Field Spaniels are typically gentle and people-oriented but can be reserved with unfamiliar people at first; they often relax once given space and a quiet, low-key approach. They’re highly scent- and bird-motivated and may fixate on wildlife, small pets, or lobby stimuli; brief waits in a calm room can reduce arousal. Many are sensitive to tone/handling—harsh voices or restraint can shut them down—while food rewards and calm praise work well. Expect enthusiasm around water bowls and treats, and occasional alert-barking at doors. Advise owners that any sudden collapse, labored breathing, or extreme agitation after exertion should be treated as an emergency.
Front desk script: Some Field Spaniels warm up slowly with new people. Would you prefer we take you straight to a quieter room and keep greetings low-key? They’re very food- and scent-motivated—are treats okay, and are there triggers (wildlife, small pets) we should avoid in the lobby? If you notice collapse, trouble breathing, or sudden severe behavior change after exertion, please tell us immediately so we can direct you to emergency care.
Field Spaniels show breed-linked risks for hip dysplasia; autoimmune thyroiditis (hypothyroidism); eyelid disorders (entropion/ectropion) with occasional retinal issues (rare PRA/retinal folds); late‑onset epilepsy; a rare DNA-detectable adult-onset neuropathy (AON); and emerging concern for congenital/valvular heart disease (e.g., mitral valve defects). Parent-club/AKC guidance emphasizes screening of hips, eyes, and thyroid, and the FSSA has called for advanced (echocardiogram-based) cardiac screening; PetMD also notes IVDD can occur in this long‑backed breed. Escalate immediately if there are seizures, collapse/fainting, sudden hind‑limb weakness/paralysis, or trouble breathing.
Front desk script: Field Spaniels can be prone to hip, eye, thyroid, certain heart, and some neurologic conditions. Our doctor may discuss breed‑recommended screening (hips, eyes, thyroid, and sometimes advanced cardiac or DNA testing) to stay ahead of risks. If your Field Spaniel is currently having a seizure, has collapsed/fainted, shows sudden back‑leg weakness/paralysis, or is struggling to breathe, this is an emergency—please tell me now so we can direct you to immediate care. For new or concerning signs that are not urgent, we can arrange a same‑day appointment when possible.
Field Spaniels are medium sporting dogs (about 35–50 lb; 17–18 in) that are affectionate family companions and a bit reserved with strangers. Expect daily vigorous exercise (around an hour; more for working lines), moderate shedding, and regular brushing; their long, pendulous ears mean you should keep ears dry after swimming and call us if you notice redness, odor, discharge, or head shaking. Typical lifespan is about 12–13 years. Common breeder health screens to ask about: hips, eyes (including PRA/eyelid conditions), and thyroid via OFA/CHIC. If your dog has trouble breathing, collapses, or develops a hard, rapidly bloating belly with repeated unproductive retching, go to an emergency vet immediately.
Front desk script: Field Spaniels do best with daily exercise and regular brushing; they’re medium-sized (about 35–50 lb, 17–18 in) and generally very people-oriented. Because of their long ears, please keep them dry after swims and call us if you see head shaking, odor, or discharge. When speaking with breeders, ask for OFA/CHIC results for hips, eyes, and thyroid. If your Field Spaniel has breathing difficulty, collapses, or a suddenly hard, bloated abdomen with repeated retching, seek emergency care right away.
Field Spaniels frequently trigger front-desk contacts for: ear problems (head-shaking, odor, debris) associated with their long, pendulous ears; itchy skin or “hot spots” that often coincide with ear flare-ups; eye issues (redness, discharge, squinting) given breed‑noted eyelid/retinal concerns; weight gain, low energy, or coat changes that prompt thyroid questions; and stiffness or intermittent lameness after vigorous activity in a sporting, hip‑screened breed. Flag same-day when callers report pronounced ear discomfort, and treat any red, painful, or squinting eye as urgent; note head tilt or balance changes as urgent red flags.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Field Spaniel—common reasons we see them include ear head‑shaking/odor, itchy skin or hot spots, eye redness/squinting, weight or energy changes, and stiffness after active days. If you’re seeing a head tilt or loss of balance, a persistently painful ear, or any red/squinting/cloudy eye, we recommend an urgent same‑day exam; if the eye is bulging or the eyeball is out, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now. Otherwise, I can book the next available appointment and note your concerns for the medical team.
Field Spaniels have a single, moderately long, silky, water‑repellent coat with feathering that can trap burrs and moisture; plan for frequent home brushing and periodic professional tidy-ups (feet, ears, sanitary areas) to prevent matting and debris buildup. Their heavy, pendulous ears are higher risk for ear problems, so schedule routine ear checks and be sure the ears and feathering are dried thoroughly after baths or swims. Escalate if you note ear pain, foul odor/discharge, marked redness, head shaking/tilt, or a rapidly appearing wet, painful skin patch—these warrant same‑day veterinary assessment.
