Large, alert “alarm barkers” that are people-oriented and may be wary at first but generally friendly when calmly introduced; many prefer to stay with their person and may lean for contact. Heat-sensitive (thick, dark double coat), so warm lobbies can trigger heavy panting and restlessness—offer a cool, quiet spot. Big frames plus draft/herding background can mean strong leash-pulling; slick floors, tight spaces, scales, and stairs may cause hesitation—use non‑slip mats and give extra room. Around small pets they may try to herd or block movement, so maintain distance in busy areas. Be aware owners might report “just panting from heat” or “only drooling after meals”; if paired with unproductive retching, pacing/inability to settle, or a tight, distended abdomen, escalate immediately as this can indicate a life‑threatening emergency.
Front desk script: Thanks for bringing your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in—many are heat‑sensitive and can be vocal when alert. Would a cooler or quieter room help, and do they need a non‑slip mat or extra space for weighing? We’ll approach slowly and let them stay near you if that keeps them calm. If you’ve noticed unproductive retching, sudden bloating, extreme drooling, collapse, or inability to settle after eating, please tell me now—this is an emergency and we’ll get the medical team immediately.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are deep-chested, giant dogs with notable risks for bloat (gastric dilatation–volvulus) and splenic torsion; red-flag signs include sudden unproductive retching, a hard/swollen abdomen, pale gums, collapse, or severe abdominal pain—these require immediate emergency care. ([acvs.org](https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/gdv/?utm_source=openai)) They are also predisposed to orthopedic disease (hip/elbow dysplasia and especially shoulder osteochondrosis, which can cause lameness in adolescents) and may exhibit epilepsy or eyelid disorders (entropion/distichiasis); new seizure activity, eye irritation, or persistent limping should be booked promptly. ([acvs.org](https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/osteochondrosis-of-the-shoulder/?utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: If the owner reports unproductive retching, a hard/swollen belly, pale gums, collapse, or severe abdominal pain, advise: “This can be life‑threatening for Swissies—please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us from the car.” For new or worsening limping (especially in puppies/teens), eye irritation, or any seizure activity, schedule the earliest available appointment; if non‑weight‑bearing or multiple seizures occurred today, recommend same‑day urgent evaluation. Ask them to note when signs began and bring photos/videos if available.
Large, tri‑colored working dogs that are people‑oriented; expect moderate daily exercise and a short double coat that sheds seasonally but brushes out easily. They’re typically good with children (always supervise due to size). Routine vet care should include discussions about screening for hips, elbows, and eyes and keeping weight lean. Health issues seen in the breed include bloat/GDV, splenic torsion, hip/elbow dysplasia, eye conditions (distichiasis/entropion/cataracts), urinary incontinence (often in spayed females), and epilepsy. If you ever see a tight or rapidly enlarging belly, repeated retching with no vomit, heavy drooling, restlessness, or collapse, go to an emergency vet immediately.
Front desk script: Swissies are big, friendly working dogs with an easy‑care short coat; regular brushing and daily walks usually suit them well. We note this breed’s risks for bloat/GDV and splenic torsion, plus joint and eye issues—if you observe a swollen, tight abdomen with unproductive retching or sudden collapse, that’s an emergency; head straight to the ER. For puppies, ask breeders about OFA hip/elbow certifications and recent eye exams; we’re happy to schedule routine wellness and growth check‑ins.
Front-desk teams most often field calls about: possible bloat/GDV (unproductive retching, drooling, restlessness, tight or enlarged abdomen) in this deep‑chested breed; splenic torsion concerns that can look vague at first (off/on nausea, lethargy, pale gums, or “lick fits” with frantic licking/gulping and trying to eat non‑food); sudden or persistent limping in fast‑growing pups/young adults (hips/elbows/shoulders); seizure‑like events; eye irritation (squinting, discharge) from eyelid/eyelash issues; and urinary leaking in young spayed females. Treat unproductive retching, abdominal distension, collapse, or active seizure as an immediate emergency; book same‑day for non‑weight‑bearing lameness, eye pain, or repeated “lick fit” episodes; routine next‑available for mild, intermittent leaks or stiffness without pain.
Front desk script: Thank you for calling about your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog—let me ask a few quick safety questions: is the belly swollen or tight, are they trying to vomit with nothing coming up, collapsing, or actively seizing? If yes, this is a life‑threatening emergency—please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now; I’ll alert our team. If you’re seeing frantic ‘licking/gulping,’ new limping, eye squinting, or urine leaks, please prevent access to non‑food items and we’ll arrange a same‑day exam.
Short, dense double coat; sheds year‑round with heavier seasonal “blow.” Plan for routine brush‑outs and periodic baths; increase de‑shedding services each spring/fall. Avoid shaving double‑coated breeds—use undercoat de‑shedding instead. Drop ears benefit from regular checks during grooming; book a same‑day exam for ear redness, odor, discharge, persistent head‑shaking, or painful ears. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are heat‑sensitive; schedule grooming and exercise during cooler times and treat any signs of overheating (excessive panting, collapse, disorientation) as an emergency.
