Irish Water Spaniels are high‑energy, water‑motivated retrievers with a clownish streak who bond closely to family but may be reserved with unfamiliar people or places; a minority can seem timid without early socialization. In clinic settings they tend to do best with calm, reward‑based introductions, a short warm‑up in a quieter space, and a simple “job” (e.g., brief retrieve/target) to focus; sights or sounds of water may heighten arousal. Owners may report stress as overexcitement, vocalizing, or “stubbornness” when the dog is actually anxious or under‑stimulated.
Front desk script: Irish Water Spaniels can be slow to warm to new people, so we’ll keep greetings low‑key and may place you in a quieter room—does that help your dog settle? Do they have a favorite treat or toy we can use for focus, and should we avoid water bowls/hoses that might overexcite them? Please tell us if you’re seeing sudden extreme anxiety or agitation here. If there’s persistent coughing or trouble breathing after swimming, disorientation, or collapse, alert us immediately so a nurse can triage right away.
Irish Water Spaniels have several breed-linked risks to keep on the radar: chronic ear infections from long, hairy ears; orthopedic issues (hip and elbow dysplasia); occasional seizures/epilepsy; skin/coat problems including follicular dysplasia and allergies; and inherited eye disease (cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and sometimes distichiasis/entropion). Some dogs show serious drug sensitivities—particularly to sulfa antibiotics and ivermectin—so flag new or recent medications to the care team. Escalate immediately for any seizure or sudden collapse, or for facial swelling/vomiting after a new medication; escalate same day for painful, foul-smelling ears, head tilt, or vision changes.
Front desk script: This breed can be prone to ear infections, joint issues, certain eye problems, and sometimes seizures. Have you noticed ear odor/redness, limping or stiffness, changes in vision, or any seizure activity? If there has been a seizure or a collapse—especially after starting a new medication—please let us know right away so the doctor can see your pet immediately. Also, Irish Water Spaniels may react to sulfa drugs or ivermectin; we will confirm any new meds with the veterinarian.
Irish Water Spaniels are medium–large, curly‑coated sporting dogs (about 21–24 in., 45–68 lb) built for swimming; they shed little but are not truly hypoallergenic and need regular professional grooming plus frequent brushing. Expect high daily exercise and early training/socialization for best manners with family and strangers. Common breeder health screens include hips, elbows, and eyes; many also screen thyroid and heart—ask for CHIC/OFA results. Because pendulous, often-wet ears can trap moisture, watch for head‑shaking, ear redness, odor, discharge, or ear swelling—please book a same‑day exam if you see these. Typical lifespan is around 12–13 years.
Front desk script: They’re active, low‑shedding swimmers that need regular professional grooming and plenty of daily exercise. When discussing puppies, ask breeders for CHIC/OFA health testing results (hips, elbows, eyes; many also do thyroid/heart). If you notice head‑shaking, ear redness, odor, discharge, or ear swelling after swims, we recommend a same‑day appointment.
Irish Water Spaniels frequently trigger front-desk contacts for post-swim ear discomfort (head shaking, odor), itchy skin or coat matting in their dense curly coat, eye irritation, and questions about intermittent stiffness/lameness tied to hip or elbow concerns; owners also often call to confirm medication safety due to reported sulfa/ivermectin sensitivities. Flag same-day visits for painful or foul-smelling ears, persistent itching with skin sores, squinting/red eyes, or sudden lameness. Escalate immediately to emergency care if the caller reports non-productive retching with a tight, swollen abdomen, collapse, or an ongoing seizure.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Irish Water Spaniel—this breed commonly calls for ear issues after swimming, coat/skin irritation, and occasional stiffness. If there is ear pain or strong odor, squinting/red eyes, or sudden lameness, we recommend a same-day exam. If you’re seeing non-productive retching with a swollen belly, collapse, or a seizure that is ongoing, this is an emergency—please proceed to the nearest ER now. Also, because some Irish Water Spaniels have drug sensitivities, please share any medication names you’ve given or been prescribed.
Dense, water‑resistant double coat of tight, crisp ringlets; low shedding but mats quickly. Expect thorough combing to the skin 2–3 times per week and professional scissoring/shape‑ups about every 6–8 weeks (more often during heavy swimming). Long, drop ears and hair around the canal can trap moisture/debris, so ensure the dog is fully dried after baths/swims and plan routine ear checks; the breed is prone to ear infections. Low shedding does not guarantee hypoallergenic. Escalate same day if owners report persistent head‑shaking, ear odor/discharge, redness/swelling, or the dog resisting ear handling.
