Curly‑Coated Retrievers are intelligent, high‑energy gundogs that can be reserved or slow to warm with unfamiliar people, so calm, low‑key greetings and shorter waits away from crowded lobbies can reduce stress. In-clinic triggers include unfamiliar handling and tight restraint; ask owners about touch sensitivities (ears/feet) and preferred handling, and allow the dog to stay near the owner when possible. Their strong retrieve/carry instinct means they may latch onto leashes or objects—avoid tugging items from their mouth and swap distractions only if needed. Escalate immediately if an owner reports non‑productive retching or a tight, swollen abdomen (large, deep‑chested breed risk for GDV), sudden collapse, or extreme, unrelenting agitation—alert the medical team at once.
Front desk script: “Curlies can be a bit reserved with new people. We’ll keep greetings calm and can check you in from a quieter area or your car if that helps. Please tell me if your dog has handling preferences so we can note them. If you’ve seen gagging without vomit or a suddenly tight belly today, please let me know right now so our medical team can assess immediately.”
Curly‑Coated Retrievers are generally healthy but have known predispositions your team should watch for: life‑threatening gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat) in deep‑chested dogs; inherited joint disease (hip/elbow dysplasia) and eye issues (cataracts, distichiasis, progressive retinal atrophy); exercise‑induced collapse after intense activity; a rare, breed‑linked glycogen storage disease (type IIIa); and increased risk for certain cancers noted in the breed community. If an owner reports a tight/swollen abdomen, repeated unproductive retching, sudden restlessness, collapse, or pale gums, treat as an emergency and direct them to the nearest 24/7 veterinary ER immediately.
Front desk script: This breed can be prone to bloat (a surgical emergency), some inherited eye and joint conditions, exercise‑induced collapse, and a rare liver/muscle glycogen disorder. If you’re seeing a swollen belly with unproductive retching or sudden collapse, this is an emergency—please proceed to the nearest veterinary ER now and we will alert them. For non‑emergency concerns like limping, vision changes, or collapse after heavy exercise that resolved, we recommend a prompt appointment; we’ll also note any prior genetic/eye/hip screenings you have. Let us know when symptoms started and any recent strenuous activity or meals.
Curly‑Coated Retrievers are large, athletic, water‑loving retrievers (about 23–27 inches tall and 60–95 lb) that thrive on daily vigorous exercise and mental work. Their single coat of tight curls is low‑maintenance—occasional bathing and light tidying are typical; heavy brushing can frizz the curls—and they shed seasonally. Temperament is loyal with family and somewhat independent/aloof with strangers; early socialization helps. Common vet topics owners ask about include screening for hip/eye issues, managing floppy‑ear care for frequent swimmers, and awareness of bloat (GDV) risk in deep‑chested breeds. Urgent red flags: a suddenly swollen/firm belly, unproductive retching, drooling, restlessness, or collapse—this is an emergency; go to an ER immediately.
Front desk script: They’re active retrievers with a wash‑and‑go curly coat and do best with daily vigorous exercise like long walks, fetch, or swimming. They’re devoted to family but may be reserved with new people, so early training/socialization is helpful. Please have the doctor review routine hip/eye screening and discuss bloat awareness for deep‑chested breeds. If an owner reports a tight, swollen abdomen with dry heaving or sudden distress, advise immediate ER care.
Front-desk teams most often hear from Curly-Coated Retriever owners about: ear discomfort after swimming (head shaking, odor), seasonal itchy skin or “hot spots,” new or changing lumps felt under the dense curls, stiffness or limping after vigorous activity, and eye redness/squinting. Because this large, deep‑chested breed is at risk for bloat (GDV), any call mentioning a tight or swollen abdomen, repeated unproductive retching, marked restlessness, pale gums, weakness, or collapse should be escalated as an emergency immediately.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Curly‑Coated Retriever. We commonly see this breed for ear issues after swimming, itchy skin patches, new lumps, limping after activity, or eye irritation. Before I schedule you, is your dog retching without bringing anything up, has a tight/swollen belly, is very restless or weak, or has collapsed? If yes, this may be an emergency—please proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital now; if not, I can reserve the next available appointment and note your concerns.
Curly‑Coated Retrievers have a tight, water‑resistant curly coat that is low‑maintenance but reacts poorly to dry brushing or high‑heat drying, which can frizz curls; routine care usually means occasional baths and light tidy trims, with heavier shedding once or twice a year (often more in females), when a de‑shed/bath slot may be helpful. Because many Curlies love water, flag ear concerns after swims—head shaking, ear redness/odor, or discharge—and note that this breed can show non‑itchy patchy hair thinning from follicular issues. Escalate if you see sudden painful, oozing skin sores (possible “hot spots”) or marked ear discomfort: advise a same‑day veterinary exam.
