearest emergency hospital. In cold weather, limit time outdoors and provide a coat and warm bedding.
Cirneco dell’Etna are alert, independent sighthounds that are gentle and affectionate with their people but may be reserved with strangers; they are fast with strong chase instincts, so treat them as door‑dart risks at arrival and checkout. Seat in a quiet area away from cats and small pets, confirm a secure non‑retractable leash/collar fit, and offer a calm, low‑stimulus path straight to an exam room when possible. Use minimal, low‑stress handling and let the dog approach staff; note any triggers (strangers, noise, other dogs) and whether the pet is muzzle‑trained. If you observe escalating fear/flight signals (repeated attempts to bolt, hard stare, growling), call for a technician immediately; if there’s heat distress, collapse, or self‑injury during an escape attempt, treat as an emergency and alert the medical team at once.
Front desk script: Hi! Cirnechi are quick, alert hounds—let’s keep a short, secure leash and I’ll seat you in a quieter spot or take you straight to a room. Are there any triggers we should avoid, and is your dog comfortable with treats or a muzzle if needed? If they start to get very anxious or try to bolt, I’ll bring a technician right away to help keep everyone safe.
Cirneco dell’Etna (active sighthound): Treat these as emergency triggers and escalate immediately—non-productive retching, a tight or painful abdomen, restlessness or sudden collapse (possible bloat/GDV—send to ER now); sustained breathing distress such as open‑mouth breathing at rest, blue or pale gums, noisy breathing, or head/neck extended; heat-related signs after exertion or hot weather (excessive panting, drooling, weakness/collapse); any known or suspected toxin exposure/ingestion (call ASPCA APCC 888-426-4435 while directing to ER); active seizure now, repeated seizures, or a seizure lasting more than a few minutes; severe trauma, penetrating wounds, eye injuries, or unexplained collapse—advise immediate transport to a veterinary ER.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this is an emergency and your Cirneco needs to be seen now. Please proceed to the nearest 24/7 veterinary ER; I can call ahead to alert the team. If a toxin may be involved, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 while you’re en route and bring any packaging you have.