Front desk script: This breed has a short, double coat with heavy seasonal shedding. We can schedule routine bath/brush appointments and add de‑shedding during spring and fall; we do not recommend shaving double‑coated dogs and can refer to a groomer for undercoat removal. If you notice ear redness, odor, discharge, or constant head‑shaking, we should see your dog the same day. If your dog shows heat‑distress signs like collapse or extreme, unrelenting panting, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are large, deep‑chested and heat‑sensitive; during intake, screen first for red flags: non‑productive retching, sudden abdominal distension, extreme restlessness/drooling, collapse or pale gums (treat as emergency), and heavy panting, drooling, weakness, confusion, seizures, or collapse after heat exposure (also emergency). Route acute non‑weight‑bearing lameness or rapidly worsening pain for same‑day evaluation; stable, chronic stiffness can be next‑available. For routine scheduling, reserve a large exam room, allow extra time for new patients or mobility concerns, and note lifting/assist needs (>100 lb). Capture brief history on feeding speed/diet, recent heat exposure, and any prior bloat or orthopedic issues; plan follow‑up calls after any GI or heat episode or orthopedic visit.
Front desk script: Because Swissies are large, deep‑chested dogs, sudden unproductive retching, a tight/bloated belly, extreme restlessness, collapse, or pale gums may indicate a life‑threatening emergency. If any of these or heavy panting, drooling, weakness, confusion, seizures, or collapse after heat exposure are present, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now; I can call ahead to alert them. For new lameness—especially if not bearing weight—we’ll aim for a same‑day exam; if we cannot see you promptly, emergency care is recommended. For routine concerns, I’ll book a longer appointment and note any handling or mobility needs.
Puppy Swissies (large, deep‑chested, heat‑sensitive) should be seen every 3–4 weeks to ~16 weeks for vaccine/parasite series, growth and behavior check‑ins, and to plan large‑breed topics (spay/neuter timing, future orthopedic screening). In the adult stage (~1–7 years), book wellness every 6–12 months and note mobility, weight trends, GI history, and heat tolerance; keep GDV (“bloat”) risk and orthopedic predispositions in mind when triaging calls. From about 7–8 years (senior for large breeds), schedule exams at least every 6 months with clinician‑directed baseline labs and closer monitoring of appetite, thirst, cognition, and activity. Escalate immediately if an owner reports unproductive retching with a tight/swollen belly, collapse/weakness, or heat distress (excessive panting, drooling, confusion): advise coming in now or going to the nearest ER.
Front desk script: For puppies, schedule vaccine/growth visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks. Adults should have wellness visits every 6–12 months; ask about mobility, GI signs, and heat tolerance. Starting around age 7–8, seniors are seen at least every 6 months and the doctor may add routine lab screening. If an owner describes unproductive retching with a tight, bloated belly, sudden weakness/collapse, or heat distress, say: “This may be life‑threatening—please come in immediately or go to the nearest emergency hospital.”
Front-desk priorities for Swissies: they are a large breed with known risk for life‑threatening gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat) and, in this breed, splenic torsion; coach owners to act fast if they report unproductive retching, a tight/swollen abdomen, restlessness, drooling, pale gums, or collapse—this is an emergency, advise them to come in now and call on the way. Owners may also describe breed‑specific “lick‑fit” episodes (frantic floor/wall licking and gulping); for safety, suggest confining the dog in an empty crate to prevent swallowing objects and have them call same‑day for triage, escalating to emergency if vomiting begins or the abdomen enlarges. Many Swissies do poorly in heat; offer morning/late‑day appointments and curbside check‑in to reduce heat and stress during visits.
Front desk script: If you ever see a swollen belly with repeated attempts to vomit nothing up, heavy drooling, or sudden restlessness, that can be bloat—this is an emergency; please head to the ER now and call us on your way. If you notice a ‘lick‑fit’ (frantic licking/air licking and gulping), please secure your dog in an empty crate to prevent swallowing objects and call us right away for same‑day guidance; if vomiting starts or the belly looks enlarged, treat it as an emergency. In hot weather, Swissies can struggle—tell us when you arrive and we’ll bring you straight into a cool room or arrange curbside handoff.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have breed‑specific watchouts that help front desks triage and schedule: 1) High risk for bloat/GDV and reported splenic torsion—coach owners on red flags (sudden abdominal distension, repeated unproductive retching, drooling, collapse) and direct them to the nearest ER immediately if seen. 2) Rapid-growth orthopedic issues (hip/elbow dysplasia and shoulder OCD) are documented in this breed—ask about limping or shoulder stiffness during puppy/adolescent check-ins and keep growth/joint rechecks on schedule. 3) Eye problems (entropion/distichiasis) warrant an exam if squinting, redness, or discharge is reported. 4) Epilepsy occurs in the breed—advise owners to time any event and bring a video; if a seizure lasts >5 minutes or multiple occur within 24 hours, this is an emergency. 5) Parent-club reports note possible peri‑operative bleeding tendencies and urinary incontinence in young females—flag charts before any sedation/surgery and book pre‑anesthesia consults as the doctor advises.