Front desk script: This breed’s tight curls need minimal brushing—over‑brushing can frizz the coat. We can book an occasional bath/trim and schedule a longer de‑shed visit during their seasonal coat drop. If you notice ear odor, redness, head shaking, or any painful, oozing skin spot, please call us right away so we can arrange a same‑day veterinary exam.
Large, deep-chested Curly-Coated Retrievers warrant GDV screening in every call: sudden bloated or painful abdomen, nonproductive retching/drooling, restlessness, collapse, or pale gums = emergency referral now. Route wellness/vaccines and routine skin/ear questions to standard exams; prioritize same-week for new or changing lumps or unexplained weight loss (breed has reported cancer predispositions), and persistent lameness. Book same-day for acute non–weight-bearing lameness, red/painful eye, collapse/exertional weakness, or rapidly enlarging/bleeding mass. Ask about prior orthopedic/eye issues and any breed-relevant testing (hips, eyes, cardiac, EIC, GSD IIIa) and request records. Note some Curlies can be aloof with strangers—offer low-stress handling options and quieter time slots.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Curly-Coated Retriever. Is their belly suddenly swollen, are they trying to vomit without bringing anything up, or do they seem very weak or collapse? If yes to any, this is an emergency—please go to the nearest ER immediately while I share the address. If not, I can book you now; for a new or fast-growing lump, a red/painful eye, or a sudden non–weight-bearing limp, we’ll prioritize a same-day or next-day visit.
Puppies: schedule wellness/booster visits every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks; common questions include socialization, training, growth, and parent‑club DNA screens (EIC, PRA-crd4/cord1, GSD IIIa) and when baseline eye/orthopedic checks are discussed. Adults: book wellness every 6–12 months; owners often ask about activity/weight, dental cleanings, and breed‑specific screening (hips/elbows, eyes, cardiac) per breeder/club guidance. Seniors: plan at least every 6 months; expect questions about mobility, new lumps, vision/hearing changes, and quality‑of‑life planning. Because Curlies are deep‑chested, remind owners of bloat (GDV) red flags—sudden abdominal distension, nonproductive retching, restlessness, hypersalivation—and direct them to emergency care immediately if reported. ([aaha.org](https://www.aaha.org/resources/life-stage-canine-2019/life-stage-checklist/?utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: For Curly-Coated Retriever puppies, we’ll see you every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks to complete vaccines and cover training, growth, and any recommended breed DNA tests. As adults, we schedule wellness visits every 6–12 months and note any breed‑specific screening your doctor recommends. For seniors, we plan checkups every 6 months to watch mobility, lumps, and vision changes. If you ever see a tight/swollen belly with unproductive retching or sudden restlessness/drooling, that can be bloat—this is an emergency; please go to the nearest 24/7 ER now and we can call ahead.
Curly‑Coated Retrievers are high‑energy, deep‑chested gundogs that can be reserved with strangers; at check‑in, use calm greetings, offer a quieter waiting area if available, and ask about activity/swimming (floppy ears plus frequent water time can mean ear trouble). Set expectations that the coat is low‑maintenance and shedding can seasonally increase. Proactively screen for owner‑reported red flags: head shaking, ear odor, or ear discomfort (aim for same‑day scheduling), and urgent bloat signs—non‑productive retching, sudden firm/bloated abdomen, restlessness, excessive drooling, pale gums, weakness/collapse—which require immediate emergency referral (“go to the nearest ER now; call us on the way”).
Front desk script: “Curlies can be a bit aloof with new people, so we’ll keep greetings calm—would a quieter spot help while you wait?” “Because they often swim and have floppy ears, have you noticed any head‑shaking, odor, or ear discomfort? If yes, we’ll try to see you today.” “If you ever see trying to vomit but nothing comes up, a suddenly tight or swollen belly, heavy drooling, or severe restlessness, please head straight to the nearest emergency hospital and call us en route—those are bloat signs.”
Curly-Coated Retrievers are deep‑chested and at increased risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat); if an owner reports a tight/swollen belly with repeated unproductive retching, restlessness, or drooling, instruct them to go to the nearest ER immediately. For wellness planning, flag charts to review breed‑related screening and history: hips/elbows (dysplasia), eyes (cataracts/PRA), and whether DNA results are available for Glycogen Storage Disease type IIIa and Exercise‑Induced Collapse—note “unknown” results for the doctor to address. Encourage prompt scheduling for new or rapidly growing lumps, persistent limping, or behavior changes; same‑day if any collapse or overheating after exercise.
