Irish Setters are typically exuberant, highly social sporting dogs that can arrive at the clinic very excited; owners may describe panting, drooling, pulling, or being “unable to settle.” They’re eager to please but easily distracted and often sensitive to stern voices or rough handling, so a calm, quiet approach and minimizing time in busy lobbies helps. Common stress triggers to note include crowded waiting areas, separation from their person, slick floors, and loud/unpredictable noises (e.g., thunderstorms, fireworks, alarms). As a deep‑chested breed, they are at increased risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat); if an owner reports sudden restlessness with repeated unproductive retching or a tight/swollen abdomen, treat this as an emergency.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know he’s an Irish Setter—these dogs can be very enthusiastic here. We’ll room you quickly to avoid lobby stress and handle him gently and calmly; please keep him on a secure leash and near you. If you ever notice sudden non‑productive retching with a tight or swollen belly or persistent pacing/restlessness, this can be life‑threatening bloat—please come to our hospital immediately.
Irish Setters are deep‑chested and have an elevated risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat)—if a dog shows sudden abdominal swelling, repeated unproductive retching, restlessness, weakness, or collapse, this is an emergency and owners should be directed to ER immediately. The breed has inherited eye disease risks, notably early‑onset progressive retinal atrophy (rcd1) and a reported late‑onset rcd4 variant that can lead to vision loss; a predisposition to idiopathic (primary) epilepsy; and a higher likelihood of hypothyroidism. Hip dysplasia is monitored in the breed via standard screening. Rare but important in young puppies is canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD), which causes severe recurrent infections; some lines also have gluten‑sensitive enteropathy associated with chronic diarrhea and poor weight gain—persistent GI signs should be flagged for timely veterinary assessment.
Front desk script: Key risks we watch for in Irish Setters include bloat (GDV), inherited eye disease (PRA), epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia. If an owner reports a suddenly swollen belly with repeated dry‑heaving/retching or collapse, advise immediate transfer to the nearest emergency hospital. For first‑time seizures, severe or recurrent infections in a young puppy, or ongoing weight loss/diarrhea, offer a same‑day appointment or direct to urgent care if active. When scheduling routine visits, ask whether breed‑recommended screenings (hips, thyroid, PRA/CLAD DNA) have been done and note details in the chart.
Irish Setters are large, affectionate, high‑energy sporting dogs that thrive on consistent training, at least an hour of vigorous daily exercise, and regular grooming (brush/comb the long coat 2–3 times weekly; expect moderate shedding). Typical adults weigh about 55–75 lb and live roughly 12–14 years. Common owner questions involve health: this breed can be predisposed to hip dysplasia, thyroid and eye issues (PRA), epilepsy, and bloat (GDV) due to their deep chest. If you ever see unproductive retching, a tight or rapidly enlarging belly, pale gums, restlessness, or collapse, treat it as an emergency and go to the nearest ER immediately.
Front desk script: They’re friendly, high‑energy dogs—plan for long daily exercise and brushing a few times a week. For puppies or new adoptees, ask breeders for OFA/CHIC health screening results (hips, eyes/PRA, thyroid) and book a wellness exam so we can tailor preventive care. If you notice unproductive retching with a tight, swollen belly or sudden weakness/collapse, that’s an emergency—go to the nearest ER now and call us on the way.
Front-desk see Irish Setters often for itchy skin and recurrent ear issues (floppy ears/allergy-prone), GI upset or poor weight gain in youngsters, lameness after vigorous activity, first-time seizures, and owner concerns about night-vision changes. Deep-chested conformation increases bloat (GDV) risk—screen callers reporting non-productive retching, a tight/distended abdomen, extreme restlessness, drooling, or collapse and direct to ER immediately. For seizures, ask duration and frequency; seizures over 5 minutes or multiple in 24 hours warrant urgent care. Routine ear/skin irritation and mild, short-lived GI signs are common scheduling drivers but verify red flags first.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Irish Setter—can I quickly check if you’re seeing ear shaking/odor, itchy skin, vomiting/diarrhea, limping, eye changes at night, or any seizure activity? If there’s a tight or swollen belly with repeated retching and nothing coming up, marked restlessness, or collapse, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now as this breed is at higher risk for bloat. If a seizure lasted over 5 minutes or there were multiple in 24 hours, we recommend urgent care today; otherwise we can book the next available appointment for the ear/skin or GI concern.
