Guardian-breed tendencies: Great Pyrenees are calm but independent, protective, and often reserved with strangers; they commonly bark to alert and may try to roam, so crowded lobbies, doorway approaches, and parking-lot greetings can heighten stress. Many do best with slow introductions, their owner present, and a direct move to a quiet, cool room; keep doors/gates secured. Their heavy coat means they may seek cool surfaces and pant more in warm spaces. If an owner reports collapse, labored breathing, disorientation, or severe heat distress, alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know your dog is a Great Pyrenees—these guardian-type dogs can be wary of new people and may bark to alert. Would he do best skipping the lobby and going straight into a quiet, cool room with you, with other dogs kept at a distance? We’ll keep doors secured and approach slowly. If you notice heavy open‑mouth breathing at rest, pale or blue gums, collapse, or sudden confusion when you arrive, please call us from the car so our medical team can meet you immediately.
Great Pyrenees, as large deep‑chested dogs, have elevated risk for gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat); if an owner reports sudden non‑productive retching, a tight or rapidly enlarging belly, drooling, restlessness, or collapse, instruct them this is an emergency and to proceed to an ER immediately. As a giant breed, they are predisposed to orthopedic disease (hip/elbow dysplasia and shoulder OCD; many breeders use OFA/CHIC screening), and they have documented hereditary eye issues (entropion/ectropion and canine multifocal retinopathy) that may show as squinting, redness, or discharge. Peer‑reviewed data suggest a higher prevalence of Addison’s disease in some Great Pyrenees lines (intermittent GI signs, lethargy), and the breed also has a known inherited platelet disorder (Glanzmann thrombasthenia) that can cause unusual or prolonged bleeding—uncontrolled bleeding or collapse warrants urgent care.
Front desk script: For Great Pyrenees, please note they’re prone to life‑threatening bloat: if a caller reports a hard, swollen belly with repeated retching and nothing coming up, advise them to go to the nearest emergency hospital now. We keep OFA/CHIC hip/elbow and eye screening results on file; if owners notice new eye redness/squinting or any unexplained bleeding, schedule a same‑day visit. For off‑and‑on vomiting/diarrhea or low energy, offer the next available appointment and flag the chart for possible endocrine history.
Great Pyrenees are giant, double‑coated guardian dogs (about 85–120 lb; typical lifespan ~10–12 years) that thrive with daily moderate exercise and a securely fenced yard. Common breed health issues include orthopedic disease (hip/elbow dysplasia), patellar luxation, and several eye conditions; for puppies or new adoptions, ask about OFA/CHIC screening results (hips, patellas, and an ACVO eye exam; many breeders also screen elbows, heart, thyroid, and hearing). Because they are a large, deep‑chested breed, they can be at risk for life‑threatening bloat (GDV)—if you ever see unproductive retching, a tight/swollen belly, restlessness/drooling, collapse, or sudden weakness after eating, go to the nearest emergency clinic immediately.
Front desk script: They’re a large, sturdy breed that needs daily walks and a secure yard. For health, we recommend verifying OFA/CHIC results (hips, patellas, plus an eye exam; many also do elbows, heart, thyroid, and hearing). If your Pyr has non‑productive retching with a tight, bloated belly or sudden collapse, that’s an emergency—please go to the ER now. We can schedule a wellness appointment to discuss routine screening and preventive care.
Front desk teams most often hear from Great Pyrenees owners about: ear irritation (head‑shaking, odor, discharge), recurrent moist skin "hot spots" or matting under the dense double coat (often after rain, swimming, or humidity), limping/stiffness after play consistent with large‑breed orthopedic strain, routine GI upset—and occasional concern for bloat in this deep‑chested breed—and heat stress in warm weather. Triage tip: book ear/skin/lameness/GI concerns promptly, but if callers report non‑productive retching with a tight/swollen abdomen, restlessness/collapse, pale gums (possible GDV), or severe overheating signs (heavy panting, drooling, disorientation), instruct them to proceed to the nearest emergency hospital immediately and notify the medical team.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—Great Pyrenees commonly come in for ear irritation, hot spots/matting after getting wet, limping, and stomach upset. I can reserve the next available exam and note your concerns for the care team. If you are seeing unproductive retching with a tight belly or any severe overheating signs (collapse, confusion, extreme panting/drooling), this is an emergency—please go to the nearest ER now and I can text you the address. I’ll alert our clinicians so they’re ready for your arrival or follow‑up.
