Irish Red and White Setters are typically friendly, biddable gundogs with high stamina and a strong "birdy" focus, so lobbies with other pets, fast movement, or visible wildlife (birds/squirrels) can trigger excited pulling, vocalizing, or fixation. They are socially attached and may stress if separated from their person; calm voices, space from triggers, and low‑stress handling help. Shiny/slippery floors can increase anxiety and scrambling—non‑slip footing is useful. Because they are deep‑chested sporting dogs, front staff should treat sudden non‑productive retching, escalating restlessness/pacing, drooling, or a rapidly tightening/bloated abdomen (often after a meal) as red‑flag emergencies and alert medical staff immediately.
Front desk script: This breed is usually very friendly and energetic; we’ll aim for a quieter spot and can use a non‑slip mat to help them settle. If your dog gets fixated on birds or other pets, we’ll give a little extra space and use treats and calm voices. If you ever notice sudden attempts to vomit with nothing coming up, a tight or swollen belly, or increasing restlessness—especially after eating—please tell us right away or go straight to the nearest emergency hospital.
Irish Red & White Setters are generally healthy, but reputable veterinary and kennel-club sources flag several inherited risks to be aware of at intake: a severe puppy immune disorder (canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency, CLAD), inherited eye problems (posterior polar cataracts; and PRA reported/tested in Irish/IRWS lines), and orthopedic hip dysplasia. Breed guidance recommends DNA screening for CLAD and participation in formal eye and hip schemes; the UK Kennel Club also notes CLAD status requirements for imports and advises eye/hip testing. The Kennel Club withdrew the breed‑specific von Willebrand disease (vWD) DNA test in 2023 and reports vWD is not a current concern in the UK population, but unexplained bleeding in any dog is an emergency. Front‑desk watchouts to note and escalate include recurring infections, fever or poor growth in young pups (possible CLAD), new eye cloudiness or bumping into objects, and hind‑end stiffness or difficulty rising.
Front desk script: For this breed, please note known hereditary risks: a puppy immune disorder (CLAD), inherited eye issues (posterior polar cataracts; occasionally PRA), and hip dysplasia. If a puppy has repeated infections, fever, won’t thrive, or has non‑healing wounds, mark as urgent and offer the first available same‑day appointment. If there is uncontrolled bleeding, collapse, very pale gums, or large unexplained bruises, direct the owner to emergency care immediately. For new eye cloudiness or vision changes, schedule a timely exam and flag the breed on the chart.
Irish Red and White Setters are energetic, people‑friendly gundogs that need lots of daily exercise and weekly brushing; expect moderate shedding and regular ear checks. Typical life span is about 11–15 years. For long‑term health, owners commonly verify breeder screening for hips (OFA) and eyes (annual CAER) and may see DNA testing noted for issues monitored in setters such as CLAD. As with many deep‑chested sporting breeds, be alert for bloat—go to an emergency vet now if you see a suddenly swollen belly, repeated unproductive retching, collapse, or extreme restlessness.
Front desk script: They’re high‑energy, family‑oriented dogs—plan on vigorous daily exercise and weekly brushing. For new puppies or adoptions, we can schedule a wellness visit and review any breeder health testing (OFA hips, CAER eyes, and relevant DNA results). If you ever notice signs of bloat like a swollen abdomen with retching but no vomit or collapse, go to the nearest 24/7 ER immediately and call us on the way.
Irish Red and White Setters are high‑energy, deep‑chested sporting dogs that commonly prompt front‑desk calls for: itchy skin or ear odor/shaking after swimming or allergies; vomiting/diarrhea or suspected foreign bodies from outdoor foraging; limping, broken nails, or toe/soft‑tissue injuries after runs; and seasonal foxtail/grass‑awn concerns in their feathered coats. Routine needs include vaccines, parasite prevention, travel paperwork, and prescription refills. Because deep‑chested setter breeds are at higher risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat), calls about repeated unproductive retching, sudden abdominal enlargement, or collapse should be treated as an emergency and directed to an ER immediately.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Irish Red and White Setter—let me ask a few quick questions so we can triage: are you seeing ear scratching/odor, itchy skin, mild vomiting/diarrhea, a new limp, or possible foxtail exposure (sneezing, squinting, paw swelling)? If yes, we’ll book a same‑day or next‑day visit and note recent activities and any parasite preventives. If there is repeated unproductive retching, a tight or rapidly enlarging belly, severe lethargy/collapse, or labored breathing, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us from the car so we can alert them.
Flat, silky sporting coat with feathering on ears, legs, and tail; collects burrs and can mat—plan for regular brushing and occasional tidy-trims (feet/ears/feathering) rather than heavy clipping. Pendulous ears plus outdoor activity increase risk of trapped moisture/debris and otitis externa; advise post-swim/field checks and schedule promptly if owners report head shaking, painful or foul‑smelling ears, discharge, or a swollen ear flap. Setters can be predisposed to allergic skin disease, so recurring itch, paw licking, or repeat ear problems should be booked for a non‑urgent dermatology discussion with the veterinarian.