Irish Setters have a long, silky, feathered coat that mats and collects burrs/grass awns; plan frequent brushing and periodic professional grooming (about monthly to every 6–8 weeks depending on activity) and allow extra time for de-matting and sanitary/feet/ear feathering trims. Their pendulous, hairy ears and love of water/outdoor work raise ear-issue risk; ask about head shaking, odor, or redness and route for a same‑day ear check if reported. Feathering traps moisture and debris, so watch for rapidly developing moist, painful skin lesions (hot spots) and for sneezing/paw licking or draining tracts after time in tall grass—those warrant same‑day evaluation; severe breathing trouble or uncontrolled bleeding should go to emergency immediately. Set expectations for routine coat checks after hikes, and offer groomer referrals for maintenance or heavy matting.
Front desk script: This breed’s long, feathered coat mats and picks up burrs quickly. We recommend setting a regular grooming schedule and we can refer you to a groomer; please budget extra time if mats are present. If you notice head shaking or a strong ear odor, a rapidly spreading wet sore on the skin, or sudden sneezing/paw licking after tall grass, we should see your dog today. If there’s trouble breathing or uncontrolled bleeding, please seek emergency care immediately.
Irish Setters are large, energetic, deep‑chested dogs—screen all GI calls for bloat/GDV red flags (unproductive retching, tense or distended abdomen, sudden restlessness, collapse) and, if present, direct immediately to ER without delay while noting last meal and recent activity. Common call reasons include ear/skin issues linked to pendulous ears or allergies; route these to a standard illness visit within a few days and capture duration, discharge/odor, head‑shaking, swimming, and prior episodes. For vomiting/diarrhea or abdominal discomfort, if there are repeated episodes in 12–24 hours, lethargy, or visible abdominal distension, book same‑day; otherwise use next‑available illness slot. For limping after activity, schedule within 48–72 hours; escalate to same‑day if non‑weight‑bearing, severe pain, or recent trauma. Note any history of prior gastropexy (if owner knows) and anticipate rechecks for ear/skin cases.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Irish Setter. Because this breed is deep‑chested, if you’re seeing unproductive retching, a tight/swollen belly, collapse, or worsening restlessness, this can be life‑threatening—please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and do not wait. For ear discharge, odor, or frequent head‑shaking, I can schedule a sick visit in the next few days and note how long it’s been happening and any swimming or prior ear issues. For vomiting/diarrhea, if there are repeated episodes or your dog seems weak, we recommend a same‑day visit; otherwise we’ll book the next available illness appointment.
Lifecycle notes for Irish Setters: Puppies should be scheduled for a series of wellness/vaccine visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks, with parasite checks and client education on microchipping and spay/neuter timing. Adults transition to at least annual wellness with heartworm testing and year‑round preventives, plus routine dental and weight/behavior check‑ins common for this active breed. Seniors should move to semiannual checks (every 6 months) with age‑appropriate screening labs. Because Irish Setters are deep‑chested, staff should immediately escalate any report of non‑productive retching, a tight/swollen belly, restlessness, pale gums, weakness, or collapse—this may be bloat (GDV) and is an emergency; direct the owner to the ER now and call us while they are en route.
Front desk script: For Irish Setter puppies, we’ll book a series of vaccine visits every 3–4 weeks through about 16 weeks and handle parasite checks and microchipping. As adults, we’ll see them yearly for wellness, heartworm testing, preventives, and routine dental planning; call us the same day for any sudden GI upset. Once they’re seniors, we schedule checkups every 6 months with screening labs. If you notice retching without bringing anything up or a tight, swollen belly, this is an emergency—please head to the nearest ER now and call us on the way.
Irish Setters are high‑energy, deep‑chested sporting dogs—keep visits calm (offer car/quiet‑room check‑in and shorter waits) since stress/excitability is linked with a higher risk of bloat/GDV in large, deep‑chested breeds; at intake, ask about unproductive retching, a tight/swollen abdomen, excessive drooling, panting, or sudden restlessness—if reported, escalate as an emergency; also screen for ear trouble (head‑shaking, odor, discharge) because pendulous ears are prone to otitis and book a same‑day exam if symptomatic; remind owners to use a secure leash and tell staff if their dog gets overstimulated to reduce lobby friction.
Front desk script: “Irish Setters can get excited in the lobby—would you prefer check‑in from your car or a direct room so we can keep things calm?” “If you ever see a tight, swollen belly with repeated retching or sudden restlessness, that’s a life‑threatening emergency—go to the nearest ER immediately.” “Today, have you noticed any ear scratching, head‑shaking, odor, or discharge? If yes, we’ll arrange a same‑day exam and have the doctor look before any at‑home cleaning or medication.”
Irish Setters are deep-chested and at increased risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat); if an owner reports sudden unproductive retching, a tight/bloated abdomen, restlessness, pale gums, or collapse, instruct them to proceed to the emergency hospital immediately. For proactive scheduling, offer: a GDV‑risk consult with the veterinarian (e.g., at spay/neuter or next wellness) to discuss prevention options; annual eye screening and confirmation of PRA (rcd1/rcd4) status; recurring ear checks—especially after swimming or grooming—because pendulous ears predispose to otitis; and age‑appropriate wellness reviews that include mobility/hip and thyroid screening per breed‑club guidance.
