English Setters are gentle, people-oriented gundogs with a “soft” temperament—calm voices and slow, positive handling usually work best. They’re highly scent- and bird-focused and can seem “distracted” outdoors or in busy lobbies; note any triggers like birds/squirrels near entrances. Congenital hearing loss is overrepresented in this breed, so an English Setter that seems unresponsive may not be “stubborn”; ask about known deafness and approach from the front/use visual cues. Their long, pendulous ears can make ear handling uncomfortable when irritated, which may look like head-shyness. As a deep‑chested setter, they share the group’s risk for life‑threatening bloat (GDV)—if an owner mentions non‑productive retching, a tight/bloated belly, pallor, collapse, or extreme restlessness after a meal, treat that as an emergency and alert a veterinarian immediately.
Front desk script: English Setters are usually very sweet and sensitive. Are there handling preferences we should note—quiet room, slow approach, or hearing loss we should accommodate? Any ear sensitivity today or triggers (birds/squirrels) we should avoid near the entrance? If you’re seeing unproductive retching with a swollen, tight belly or sudden collapse, please come in immediately or go to the nearest ER—we’ll alert the doctor now.
English Setters have several recognized breed‑linked risks: congenital sensorineural deafness tied to their white/piebald coat pattern (their parent club requires BAER hearing screening); orthopedic disease (hip and elbow dysplasia); autoimmune thyroiditis/hypothyroidism markers are over‑represented in the breed; and a rare but severe juvenile neurologic condition, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN8‑NCL). Their long, pendulous ears can trap moisture and debris, predisposing to ear infections. Like many large, deep‑chested breeds, they can also develop bloat (GDV). Escalate immediately to emergency care if an owner reports nonproductive retching, sudden abdominal swelling, restlessness/collapse; escalate same day if a young Setter shows sudden stumbling, disorientation, or vision loss.
Front desk script: English Setters are generally healthy, but we watch for breed‑linked risks: deafness, hip/elbow dysplasia, thyroid disease, and a rare juvenile neurologic disorder (NCL). The parent club recommends screening for hips, elbows, thyroid, and BAER hearing. If you notice unproductive retching or a rapidly bloating belly, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now; if a young Setter suddenly stumbles or shows vision/behavior changes, we’ll arrange a same‑day appointment.
English Setters are medium–large, gentle, high‑energy dogs that thrive with daily vigorous exercise and positive training; they shed year‑round and need frequent brushing plus routine ear checks because of their long, pendulous ears. Common breed concerns include congenital deafness, ear infections, hip/elbow dysplasia, and hypothyroidism; responsible breeders often use OFA/CHIC screening (hips, elbows, thyroid, and BAER hearing test). Average lifespan is about 12 years. Call same day for persistent ear odor, head‑shaking, or itchy skin. Go to an emergency hospital immediately for sudden non‑productive retching, a tight/bloated belly, pale gums, collapse, or extreme restlessness.
Front desk script: They’re friendly, active family dogs that need lots of exercise and regular grooming. For health screening, we commonly discuss hips, elbows, thyroid, and a BAER hearing test—happy to schedule or review results. Please call us the same day for ear odor, head‑shaking, or skin flare‑ups. If your dog is trying to vomit but nothing comes up and the belly looks tight or swollen, go to the emergency clinic now.
English Setter front-desk patterns often include ear odor/shaking or debris (heavy, pendulous, sometimes wet ears), seasonal itch or "hot spot" skin flares, soft stool or vomiting after diet change/scavenging, limping or stiffness after vigorous activity (breed has notable elbow/hip concerns), and puppy hearing questions (BAER test/partial hearing). Triage for same-day care if the ear flap is very swollen/painful, there is repeated vomiting/diarrhea (especially with blood), sudden non–weight‑bearing lameness, or sudden eye redness/pain. Escalate to emergency now if there is non‑productive retching with a tight, bloated abdomen, collapse, pale gums, severe breathing trouble, or heat exposure with heavy panting.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your English Setter—common concerns we see are ear issues, itchy skin, GI upset, limping after activity, and hearing questions in pups. I’ll ask a couple of safety checks: is the belly tight and swollen with unproductive retching, is your dog collapsing, having trouble breathing, or overheated and panting heavily? If yes, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now; if no but there’s a very painful/swollen ear, repeated vomiting/diarrhea, or your dog won’t bear weight, we recommend a same‑day exam. Otherwise, I can book the next available appointment for you.
English Setters have a long, silky, feathered coat that mats and traps burrs/debris—especially behind the ears, in the armpits, tail feathering, and under the collar—so owners should expect brushing/comb-outs 2–3 times weekly and regular professional grooming (monthly bathing and trimming are common). Shedding is moderate. Their pendulous ear flaps retain moisture and debris, increasing risk for otitis externa—ear checks are important after swims or field play. The breed is also reported among those predisposed to allergic skin disease (atopic dermatitis), so recurrent itch or ear/skin problems may warrant a dermatology referral.
