Kerry Blue Terriers are energetic, highly intelligent terriers that bond closely to their people and may be wary of strangers, vocal when aroused, and selective with other dogs (same‑sex conflicts and strong prey drive are reported). In a clinic setting, crowded lobbies, close proximity to other dogs, fast approach for greetings, and long waits away from the owner can amplify reactivity or stress. Ask about known triggers, preferred rewards, and whether the dog is comfortable with a muzzle or specific handling around the face/ears/feet. If the owner reports sudden, severe behavior change, collapse, disorientation, or open‑mouth breathing at rest, escalate immediately to the medical team.
Front desk script: Some Kerry Blue Terriers can be reactive around other dogs and very alert in new places. Would you prefer car-to-room check‑in or a quiet room right away to skip the lobby? Are there handling preferences we should note (treats that work best, owner present, or areas to avoid like face/ears/feet)? If you notice a sudden behavior change or the dog can’t be handled safely, please tell me now so our medical team can see them immediately.
Kerry Blue Terriers have noted breed-linked risks for eye disease (dry eye/keratoconjunctivitis sicca and cataracts), skin issues (allergies and benign cysts), chronic ear infections, orthopedic hip dysplasia, inherited bleeding problems (von Willebrand disease and Factor XI deficiency that can cause unusual or delayed bleeding), and a rare, early-onset neurologic disorder in some lines called canine multiple system degeneration/progressive neuronal abiotrophy (puppy-onset wobbliness/tremors). Watch for red or painful eyes, recurring ear/skin problems, stiffness or limping, nosebleeds or prolonged bleeding after routine procedures, and young puppies that become unsteady or tremorous.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—this breed can be predisposed to eye, skin/ear, joint, and certain bleeding and rare neurologic issues. If you’re seeing nonstop or heavy bleeding, collapse, black/tarry stool, blood in urine, or a very red, painful eye or sudden vision change, please proceed to the emergency hospital now. For new eye redness/squinting, unusual bruising or bleeding after a procedure, sudden wobbliness in a puppy, or painful limping, we recommend a same-day appointment. Otherwise, we’re happy to schedule the next available visit to check new skin lumps, recurrent ear issues, or mild lameness.
Medium, athletic terriers (about 17–20 in., 33–40 lb) with a soft, wavy coat that sheds little but needs weekly brushing and professional grooming about every 6–8 weeks; puppies are born black and usually clear to blue‑gray by around 18 months. They’re bright and strong‑willed, so daily exercise, mental enrichment, and early socialization are important; some can be selective with other dogs. They can do well in apartments if well exercised. Ask breeders about hip and eye screening (parent‑club recommendations), and be aware this breed can see skin issues, dry eye, hip dysplasia, and some bleeding disorders. If you notice sudden eye pain/redness, collapse, trouble breathing, seizures, or uncontrolled bleeding, seek emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Kerry Blues are active, medium‑sized terriers that are low‑shedding but high‑grooming—plan on weekly brushing and pro grooms about every 6–8 weeks. They thrive with daily exercise and early training/socialization; we can schedule wellness visits and share trusted groomer/trainer referrals. If you ever see eye redness/squinting, collapse, trouble breathing, seizures, or uncontrolled bleeding, head to the nearest ER now and call us on the way.
Kerry Blue Terriers commonly prompt front-desk contacts for itchy skin and recurrent ear issues (odor, debris, head-shaking), eye discharge/redness or squinting (this breed is reported for dry eye/cataracts), new or changing skin lumps/cysts (including keratin “spicules” in some young males), dental concerns (tartar, halitosis), and coat/grooming-related matting with skin irritation. Clarify onset, severity, unilateral vs. bilateral signs, and whether photos are available. Escalate if an eye is held closed, suddenly red, or painful; if there is a head tilt, loss of balance, or sudden ear swelling; if a mass is rapidly enlarging, ulcerated, or bleeding; or if the dog refuses to bear weight on a limb.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Kerry Blue Terrier—this breed often calls in for itching/ear odor, eye discharge or squinting, and new skin bumps. May I ask a few quick safety questions: is an eye closed or very red, is there a head tilt or balance trouble, has an ear ballooned, is any lump bleeding or growing fast, or is your dog not putting weight on a leg? If yes, we recommend a same-day urgent visit (ER if after hours). If no, we’ll schedule the next available exam and note your observations and any photos you can share.
Kerry Blue Terriers have a single, soft, dense, wavy coat that sheds minimally but grows continuously—making mats likely without regular care. Owners should plan for frequent home brushing (at least weekly; many need every‑other‑day) and professional grooming on a set cycle (about monthly to every 6–8 weeks) to keep coat length, face/beard, and hygiene tidy. During grooming/at check‑in, ask about recent itching, hot spots, ear odor/discharge, or new lumps, as the breed is noted for skin and ear issues; route routine coat care to grooming and reserve medical visits for concerning skin/ear changes.
Front desk script: This breed’s coat grows continuously and mats easily, so most Kerry Blue owners book grooming on a regular cycle—typically monthly or every 6–8 weeks—with brushing at home in between. Would you like us to set up a recurring grooming appointment? If you’re noticing sudden itchiness, red or oozing skin, ear odor/discharge, or a new rapidly growing lump, please tell me now so we can arrange a same‑day veterinary exam rather than a grooming visit.