Front desk script: This breed can have life‑threatening stomach/spleen emergencies—if you ever see a swollen belly with repeated dry heaving or sudden collapse, please go straight to the nearest ER and call us on the way. Because Swissies grow fast, we like to check joints and weight regularly; let us know about any limping or shoulder soreness so we can schedule the next exam. If you ever see a seizure, please time it and, if safe, record a video; if it lasts over five minutes or there are multiple in 24 hours, seek emergency care. Before any sedation or surgery, we’ll note the breed’s bleeding history and set a pre‑anesthesia consult if needed.
Large, confident, good‑natured working breed; often calm but very strong with an impressive bark. Best lobby handling: slow, low‑key greeting, minimal crowding, sturdy leash, non‑slip mats; allow owner nearby and assist onto the floor scale or exam table ramp. Heat‑sensitive and heavy seasonal shedders; give water and avoid hot lobby waits. What matters most: as a deep‑chested giant breed, they have elevated risk for gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat)—front desk should watch for red flags (sudden non‑productive retching, tight/distended abdomen, restlessness/hypersalivation) and escalate immediately; orthopedic issues (hip/elbow dysplasia) are common, so offer extra time and gentle support when moving.
Front desk script: Thanks for bringing in your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog—these gentle, powerful dogs do best with a calm approach. We’ll give them space, use a non‑slip mat, and help them onto the scale slowly with you nearby. If you ever notice sudden retching without producing anything, a swollen/tight belly, or restlessness, tell us immediately—this is an emergency for deep‑chested breeds. We’ll keep today’s visit cool and unhurried for their comfort.
Large, deep‑chested working dogs, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs (GSMDs) require secure handling and spacious housing/transport (use well‑fitted collar or harness and plan two‑person moves when needed). In shelters and new homes, watch for emergency red flags of gastric dilatation‑volvulus (non‑productive retching, sudden abdominal distention, restlessness/collapse) and heat stress (heavy panting, drooling, confusion, weakness/collapse); if observed, treat as an emergency and send to a 24/7 ER immediately. For placement, request and record breed‑standard health screens where available (OFA/PennHIP hips, OFA elbows, OFA shoulder for OCD, and recent ophthalmologist exam) to inform adopter counseling and follow‑up. Because GSMDs are large, slow‑maturing dogs, plan for moderate exercise, tractioned flooring, and heat‑aware scheduling (shade/cooler hours) during intake and transport.
Front desk script: For Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, we verify any available health records like OFA/PennHIP hips, OFA elbows/shoulders, and a recent eye exam—do you have copies we can add to the file? If you ever see a tight, swollen belly with unproductive retching, or severe overheating signs like heavy panting, drooling, confusion, or collapse, this is an emergency—go to the nearest 24/7 ER now and call us on the way. Because they’re large and powerful, we’ll use secure handling and schedule transport during cooler hours when possible.
Very large, people‑oriented “sentinel” breed—generally calm, affectionate, and confident—but expect strong alarm‑barking at novel sights/sounds; typically accepts strangers after a proper intro. Many are velcro‑type and can be opinionated/pushy; combine firm leash control with extra space because of their draft strength and some prey drive. Heat tolerance is low, so favor direct‑to‑room, cool, low‑stimulus handling. If you observe excessive panting/collapse or sudden abdominal distension with unproductive retching, alert the medical team and move to treatment immediately. ([gsmdca.org](https://www.gsmdca.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Temperament-of-the-Greater-Swiss-Mountain-Dog-by-Jennie-Chen.pdf))
Front desk script: Hi there—Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are strong but usually friendly; to keep things calm, we’ll take you straight into a roomy exam area. Please keep the sturdy leash on and let us know if your dog is uneasy around other pets so we can avoid close passes. If you notice heavy panting, distress, or trying to vomit without anything coming up, tell me right away so I can alert our medical team.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are deep‑chested and at high risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat); same‑day escalation becomes emergency if the caller reports unproductive retching/gagging, a rapidly enlarging or tight abdomen, restlessness/pacing, excessive drooling, pale/gray or very red gums, rapid/labored breathing, weakness, or collapse—direct to a 24/7 ER immediately. Also treat as emergency any heat‑stress signs (heavy or labored panting, disorientation, vomiting/diarrhea, gum color changes, staggering, collapse), difficulty breathing, active seizures or repeated/prolonged episodes, suspected toxin ingestion (e.g., chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol, rodenticide), significant trauma, or sudden inability to stand. For persistent vomiting/diarrhea (especially with blood), marked abdominal pain, or progressive bloating without collapse, arrange same‑day urgent clinician evaluation.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this could be an emergency and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are high‑risk for life‑threatening bloat. Please proceed to the nearest 24/7 veterinary emergency hospital now; I can give you directions. If a toxin may be involved, let me know so we can provide a poison‑control contact while you’re en route. If signs are less severe but ongoing (e.g., repeated vomiting/diarrhea or a painful, swollen belly), we will schedule a same‑day urgent exam.