Front desk script: Field Spaniels have a silky single coat with feathering and heavy ears, so they do best with regular brushing at home and groomer visits for feet/ear tidy-ups. We recommend routine ear checks and thorough drying after baths or swimming. If you notice ear odor, pain, head shaking/tilt, or a sudden wet, painful skin spot, please call us so we can arrange a same‑day evaluation. We can also refer you to groomers experienced with spaniels.
Field Spaniels (spaniel-type, pendulous ears; active, often in water) commonly call in for ear discomfort (head-shaking, odor, discharge), skin/itch flares, and occasional eye irritation; route to ear/skin or ophthalmic slots rather than generic wellness when symptomatic. Ask about recent swimming/bathing and any prior ear or skin history. Confirm whether the dog has breed-club recommended screenings (hips, ophthalmologist eye exam, thyroid) and request copies for the chart. For painful ear or eye signs, try for same-day; if sudden head tilt, loss of balance, severe ear pain, or sudden eye redness/squinting or vision change are reported, state clearly this may be an emergency and escalate to the doctor immediately. Advise owners to bring current meds, ear cleaners, and prior records; anticipate recheck scheduling for ear/skin cases and potential medication refill follow-ups.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Field Spaniel. To route you correctly, is this a wellness visit, or are you seeing ear signs (head-shaking, odor, discharge), skin itching, or any eye redness/squinting? I’ll book the appropriate ear/skin or eye evaluation and please bring any prior OFA/eye/thyroid results and current medications. If you notice sudden head tilt, trouble walking straight, severe ear pain, or sudden eye redness or vision changes, this could be an emergency—if we can’t see you immediately, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital.
Lifecycle touchpoints for Field Spaniels: puppies typically need a series of visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks for vaccine/parasite checks and new‑owner Q&A (house training, socialization, ear/coat care); healthy adults generally book wellness exams every 6–12 months to review weight, activity, dental status, and ear/skin check‑ins; seniors (~7+ years) should be seen at least every 6 months with age‑appropriate screening as directed by the veterinarian, and owners often ask about mobility, cognition, and late‑onset issues (e.g., seizures reported in the breed). If the pet has breathing trouble, collapses, has a first seizure, non‑productive retching with a tight belly, or persistent vomiting/diarrhea—especially in a puppy—advise immediate in‑clinic or ER evaluation.
Front desk script: Let’s schedule based on age: puppies come in every 3–4 weeks until ~16 weeks; adults every 6–12 months; seniors (~7+ years) at least twice yearly. We can also book time for common questions on socialization, exercise, and ear/coat care. If you ever notice breathing difficulty, collapse, a first seizure, or ongoing vomiting/diarrhea, please come in now or go to the emergency clinic.
Field Spaniels are affectionate sporting dogs that can be reserved with new people—offer calm greetings and a quick room-in if the lobby is busy. Like many spaniels with pendulous ears, they’re predisposed to ear issues; at booking/check-in, ask about head-shaking, ear odor/discharge, or pawing at ears and prioritize a same‑day exam if present. Proactively ask about eye squinting/tearing (eyelid conformation concerns), changes in weight/coat or energy (owner-reported thyroid history), mobility or stairs tolerance (hips), and any prior heart murmur or cardiac testing; request owners bring relevant records. If owners report collapse, trouble breathing, blue/gray gums, severe ear pain with head tilt/loss of balance, or sudden vision loss, instruct them to proceed to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: “Thanks for calling about your Field Spaniel—these dogs can be a little reserved in new places, so we’ll greet calmly and can room you right away if you prefer. Because spaniel ears can trap moisture, if you’re seeing head‑shaking, ear odor, or discomfort we recommend a same‑day exam; please bring any past hip/eye/thyroid/heart results. If you notice collapse, trouble breathing, blue gums, or severe ear pain with head tilt or loss of balance, please head to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way.”
Field Spaniels have pendulous ears that raise otitis externa risk—schedule routine ear checks (especially after swimming/moisture) and book same-day if owners report ear pain, foul odor/discharge, head tilt, or balance issues. Eye concerns are a breed watchout (PRA and eyelid laxity like entropion/ectropion); confirm annual eye screening and ask about night-vision changes or bumping into objects—any red, painful eye, a suddenly dilated pupil, or sudden vision loss warrants immediate emergency care. Endocrine and neurologic flags include hypothyroidism and occasional late‑onset epilepsy; prioritize regular wellness visits with midlife screening and prompt follow-up after any seizure.