Front desk script: This breed’s feathered coat needs frequent home brushing (2–3x/week) plus regular grooming; we can place a groomer referral and set expectations for ongoing visits. After outdoor activity or swimming, advise owners to check/dry ears and comb out the feathering to prevent mats and burrs. If they report strong ear odor/discharge, constant head‑shaking, or ear pain/swelling, please schedule a same‑day veterinary exam. For recurring itch or ear issues, offer a dermatology consult referral.
For English Setters, prioritize ear/skin intake (pendulous ears predispose to otitis—ask about head shaking, odor, discharge, and recent swimming) and route to an ear/skin consult; for new or recurrent lameness/stiffness (large‑breed hip risk), route to an orthopedic exam and note that imaging may be needed per doctor; confirm hearing history (breed has documented congenital deafness) and flag any prior BAER results; always screen for bloat red flags typical of deep‑chested dogs—non‑productive retching, tense or distended abdomen, restlessness, pale gums, weakness/collapse—and if present, instruct the caller to go to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital immediately and not to wait.
Front desk script: To get you the right appointment for your English Setter, are you noticing ear odor/discharge or head shaking, any new limping or hind‑end stiffness, or any concerns with hearing? I can book an ear/skin consult (note: testing may be needed), route limping to an orthopedic exam, and for hearing concerns schedule a standard exam and note BAER testing if the doctor recommends it. If you ever see repeated attempts to vomit with nothing coming up, a swollen/tight belly, excessive drooling, weakness, or collapse, this is a life‑threatening emergency—please proceed to the nearest emergency vet now and do not wait; you can call us from the car.
English Setter lifecycle touchpoints for scheduling and FAQs: Puppies (to ~6 months) come every 3–4 weeks to finish core vaccines by 16–20 weeks, microchip, and review parasite prevention and socialization; ask about hearing (BAER) results or concerns because the breed can carry pigment‑linked congenital deafness. Young adults (7 months–~6 years) shift to wellness every 6–12 months with the 1‑year booster, training/energy outlets, and lifestyle notes—many Setters hunt/hike—so flag risk‑based non‑core vaccines and tick prevention for the doctor to assess. Mature adults (7–10 years per AAHA) maintain 6–12‑month exams and owners may ask about weight, dental, skin/ears, and breeding plans—schedule OFA/parent‑club screenings (hips, elbows, thyroid, BAER) when requested. Seniors (10+ years) typically move to at least semiannual checkups with mobility, cognition, hearing/vision, and lab screening as advised; escalate immediately if owners report collapse, breathing trouble, or unproductive retching with a tight, bloated abdomen.
Front desk script: For English Setter puppies, we’ll book visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16–20 weeks to complete vaccines—did your breeder provide a BAER hearing test, or have you noticed any hearing concerns? As adults, we schedule wellness every 6–12 months and note lifestyle (hunting/hiking) so the doctor can advise on any risk‑based vaccines and parasite prevention. From 10 years and up, we recommend checkups at least every 6 months. If you ever see unproductive retching with a tight belly, collapse, or trouble breathing, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way so we can alert the team.
English Setters are friendly, high‑energy, and sensitive; use a calm, upbeat tone and reward-based praise at check-in. Confirm exercise outlets and note any noise sensitivity to help plan a low-stress visit. Ask owners about ear scratching/shaking or skin itch (common call drivers) and set expectations: next-available visit is fine for mild signs, but book same-day if there’s painful ear discharge or a persistent head tilt/shake. Proactively ask about hearing, as this breed is overrepresented for congenital deafness, and record preferred visual/touch cues. If an owner reports sudden non-productive retching, a tight/bloated abdomen, restlessness, pale gums, weakness, or collapse, direct them immediately to the nearest ER and notify the team.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your English Setter—these dogs are energetic and sensitive, so we’ll use calm voices and treats to keep things smooth. Do you notice ear shaking, skin itching, or any changes in hearing? I can book the next available visit, and if there’s painful ear discharge or a head tilt we’ll see you today. If you ever see sudden dry heaving with a tight, swollen belly or collapse, that’s an emergency—please go to the nearest ER now and call us on the way so we can alert them.
For English Setters, confirm or schedule early BAER hearing screening (breed is at increased risk for congenital deafness) and request routine ear checks at each visit—pendulous ears predispose to otitis, especially after swimming. For breeding/active dogs, note OFA/CHIC-recommended health certifications (hips, elbows, thyroid, BAER) when planning future appointments. Flag owner-reported skin or thyroid concerns for the doctor at wellness exams. Deep‑chested setters can develop bloat (GDV); if an owner reports non‑productive retching, a suddenly swollen/firm abdomen, or marked restlessness/pacing, advise immediate emergency care.