Great Pyrenees have a long, weather‑resistant double coat (dense undercoat plus coarse guard hairs) that sheds heavily year‑round and “blows” seasonally, so expect longer, de‑shedding–focused grooming appointments and more clean‑up. Refer owners to groomers experienced with giant, double‑coated breeds; routine care emphasizes thorough brushing and professional undercoat removal. Avoid scheduling close shaving unless a veterinarian directs it, as the double coat protects skin and supports temperature regulation. Their dense coat can hide issues—if the owner reports rapidly developing painful, moist, foul‑smelling skin patches, severe matting that pulls on the skin, or persistent ear odor/head‑shaking, book a same‑day medical skin/ear check before any grooming.
Front desk script: “Great Pyrenees have a heavy double coat and can ‘blow’ their coat seasonally, so we may need extra time for de‑shedding. We generally refer to groomers experienced with double‑coated breeds and avoid close shaving unless the doctor advises it. If you’re seeing a rapidly worsening, weepy or bad‑odor skin patch, severe mats, or ear odor with head‑shaking, this may be urgent—let’s schedule a same‑day medical check before any grooming.”
Giant, deep‑chested guardian breed; plan longer appointments, large exam room, floor scale, and two‑person handling if needed. Triage first for bloat/GDV red flags (sudden abdominal distension, repeated unproductive retching, excessive drooling, restlessness/collapse)—treat as an emergency. Ask about mobility (difficulty rising, stairs, sudden non‑weight‑bearing lameness) and prioritize same‑day if acute. Temperament is typically calm but independent/protective; offer direct‑to‑room and minimal lobby time if the owner reports reactivity to strangers or other dogs. Likely follow‑ups may include breed‑related orthopedic or eye concerns and GDV risk counseling per DVM.
Front desk script: To make sure we schedule the right visit, is your Great Pyrenees having any urgent signs like a swollen belly, repeated retching without producing vomit, extreme restlessness, pale gums, or collapse? If yes, this is a life‑threatening emergency—please proceed to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital now; we can call ahead for you. If no, do they have new trouble rising, using stairs, or a sudden severe limp (we can prioritize a same‑day slot if so)? Given their size and guardian temperament, we’ll book a longer visit in a large room and can take you straight to a room if that’s easier—does your dog do okay around new people or other pets?
Puppy: Expect multiple check-ins every 3–4 weeks through 16–20 weeks for vaccines, growth/behavior questions, parasite prevention setup, and to field common large‑breed questions (rapid growth, nutrition, early lameness). Adult: Plan wellness every 6–12 months; owners often ask about weight/mobility and breed‑related screening (hips/patellas, +/- elbows/eyes/thyroid per GPCA/OFA); be ready to educate about bloat/GDV risk in large, deep‑chested dogs and to triage related calls. Senior: Around 7–8 years for large/giant breeds, shift to twice‑yearly visits with mobility, pain, dental, cognition, and new lump check‑ins. Escalate immediately if a caller reports non‑productive retching, a rapidly enlarging/bloated abdomen, marked restlessness/pacing, drooling, weakness/collapse—direct them to the nearest emergency hospital now and alert the veterinarian.
Front desk script: For Great Pyrenees puppies, we schedule a series of visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16–20 weeks for vaccines and growth checks. Adult Pyrs are seen every 6–12 months, and from roughly age 7–8 we recommend every 6 months with added mobility and senior screening. If you ever notice non‑productive retching, a tight swollen belly, sudden restlessness, or collapse, please go to the nearest emergency clinic now and call us on the way.
Great Pyrenees are giant, independent livestock-guardian dogs that are typically calm with family but reserved with strangers, so lobby traffic and greetings should be minimized; ask clients to text/call on arrival, keep the dog on a secure leash (muzzle if already trained), and we will escort directly to a quiet room and allow slow introductions. Confirm if the dog is protective in cars or doorways, request high‑value treats the owner approves, and plan extra time for weighing and rooming. If an owner reports non‑productive retching, a rapidly enlarging or tight abdomen, drooling with restlessness, collapse, or sudden weakness, state clearly: “This may be bloat (GDV) and is an emergency—go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way so we can alert the team.”
Front desk script: “Many Great Pyrenees are gentle but can be wary with new people. When you arrive, please call us from the parking lot and keep your dog on a secure leash—we’ll take you straight to a quiet room and keep space from other pets. Do they prefer minimal petting from staff, or do treats help with greetings? If you ever see unproductive retching or a swollen, tight belly, that is an emergency—head to the nearest ER immediately and call us en route.”
Great Pyrenees (large, deep-chested) are at increased risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat); if an owner reports non‑productive retching, sudden abdominal swelling, excessive drooling, restlessness, weakness, or collapse, instruct them to proceed to the nearest emergency hospital immediately. For routine care, flag charts for OFA/CHIC breed-recommended screening—hips and patellas, with veterinarian-advised electives such as elbows, thyroid, cardiac, ACVO eye exam, and BAER hearing. At check-in, confirm whether a prophylactic gastropexy has been performed, note any mobility changes, and pre-book weight/joint and eye/ear monitoring at wellness visits to support timely follow-through.