Front desk script: This breed’s tight, curly, water‑repellent coat doesn’t shed much but mats fast. We recommend grooming appointments every 6–8 weeks and advising owners to comb to the skin 2–3 times weekly; remind them to dry the coat and ears thoroughly after swimming. If they report head‑shaking, ear odor/redness, or painful mats, please book a same‑day exam and note possible ear concerns. We can also refer them to groomers experienced with water‑dog coats.
Irish Water Spaniels are large, water-loving dogs with pendulous, hairy ears; front-desk teams will frequently field calls about acute ear discomfort after swimming (head shaking, odor, scratching), curly-coat skin flares, and mobility concerns tied to hip/elbow dysplasia or owner reports of weight gain/lethargy suggestive of endocrine issues. Route painful ear/skin concerns to a same‑day problem exam; schedule routine wellness or non-urgent weight/mobility questions as standard exams. For breeding clients, note that CHIC clearances commonly requested for this breed include hips, elbows, eyes, and heart—route to radiography and coordinate ophthalmology/cardiology per clinic capabilities (flag if the DVM may require fasting or sedation). Immediately escalate if the caller reports signs consistent with bloat/GDV (sudden abdominal distention, unproductive retching, excessive drooling, pale gums, weakness/collapse)—direct to a 24/7 emergency hospital without delay.
Front desk script: “Thanks for calling about your Irish Water Spaniel. Has your dog been swimming recently, and are you noticing head shaking, ear odor, or ear pain? If yes, I’ll reserve a same-day problem exam; however, if you see a swollen/bloated belly with gagging/retching without vomit, pale gums, or collapse, this is an emergency—please proceed to the nearest 24/7 ER now and I can share their details. For pre-breeding clearances, we can book hip/elbow radiographs and help arrange eye/heart exams; I’ll also note any prior orthopedic or thyroid history for the doctor.”
Irish Water Spaniels grow fast as puppies (to ~12–18 months), so plan vaccine/weight visits every 3–4 weeks until at least 16–20 weeks, microchip, deworming review, and early ear-care coaching due to breed‑prone otitis; schedule spay/neuter timing discussions per doctor. As adults, book wellness every 6–12 months with core vaccine boosters (1 year after the puppy series, then typically every 3 years per guidelines), dental checks, weight/nutrition review, and targeted screening for hip issues and recurrent ear/eye concerns. In seniors (about 8–10+ years), move to exams at least every 6 months with baseline labs as directed by the veterinarian, mobility/cognition check-ins, and closer monitoring for lumps, vision/hearing change, or behavior shifts. Escalate immediately if callers report non‑productive retching with a tight abdomen, trouble breathing, collapse, pale gums, or suddenly worsening neurologic signs—advise emergency care now.
Front desk script: For Irish Water Spaniel puppies, we’ll schedule vaccine and growth visits every 3–4 weeks until at least 16–20 weeks. As adults, we recommend wellness exams every 6–12 months with routine boosters and ear/dental checks; for seniors (about 8–10+), visits are every 6 months with screening as the doctor advises. If you notice non‑productive retching with a firm belly, breathing difficulty, collapse, or pale gums, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way.
Irish Water Spaniels are active, water‑loving dogs with pendulous, curly ears—features linked to a higher risk of ear problems—so set clear expectations at booking: ask about recent swimming, head shaking, ear odor/discharge, or ear sensitivity and route those as same‑day ear checks; confirm grooming cadence because their coat mats quickly and may require regular professional care; and screen for mobility concerns (stiffness, trouble rising) to allocate appropriate appointment time. If an owner reports severe head tilt, loss of balance, disorientation, or repeated vomiting with ear signs, direct them to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Because Irish Water Spaniels often swim and have floppy ears, they can be prone to ear issues. If you’re noticing head shaking, ear odor or discharge, or sensitivity when the ear is touched, we recommend a same‑day ear check so our team can help. If you see a pronounced head tilt, stumbling/loss of balance, or repeated vomiting with ear signs, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now. Also, their curly coat can mat quickly—would you like us to note your grooming schedule or book a longer visit if you’re seeing tangles or skin changes?
Irish Water Spaniels are prone to swimmer’s ear due to pendulous, hairy ears—schedule routine ear checks and book a prompt visit if owners report head‑shaking, odor, discharge, or ear pain; escalate same day if head tilt or balance issues are mentioned. Confirm breeder OFA history and plan orthopedic check‑ins, as the breed can show hip/elbow dysplasia; triage any new lameness or reluctance to exercise. Watch for eye irritation (tearing/squinting) and coat/weight changes that may warrant screening for endocrine/derm issues. Urgent red flags to communicate: repeated unproductive retching with a tight/bloated abdomen (possible GDV) or any new seizure activity—advise immediate ER care without delay. ([msdvetmanual.com](https://www.msdvetmanual.com/ear-disorders/otitis-externa/otitis-externa-in-animals?utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: For Irish Water Spaniels, we like to keep up regular ear checks and orthopedic screenings because this breed can be prone to ear infections and hip/elbow issues. If you notice head-shaking, ear odor/discharge, limping, or eye squinting, we can get you in quickly. If you ever see non‑productive retching with a swollen belly or any seizure activity, please go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way so we can coordinate care.