Front desk script: This breed’s feathered coat can pick up burrs—recommend regular home brushing, and we can refer to a groomer for tidy-trims around feet and ears. Because their ears fold over, please call for a same‑day vet ear check if you notice head shaking, ear odor/discharge, pain, or a puffy ear flap. If skin or ear issues keep returning, we can schedule a non‑urgent visit to discuss possible allergies.
Irish Red and White Setters are large, athletic, deep‑chested gundogs—screen calls for bloat/GDV red flags (non‑productive retching, tight/distended abdomen, restlessness, pale gums, collapse) and route immediately to emergency care. Drop ears and water/field exposure raise risk for ear problems; prioritize same‑day if head‑shaking, ear pain, or discharge, and ask about recent swimming or tall‑grass/foxtail exposure (sudden sneezing or pawing at the nose/ear merits same‑day). As a large breed, they may present with activity‑related lameness or suspected hip issues—book same‑day if non‑weight‑bearing or painful, otherwise next available. Setters have a documented breed predisposition to von Willebrand disease; if there is a history of unusual bleeding (after nail trims, minor cuts, or prior procedures), flag the chart and alert the clinician before any sedation, dental, or surgery. Always collect recent travel/field use, diet changes, and prior records, and schedule likely rechecks for ear cases or unresolved lameness.
Front desk script: Because this breed is deep‑chested, if you’re seeing unproductive retching, a swollen/tight belly, weakness, or pale gums, this is life‑threatening—please proceed to the nearest 24/7 ER now while I share directions. For ear head‑shaking, sudden sneezing after tall‑grass exposure, or new limping, we’ll arrange a same‑day appointment; has your dog been swimming or in fields recently? Before any procedure, has your setter ever bled more than expected from nails or minor cuts—if yes, I’ll note this and alert the veterinarian. Please bring any prior records and list of current foods/medications.
Irish Red and White Setters move from frequent puppy visits (every 3–4 weeks until ~16 weeks for core care and parasite prevention) to adult maintenance (at least annual wellness with vaccine/lifestyle updates, weight and dental check-ins), then to senior care around ~7 years for large sporting breeds with twice-yearly wellness and age-appropriate screening as directed by the veterinarian; owners should keep activity/boarding/travel needs on the schedule, and be advised that signs of bloat—unproductive retching, a swollen/tight abdomen, or sudden restlessness—are an emergency and require immediate care.
Front desk script: For puppies, we’ll set a series of visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks and answer microchip, nutrition, and socialization questions. For adults, we book a yearly wellness exam and any lifestyle vaccines or paperwork for boarding, travel, or field work. From about age 7, we recommend senior checkups every 6 months with screening as the doctor advises. If you report signs of bloat (non-productive retching, tight/swollen belly, sudden restlessness), this is an emergency—come in immediately or go to the nearest ER.
Irish Red and White Setters are energetic, people‑oriented sporting dogs—set calm, clear expectations: invite owners to arrive 5–10 minutes early for a brief walk and to use a secure leash/high‑value treats; confirm any health testing paperwork (CLAD, von Willebrand disease, PRA/eye results, hip/OFAs) for the record; remind about routine ear/coat checks and exercise needs; escalate immediately if an owner reports unusual or prolonged bleeding; and clearly state GDV red flags seen in deep‑chested setters—sudden abdominal distension, non‑productive retching, restlessness or collapse—require emergency care now.
Front desk script: “This breed has lots of energy—feel free to give a quick walk before check‑in so he settles. Do you have any genetic/health testing records (CLAD, von Willebrand’s, PRA/eye, hips) we can add to his chart?” “If you ever see a swollen belly with unproductive retching or sudden collapse, this is an emergency—go straight to the nearest 24/7 ER and call us on the way.” “If you notice unusual or prolonged bleeding after minor cuts, please tell us right away so we can alert the doctor.”
For Irish Red & White Setters, front-desk priorities are: treat any suspected bloat (non-productive retching, sudden abdominal swelling, restlessness/collapse) as an emergency and direct the client to the nearest ER immediately; keep an annual board-certified ophthalmology (CAER) eye exam on the calendar due to inherited eye risks tracked in setters and to maintain yearly certification; at new-patient/puppy visits, capture breeder/owner genetic results (CLAD DNA test; optional rcd1-PRA panel) and add to the record; note that the Royal Kennel Club no longer recognizes a breed‑specific vWD DNA test for IRWS; and flag hips for the veterinarian to discuss timing of screening for hip dysplasia.