Front desk script: Because English Setters have a few breed‑specific risks, may I confirm whether your dog has had a BAER hearing test? If not, we can arrange this and also add routine ear checks to upcoming visits. For future planning, our team can review hip/elbow/thyroid screening per OFA/CHIC if you’re considering breeding or proactive screening. If you ever notice unproductive retching or sudden abdominal swelling, please go straight to a 24/7 ER now and call us on the way.
Gentle, people-oriented sporting dog; typically friendly with strangers and other dogs but easily distracted by scents and birds—use calm, reward-based handling and allow brief sniff time. Expect wiggly enthusiasm and possible door-dashing; secure doors and consider a quiet room if the lobby is busy. Front-desk priorities: ask about hearing differences (some are congenitally or unilaterally deaf), recent ear shaking/odor (pendulous ears predispose to infections), and any hip/elbow stiffness or slipping on slick floors; note heavy feathering that can snag on leads. If a caller reports sudden non-productive retching, a tight/bloated painful abdomen, pale gums, restlessness, or collapse, tell them this is an emergency and to proceed to an ER immediately.
Front desk script: English Setters are usually very friendly and sensitive; we’ll greet calmly and use treats. Any hearing differences or noise sensitivities we should note? Has there been recent ear shaking/odor or any hip/elbow stiffness on floors? If you ever see retching without vomit or a swollen, painful belly, please tell us immediately—this is an emergency and needs ER care.
English Setters are high-energy, sensitive sporting dogs; for intake and placement, confirm a daily exercise/enrichment plan and secure containment (prey drive). Document baseline hearing response (breed is at risk for congenital/hereditary deafness) and note ear comfort/odor because pendulous ears predispose to otitis; record any mobility limits given hip/elbow issues and align activity expectations with adopters. Share red flags: for suspected bloat/GDV—sudden unproductive retching, a tight/bloated painful abdomen, collapse—send to emergency care immediately; for severe ear pain, head tilt, loss of balance, or sudden hearing loss—advise same‑day veterinary evaluation. Encourage microchip registration/updates and early positive handling for grooming of the feathered coat to support transition and welfare.
Front desk script: English Setters do best with active homes—can you tell me about your daily exercise plan and how you’ll keep him secured outside? Because this breed can have hearing issues and ear trouble, please let us know if you notice no response to sound, persistent head‑shaking, discharge, or strong ear odor. If you ever see unproductive retching with a tight, swollen belly or sudden collapse, go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately. For severe ear pain, head tilt, or sudden hearing loss, please seek same‑day veterinary care.
English Setters are gentle, people‑oriented sporting dogs that are friendly with strangers and other dogs but can be exuberant, easily distracted, and highly scent‑ and bird‑focused; they respond best to calm voices and food‑rewarded handling. At check‑in, expect an enthusiastic greeter; confirm a secure leash/collar, offer a treat, and guide them promptly to a quieter spot away from doors, birds/small pets, and heavy foot traffic. Minimize prolonged separation from their person, and use a slow, friendly approach; many tolerate touch well but may be sensitive around the ears. For handoff, note if the dog is very food‑motivated, distractible, or field‑line high‑energy so the medical team can plan low‑arousal entry and treat‑based redirection. If the pet shows acute distress (collapse, severe breathing trouble, heat stress, uncontrolled bleeding, or sudden neurologic signs), alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: Hi! English Setters are usually very friendly and excited in new places—let’s keep [Pet Name] on a short leash and we’ll seat you in a quieter area away from the doors and small pets. Are treats okay, and does [Pet Name] have any ear sensitivities or hearing concerns we should note for handling? We’ll keep waits brief and use a gentle, treat‑based approach during handoff. If you notice heavy panting, collapse, or sudden distress at any time, please tell us immediately so we can alert our medical team.
English Setters are medium–large, deep-chested sporting dogs; urgent red flags include signs of bloat/GDV (sudden unproductive retching, rapidly enlarging or painful abdomen, restlessness/drooling, weakness or collapse)—treat as an emergency and direct to an ER immediately. Escalate same-day or emergency for difficult or labored breathing, blue/pale gums, severe trauma or active bleeding, seizures, inability to urinate/defecate with distress, or bloody/uncontrollable diarrhea. Suspected toxin exposure (e.g., xylitol, grapes/raisins, rodenticide, human medications) requires immediate clinician involvement and poison-control guidance. When in doubt, escalate and route to the nearest emergency facility without delay.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this may be an emergency for an English Setter. Please come to our clinic immediately; if we are closed or you cannot get here quickly, proceed to the nearest 24‑hour emergency hospital now. If a potential toxin is involved, we can connect you with ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888‑426‑4435 while we alert the clinician. I’m notifying our medical team so we’re ready for your arrival.