Energetic, intelligent sporting retriever with strong swim/retrieve drive; typically affectionate with family but can be reserved with unfamiliar people—greet calmly, avoid crowding the head/ears, let the dog approach, and use low‑key treats with the owner nearby. Front-desk priorities: ask about recent swimming and any ear signs (head‑shaking, scratching, odor, redness), mobility/stiffness history (hip concerns reported in the breed), and coat/skin questions (mat‑prone curls). Be mindful that floppy, hair‑covered ears plus frequent water exposure raise ear‑infection risk; schedule accordingly if the owner reports active ear discomfort. Escalate immediately: if you observe head tilt, loss of balance, severe ear pain/crying, or a suddenly swollen ear flap, inform the veterinarian at once for same‑day assessment.
Front desk script: Irish Water Spaniels are active and sometimes a bit reserved with new people, so we’ll keep greetings calm and let them come to us while you stay close. Have you noticed any ear issues after swims (head‑shaking, odor, redness) or any stiffness when getting up? If you see head tilt, strong ear pain, or a puffy ear today, please tell me right away so I can alert the doctor.
Irish Water Spaniels (IWS) are high‑energy, water‑loving sporting dogs with tight, low‑shedding curls that can mat—at intake, note coat/skin condition and any ear odor, redness, or debris after recent swimming or humidity; they may be reserved with unfamiliar people, so use slow, positive introductions and allow a quiet decompression space; for placement, prioritize active adopters comfortable with regular grooming; be aware of breed‑level orthopedic risk (hip/elbow dysplasia)—flag persistent forelimb lameness, difficulty rising, or reluctance to jump for non‑urgent veterinary follow‑up, and escalate same‑day if there’s head tilt, severe ear pain/odor with frequent shaking, or facial asymmetry, which can indicate middle/inner ear involvement. ([petmd.com](https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/irish-water-spaniel))
Front desk script: This breed is active and curly‑coated—please coach adopters to plan for regular exercise and routine grooming. Pendulous, often‑wet ears can trap moisture; ask adopters to watch for odor, redness, or frequent head‑shaking. If they notice head tilt, intense ear pain, or a drooping ear/lip, advise same‑day veterinary care; otherwise we can help book a wellness check. Let us know about ongoing front‑leg lameness or trouble rising so we can schedule a non‑urgent exam.
High-energy, intelligent sporting breed that is affectionate with family but often initially aloof/cautious with strangers; use calm, treat-based introductions and minimize stimulation. At check-in, give space, keep a short secure leash, and seat away from busy areas/other dogs; offer a quiet room or curbside check-in if aroused (persistent barking, pacing, fixated scanning). Expect excited pulling/jumping—prompt owner to keep the dog close and focused with treats. For handoff, avoid reaching over the head, allow a brief sniff/visual of staff, then move directly to an exam room with minimal stops. If you see hard stares, growling, repeated lunging, or inability to settle within 1–2 minutes, stop the approach, relocate to a low‑stimulus area or the car, and immediately alert the medical team for a controlled handoff.
Front desk script: Irish Water Spaniels are smart, energetic dogs that may be a bit reserved with new people. We’ll give your dog some space and use treats for a calm introduction. If your dog seems amped up or worried, we can check you in from your car or a quieter room. If you notice any growling or lunging, please let us know right away so our medical team can assist.
Irish Water Spaniels are large, deep‑chested and very water‑oriented—treat the following as emergency triggers: suspected bloat/GDV (repeated unproductive retching, rapidly enlarging/tight abdomen, drooling, restlessness, pale gums, weakness/collapse); any breathing difficulty; heatstroke signs after activity or hot weather (heavy panting, drooling, vomiting/diarrhea, confusion, seizures, collapse); water‑related red flags such as sudden lethargy, bloating, vomiting, ataxia or seizures after intense swimming/retrieving (acute water intoxication); and exposure to suspected blue‑green algae with acute vomiting/drooling, tremors/seizures, difficulty breathing or rapid collapse. If any of these are reported, escalate immediately to the clinician or direct the owner to the nearest emergency hospital now.
Front desk script: Thank you for calling—based on what you’re describing, this requires immediate veterinary assessment. Please come to the clinic now; if we cannot see you right away or if we are closed, go directly to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital. If you notice unproductive retching with a swollen/tight belly, trouble breathing, collapse, or seizures, do not wait—head to the ER while calling us so we can alert the team.