Front desk script: Because deep‑chested setters can be at higher risk for bloat, if you ever see dry heaving/retching with a tight or swollen belly, please go to the emergency hospital now and call us on the way. For routine care, we like to keep an annual eye exam with a board‑certified ophthalmologist on file and note any genetic test results you have (CLAD and optional rcd1‑PRA). We’ll also add a reminder for the doctor to discuss hip screening at an appropriate age.
Usually sweet, people‑friendly, and very energetic gundogs; expect excited greetings and pulling at check‑in. Seat promptly in a quieter space, confirm a secure leash/harness, and use calm, reward‑based, minimal‑restraint handling. Key intake questions: ask about any genetic testing or history for CLAD (immune defect) and von Willebrand’s disease, and note any eye or hip screenings per breed recommendations. Front‑desk red flags to relay immediately: unusual or prolonged bleeding/bruising, recurrent fevers/infections in a young puppy, or bloat‑type signs (unproductive retching, a tight/swollen abdomen, sudden collapse)—alert the medical team and move to emergency triage.
Front desk script: Welcome! Irish Red & White Setters are typically very friendly and high‑energy—let’s get you checked in and into a quieter room. Has your dog ever had genetic screening (CLAD or von Willebrand’s) or eye/hip evaluations? If you’ve seen unusual bleeding, frequent infections or fever—especially in a young pup—please tell me right away. If he ever starts retching without bringing anything up or his belly looks swollen, we’ll treat that as an emergency immediately.
Irish Red and White Setters are high‑energy, people‑oriented gundogs; during intake and placement, plan for multiple daily exercise/enrichment sessions, secure leashing/fencing (flight risk with strong prey drive), and quick coat/ear checks as feathering collects burrs and moisture. For medical context, this deep‑chested setter type likely shares the gastric dilatation‑volvulus (GDV, “bloat”) risk documented in Irish Setters—coach adopters on red‑flags after meals (non‑productive retching, distended/painful abdomen, restlessness, collapse) and direct them to seek emergency care immediately if seen. Note any genetic records: the breed has a documented CLAD mutation (DNA testing used in breeding programs) and setters have an early‑onset PRA test; record what’s known/unknown and advise primary‑vet review at the first post‑adoption visit.
Front desk script: This breed does best with brisk daily exercise and mental play; please keep them leashed or in secure fencing until recall is reliable. If you ever see trying to vomit without producing anything or a tight, swollen belly—especially after eating—go straight to the emergency vet now. If you receive prior records, please share any CLAD DNA test results and recent eye exam notes with your veterinarian at the first visit.
Affectionate, people‑oriented gundogs with high energy, Irish Red and White Setters often greet exuberantly and may jump, pull, or try to bolt through doorways when aroused. At check‑in, fit a secure slip lead at the entrance, keep greetings low‑key, and ask owners which treats/cues help the dog settle. In the waiting area, give extra space away from doors and high‑traffic zones and move promptly to a quiet room when available. For handoff, note arousal level, known triggers (e.g., other dogs, doorways), tolerance for gentle handling, and effective rewards. If escalating distress appears (continuous pacing, trembling, hard stare, lip‑licking, repeated escape attempts) or heavy open‑mouth panting at rest, relocate to a quiet room and alert the medical team; if collapse or respiratory distress occurs, call for immediate veterinary assistance.
Front desk script: Hi! This breed is friendly but can be very excited at arrival—we’ll pop on a secure slip lead and head to a quieter space to help them settle. What treats or cues work best, and are there any triggers we should avoid (other dogs, doorways)? If we see rising stress (pacing, trembling, hard staring), we’ll move rooms and notify the medical team right away.
Emergency—escalate immediately to an ER: unproductive retching, a tight/bloated abdomen, restlessness, pale gums, weakness or collapse (deep‑chested setters are at higher risk for GDV); signs of heatstroke such as excessive panting, drooling, vomiting/diarrhea, confusion, collapse, or seizures; labored/open‑mouth breathing, blue‑tinged gums, extended neck, or marked effort to breathe; seizures lasting over 5 minutes or multiple seizures in 24 hours; uncontrolled or spontaneous bleeding (nose, gums, urine/stool) or large wounds. Same‑day—escalate to a clinician today: eye injury or sudden vision change, persistent vomiting/diarrhea especially with blood, painful or distended abdomen even if still able to vomit, or new severe lameness with lethargy.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re seeing, this could be life‑threatening. If there is unproductive retching with a swollen/tight belly, trouble breathing, collapse, a seizure over five minutes, or uncontrolled bleeding, please proceed to the nearest 24‑hour emergency hospital now and call us on the way. If the signs are less severe but include eye problems, bloody vomiting/diarrhea, or a painful abdomen, we need to see your Irish Red and White Setter today; I’ll alert the clinician and arrange an urgent slot.