Front desk script: Because Curlies can bloat, if you ever see a swollen, tight belly with gagging/retching and drooling, please go straight to the nearest emergency hospital now—call us on the way and we’ll alert the doctor. At your next visit I’ll note for the veterinarian to review hip/elbow and eye screening and confirm any DNA testing for GSD IIIa/EIC. If you notice new lumps, ongoing limping, or any collapse after exercise, we’ll book a same‑day appointment.
Confident, intelligent, high‑energy retriever that can be reserved/aloof with unfamiliar people; use a calm, businesslike approach and give a moment to warm up before touching. Expect strong fetch/swim drive and a single, tight‑curl coat (owners may mention minimal brushing and seasonal sheds); floppy ears plus frequent swimming can mean ear sensitivity. For lobby handling, keep greetings low‑key, allow space, and seat in a quieter area if crowded; use secure leash control. What matters most: as a large, deep‑chested breed, they have elevated bloat (GDV) risk—if a caller reports sudden unproductive retching, a tight/swollen belly, restlessness, or collapse, treat as an emergency, advise immediate ER, and alert the medical team.
Front desk script: “Curlies are very smart and active, and some prefer a quiet greeting—we’ll let your dog come to us and keep things calm. If you ever notice sudden retching without bringing anything up or a tight, swollen belly, please tell us immediately—those can be emergency signs in deep‑chested breeds. Today, would you prefer a quieter seating area? Also, has your dog ever had stomach ‘tacking’ (gastropexy) or any ear issues after swimming?”
Active, independent retrievers that can be reserved with new people, Curly-Coated Retrievers often show best in shelters with calm, low‑pressure handling, ample daily exercise, and puzzle‑based enrichment to reduce kennel stress. Their tight, water‑resistant curls shed seasonally; avoid shaving, and flag any unusual or sudden coat thinning for routine veterinary review. For intake/placement, request and record any prior OFA/CHIC health testing (hips/elbows, annual ophthalmology exam, and breed‑club DNA tests such as glycogen storage disease type III, EIC, and CORD1‑PRA) and any past history of bloat. As a large, deep‑chested breed they are at risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (GDV): if staff observe a rapidly enlarging abdomen, repeated unproductive retching, excessive drooling, weakness/collapse, or pale gums, treat this as an emergency and route the dog to a 24/7 ER immediately.
Front desk script: Thanks for adopting a Curly-Coated Retriever—these athletic working dogs usually settle best with daily physical activity and brain games. If you see a tight, swollen belly with repeated retching and no vomit, heavy drooling, sudden weakness, or pale gums, this is an emergency—go straight to a 24/7 veterinary ER and call us on the way. If you have prior records, please share any OFA/CHIC hip/elbow, eye, or breed DNA test results so we can update the file.
Curly‑Coated Retrievers are intelligent, high‑energy working dogs that bond closely with family but may be reserved or aloof with unfamiliar people; use a slow, low‑key approach and let the dog initiate contact. At check‑in, confirm a secure leash/harness and ask about comfort with strangers/dogs and any handling notes (e.g., prefers minimal head/ear touch, prior muzzle use). For waiting room flow, avoid on‑leash greetings, seat in a quieter area or offer car/direct‑to‑room check‑in, and use owner‑approved high‑value treats to reduce stress. Watch for escalating stress signals—lip licking, yawning, gazing away/“whale eye,” tucked tail/low posture, trembling, freezing, excessive panting or vocalizing—and reduce stimulation and hand off promptly. If collapse, repeated non‑productive retching/visible abdominal distension, or extreme heat distress are reported or observed, alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: “Hi! Curlies can be a bit reserved with new people, so we’ll keep greetings calm and let [Pet Name] come to us—may we offer a treat?” “Please keep the leash snug; we’ll seat you in a quieter spot, or we can check you in from the car or take you straight to a room if that’s easier.” “If you notice heavy panting that doesn’t settle, trembling/freezing, or repeated retching, please tell me right away so I can alert our medical team.”
Curly‑Coated Retrievers are large, deep‑chested dogs; immediately escalate if a caller reports signs consistent with bloat/GDV (sudden non‑productive retching, drooling, restlessness, rapidly enlarging or painful belly, pale gums, weakness/collapse), heatstroke (excessive panting/drooling with confusion, vomiting/diarrhea, tremors, collapse, or seizures), or seizures lasting >5 minutes or multiple seizures within 24 hours; sudden collapse with very pale gums or a firm, distended abdomen also warrants emergency evaluation. If any of these are reported, treat as an emergency and direct the owner to come in now or proceed to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing in your Curly‑Coated Retriever, this could be an emergency. Please bring your dog to our clinic immediately; if you cannot arrive promptly or it’s after hours, go to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital now. Do not wait for symptoms to improve. I’m alerting the clinician so we’re ready on arrival.