Front desk script: Because Field Spaniels commonly have ear and eye issues, we recommend an annual wellness visit with an ear check and ophthalmic screening—can I schedule that today? If you’re noticing ear discomfort (odor, discharge, head tilt) or night-vision changes, we should see your dog the same day. If you ever see a red, painful eye or sudden vision loss, please go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way.
Field Spaniels are sweet, sensitive, and famously docile sporting dogs that may be reserved with new people; they do best with calm, low-stress, reward-based handling and time to approach. For intake/handling: use a soft voice, offer treats, avoid looming over the head/ears, and provide a non-slip surface. What usually matters most: ear comfort/history (pendulous, moisture-trapping ears—ask about head-shaking/odor), orthopedic notes (hips/elbows—ask about stiffness/lameness), eye/vision history (parent club recommends periodic eye checks), thyroid history, and any past seizures; note recent swimming or heavy exercise. Escalate same day for intense head-shaking, painful new ear swelling, or sudden non–weight-bearing lameness; if an active seizure or collapse is reported, advise immediate emergency care.
Front desk script: Field Spaniels are typically gentle and a bit cautious at first, so we’ll greet slowly and let yours come to us with treats and a non-slip mat. I’ll note any ear issues, joint stiffness, eye or thyroid history, or past seizures since those can matter in this breed. If you ever see constant head-shaking with ear pain or a new ear swelling, we’ll prioritize a same-day visit. If your dog is actively seizing or collapses, please come in now or go to the nearest emergency hospital.
Field Spaniels are medium sporting dogs with pendulous ears and a strong scenting/field drive; after intake or adoption they generally do best with predictable routines, secure leashing/fencing, and daily exercise/enrichment. Because drop ears are prone to ear canal inflammation, front-desk teams should flag same-day exams for head-shaking, strong ear odor, dark discharge, or a tender, puffy ear flap. Ask adopters/fosters for any prior records and OFA/CHIC results; parent-club guidance emphasizes hip, eye, and thyroid screening and has moved to advanced cardiac screening (echocardiogram), and UK guidance also includes elbows. Feathered coat and ears can collect burrs/debris during outdoor activity—note checks at intake and advise regular inspection. If collapse, severe lethargy, breathing trouble, or sudden disorientation are reported, instruct the caller to seek emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Congratulations on your new Field Spaniel—let’s get an intake exam and microchip check set up. Their long ears can trap moisture/debris; if you notice head-shaking, foul odor, or a tender, swollen ear flap, we’d like to see your dog today; if they cannot stand, are very weak, or have trouble breathing, please go to the emergency hospital now. Do you have any prior vet records or OFA/CHIC results for hips, eyes, thyroid, or a cardiac echocardiogram? We can also discuss routine exercise and enrichment plans for this active breed.
Field Spaniels are typically gentle, people-oriented, and sensitive (“soft”) dogs that respond best to calm voices, slow approaches, and reward-based handling; some may be briefly reserved with unfamiliar people. Expect a busy, inquisitive spaniel with strong scenting/retrieving instincts—keep on a short leash and seat away from small pets in the lobby. Many are social with other dogs but can alert-bark; offer high-value treats and avoid crowding or sudden head/ear touching. For smoother flow, consider direct rooming if the lobby is noisy and use a non‑slip surface during weigh-in and handoff.
Front desk script: This breed is usually very sweet and people-focused but may warm up slowly, so we’ll give your dog space and use treats. Please keep the leash short and wait away from small pets; we may room you directly if it’s busy. If you notice sudden distress—collapse, trouble breathing, continuous vomiting/diarrhea, or extreme agitation—tell us immediately so we can alert the medical team.
Escalate to emergency care immediately for a Field Spaniel with any of the following: trouble breathing, blue/gray or very pale gums, collapse or unresponsiveness; repeated non‑productive retching with a tight/bloated painful abdomen and restlessness (possible GDV/bloat); a seizure lasting >5 minutes, multiple seizures within 24 hours, or failure to recover promptly; inability to urinate/straining with little to no urine (especially males); profuse vomiting/diarrhea or blood in stool/vomit with weakness; eye injury, severe eye pain, or sudden vision loss; suspected toxin exposure; significant trauma or uncontrolled bleeding; or signs of heat stress (heavy/ noisy panting, bright‑red gums, drooling, weakness/collapse). If any are reported, state: “This is an emergency—proceed to the nearest 24/7 veterinary ER immediately.”
Front desk script: Based on what you’ve described, this needs immediate veterinary attention. Please take your dog to the nearest 24/7 emergency clinic now; do not wait. If you suspect a toxin, bring the packaging and, if safe to do so, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 while en route. I’ll alert our clinical team and can provide the closest ER address if you need it.