Front desk script: Because Irish Setters are at higher risk for life‑threatening bloat, if you ever see a swollen belly with unproductive retching or collapse, please go to the ER immediately and call us on the way. For routine care, I can book your annual eye screen and an ear check, and I’ll note for the doctor to review hip/thyroid screening and bloat‑risk prevention options at your next visit. Would you like to combine that with your upcoming spay/neuter or wellness appointment?
Irish Setters are upbeat, people‑oriented, and very high‑energy; greet calmly, use a cheerful/low‑pressure tone, and ensure a secure leash because they can be bouncy. They’re sensitive to harsh handling—cooperative with gentle, reward‑based approaches and minimal restraint. As a large, deep‑chested breed, they have elevated risk for gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat); screen for sudden nonproductive retching, a tense/swollen abdomen, drooling, restlessness/pacing, or collapse—if reported, tell the client this can’t wait and to come in now (call ahead); this is an emergency. Their long, pendulous ears can predispose to ear problems—ask about head shaking or ear odor. Owners often prioritize exercise needs, gentle handling, and coat/ear upkeep during visits.
Front desk script: Irish Setters are typically very friendly and energetic. We’ll greet calmly and keep a secure leash since they can be bouncy and are sensitive to harsh tones. Quick check: any gagging/retching without anything coming up, a tight or swollen belly, sudden pacing/restlessness, or collapse recently? If yes, please tell me immediately—this is an emergency and we will prioritize you right away.
Irish Setters are athletic, social sporting dogs that may arrive under-exercised and stressed in kennels; plan for daily vigorous activity, secure fencing, and calm decompression during transition. Health context for placement: their deep, narrow chest increases risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat)—watch for sudden non-productive retching, a tight or rapidly enlarging abdomen, hypersalivation, restlessness, or collapse; if seen, treat as an emergency and direct immediately to a 24/7 ER. Breed-linked issues relevant to history/screening include early-onset progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), large-breed hip dysplasia, and rare Irish-Setter–associated conditions such as canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD) and gluten‑sensitive enteropathy; advise adopters to share records and ask their veterinarian about age‑appropriate screening.
Front desk script: This breed thrives with daily exercise and structured downtime; let adopters know Irish Setters can be very energetic and people‑oriented. Because they’re deep‑chested, please review bloat warning signs—if there is dry heaving without vomit, a swollen/tight belly, sudden agitation, or collapse, go to the nearest emergency vet now. The breed has some inherited health risks (eyes/hips; rare immune or digestive disorders); encourage adopters to review our records with their veterinarian and discuss any recommended screening.
Irish Setters are friendly, people‑oriented sporting dogs with very high energy and excitable greetings; they’re often social with other dogs but can be boisterous and easily distracted. At check‑in, anticipate pulling/jumping—confirm a secure collar/harness and use a short, non‑retractable leash. For waiting‑room flow, minimize stimulation (skip the lobby when possible, seat in a quiet corner, or move straight to an exam room), keep space from other pets (especially small pets), and use calm, low‑key greetings with clinic‑approved treats. For handoff, note if the dog settles better with the owner present, responds to food rewards, or escalates with restraint; flag “high‑energy/jumpy,” “needs quiet entry,” or “go straight to room” to the clinical team. If the dog shows escalating panic/attempts to bolt or signs of heat distress (excessive panting, collapse), immediately alert the medical team and move the pet to a safe, quiet area.
Front desk script: Irish Setters can be enthusiastic greeters, so we’ll keep [Pet Name] on a short leash and head to a quieter spot or straight to a room to help him settle. May we offer clinic‑approved treats while you check in, and does he relax better if you stay with him during handoff? If he seems overwhelmed or starts to panic, we’ll bypass the lobby and notify our medical team right away.
Irish Setters are large, deep‑chested dogs with elevated risk for gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat). Red flags that require immediate emergency escalation include: unproductive retching/attempts to vomit; a suddenly swollen, tight, or painful abdomen; heavy drooling; restlessness/pacing or anxiety; panting or trouble breathing; pale gums; sudden weakness or collapse—often after meals or exercise. Also escalate urgently for heat‑stroke signs (excessive panting, drooling, confusion, collapse or seizures) or any difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting with lethargy, or major trauma. If any of these are reported, instruct the client this is an emergency—go to the nearest 24/7 veterinary ER now.
Front desk script: Those signs can indicate a life‑threatening emergency in Irish Setters. Please proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately; I can call ahead so they’re ready for you. If you’re already en route, keep going and update us once you arrive with the ER team.