Front desk script: Because Great Pyrenees can be prone to life‑threatening bloat, if you ever see unproductive retching or a tight, swollen belly, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way. For preventive care, our doctor may recommend breed‑specific screenings (hips/patellas and possibly elbows, thyroid, heart, eyes, or hearing). Would you like me to note whether a gastropexy has been done and schedule these evaluations at your next visit?
Large, calm, independent guardian breed that is deeply bonded to family but often reserved with strangers; plan for strong leash control and a quiet, low‑stimulus check‑in due to size (often 85–120 lb) and protective instincts. Use slow approaches, minimal crowding, owner‑led positioning, and a larger exam room when possible. Escalate immediately if the owner reports nonproductive retching with a tight/swollen abdomen, restlessness/collapse (possible GDV in large, deep‑chested dogs) or signs of overheating such as heavy panting, drooling, disorientation, or collapse—treat as an emergency and alert the medical team now. Common front‑desk priorities: space management, mobility assistance for large/orthopedic dogs, and early note of any handling preferences or reactivity.
Front desk script: Welcome! Great Pyrenees are typically calm but can be aloof and protective, so we’ll give your dog space and keep things quiet. We’ll move you to a larger room and you can help guide their positioning—let us know what handling they prefer. If you notice sudden belly swelling, nonproductive retching, or overheating at any point today, please tell me right away so we can alert the doctor immediately.
Large, independent livestock-guardian dogs that are strong and vocal; confirm secure containment and realistic expectations with adopters. Their dense double coat and giant size increase heat sensitivity—plan transport and intake to avoid high heat. Rear double dewclaws are common; flag overgrown nails or snag risks during intake. Like many large, deep‑chested breeds, they have orthopedic concerns and a risk of gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat); instruct adopters to seek emergency care immediately for nonproductive retching, a rapidly enlarging/tight abdomen, restlessness, collapse, or severe overheating signs (e.g., confusion, seizures).
Front desk script: Great Pyrenees are large guardian breeds that may bark and try to wander, so we recommend secure fencing and supervised outdoor time. Their heavy double coat makes them heat‑sensitive; avoid strenuous activity in hot weather and plan shade/water breaks during transport. If you see unproductive retching, a swollen/firm belly, sudden collapse, or severe overheating signs, this is an emergency—go to the nearest ER now and call us on the way. They commonly have double rear dewclaws; please ask us if you need help checking those nails.
Large guardian breed; typically calm and devoted to family but independent and often reserved with strangers, with natural protective and alert‑barking tendencies. For check‑in and waiting room flow: request a short, secure leash and maintain clear space from other dogs; minimize greetings and direct the pet straight to a quiet exam room when possible; avoid fast or head‑on approaches and let the dog choose to engage; use calm voices, optional high‑value treats (owner‑approved), nonslip footing, and a floor scale with minimal restraint. Communicate at handoff whether the dog is more comfortable with owner present vs. away, any known triggers (strangers, other dogs), and whether treats or slow approaches help. Escalate immediately if you observe stiff body, hard stare, low growl, deep repetitive alarm barking, blocking/guarding, or any lunging—stop contact, increase distance, move to a quiet room, and notify the medical team at once.
Front desk script: Hi! Great Pyrenees are gentle but can be protective and prefer extra space here. Please keep [Name] on a short leash by your side; we’ll room you as soon as possible. Do they do better if we let them come to us—and are treats okay? If you notice a hard stare, stiff posture, deep barking, or a growl, please tell us immediately so we can give more space and alert the medical team.
Great Pyrenees are giant, deep‑chested dogs—treat any signs consistent with bloat/GDV as an immediate emergency: non‑productive retching, rapidly enlarging/tight abdomen, restlessness, excessive drooling, pale gums, weakness/collapse. Also escalate immediately for heat exposure with heavy panting, drooling, confusion, vomiting/diarrhea, collapse or seizures (heatstroke is an emergency). Any active seizure >5 minutes or multiple seizures in 24 hours, any suspected toxin ingestion (e.g., human meds, xylitol, grapes/raisins, rodenticides), or any difficulty breathing, white/blue gums, or sudden collapse should trigger immediate ER referral—do not wait; direct the client to come in now or go to the nearest 24/7 veterinary ER.
Front desk script: Based on what you’ve described, this could be life‑threatening for a Great Pyrenees. Please bring your dog in immediately; if we’re closed or you’re far away, go to the nearest 24‑hour emergency hospital now. If a possible toxin was involved, please also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888‑426‑4435 while you are en route. We’ll alert the clinician so your dog is seen on arrival.