Kerry Blue Terriers commonly present with skin/ear issues and can develop eye problems (notably dry eye) that may progress to corneal ulcers, so painful red eyes or squinting should be routed for same‑day care; the breed is also associated with von Willebrand disease (bleeding tendency), so ask about prolonged bleeding/bruising and flag any upcoming procedures for pre‑op screening; young Kerries with progressive incoordination may have a breed‑linked neurologic disorder (CMSD/PNA) and should be prioritized for vet evaluation; for routine itch/ear odor, new skin lumps, or lameness that’s worse on hard surfaces, schedule a sick visit and note likely rechecks; if there is uncontrolled bleeding, collapse, very pale gums, labored breathing, or a suddenly painful eye held closed, direct the caller to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Kerry Blue Terrier—this breed can have eye and bleeding issues we like to triage quickly. Are you seeing a painful red eye/squinting or any prolonged bleeding (nose, gums, after minor cuts) today? If yes, we recommend a same‑day exam; if there’s uncontrolled bleeding, collapse, very pale gums, or severe eye pain, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now. For skin/ear concerns or new lumps, I can book our next available sick appointment and note that the doctor may recommend a follow‑up check.
For Kerry Blue Terriers, puppyhood means clustered visits every 3–4 weeks until roughly 16–20 weeks for exams, core vaccines, deworming checks, microchip discussion, and socialization guidance; expect new‑owner questions about house‑training and grooming of the non‑shedding coat. In adulthood, plan annual wellness (vaccine boosters per AAHA schedule, parasite prevention refills) and be ready for common breed calls about itchy skin, ear debris/odor, or new lumps; book timely checks if signs are progressing. As they enter senior years for their size, shift to at least twice‑yearly checkups with veterinarian‑directed screening and questions about mobility, vision/hearing, weight, and urinary changes. Escalate immediately if there is trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, suspected toxin exposure, or a puppy with persistent vomiting/diarrhea and lethargy—these can be emergencies.
Front desk script: For Kerry Blue Terrier puppies, we’ll schedule vaccine/parasite visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16–20 weeks. As adults, plan a yearly wellness exam; booster timing varies by vaccine, and we’ll review parasite prevention and any skin/ear or lump concerns. Once your dog is senior for their size, we recommend checkups every 6 months with screening as advised by the doctor. If your dog has trouble breathing, collapses, can’t keep water down, or a puppy is very lethargic with diarrhea, this can be an emergency—please come in now or go to the nearest ER and call us on the way.
Kerry Blue Terriers are energetic, clever terriers; offer a quick rooming or quiet entry if the lobby is busy, as some can be reserved around other dogs/strangers. Their low‑shedding coat grows continuously—log last professional groom and any matting, dirty beard, or ear‑hair concerns. Note owner reports of skin lumps/cysts, recurrent ear issues, eye problems (red, painful, squinting), hip trouble, or unusual bleeding (breed is reported to have von Willebrand risk); in puppies, ask about stumbling or falls consistent with progressive ataxia (CMSD/PNA). If an owner mentions nonstop bleeding, sudden marked incoordination, or a painful red eye, alert the medical team and direct them to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: To help us plan your visit, does [Pet] do best with a quick rooming or is the lobby okay? Any recent grooming or ear cleaning, and have you noticed new skin bumps, eye redness/squinting, trouble getting up, or bleeding that took longer than expected to stop? If you’re seeing nonstop bleeding, sudden stumbling or falling, or a painful red eye right now, please head to the nearest ER while I alert our doctor.
Kerry Blue Terriers have breed risks worth flagging at scheduling: inherited bleeding disorders (von Willebrand disease ± Factor XI)—confirm pre‑surgical clotting status before elective procedures; eye surface disease (dry eye/KCS)—book annual eye checks and arrange same‑day assessment for any red, painful, squinting eye; juvenile neurologic concern (CMSD/PNA) in some Kerry puppies—new wobbliness or tremors at 4–18 months warrants prompt evaluation; hips—parent club recommends hip and ophthalmologist evaluations; coat/ear care—plan regular skin/ear checks and grooming to reduce infections/matting. If bleeding won’t stop, there are large bruises, pale gums, collapse, or a severely painful red eye, direct the client to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Because Kerry Blues can carry inherited bleeding and eye conditions, we recommend an eye screening and discussing pre‑op clotting tests before any planned surgery—would you like me to book that? If you see a suddenly red or painful eye, unusual bruising/bleeding, or a puppy that’s become wobbly or tremoring, please tell me so we can arrange a same‑day visit. If bleeding won’t stop, gums look pale, or your dog collapses, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now.
Active, intelligent, and strong‑willed terrier; affectionate with family but often reserved around unfamiliar dogs and other animals. Front-desk handling: use calm, confident, reward-based approach; secure leash and move to a quieter room to limit dog‑to‑dog encounters; invite owner to stay present. What to flag: non‑shedding, high‑grooming coat (mats/beard/ears) with tendency toward chronic ear issues and skin cysts; eye concerns (dry eye, cataracts)—note squinting/redness; bleeding‑risk history or testing (von Willebrand’s/Factor XI); and any hip dysplasia history. If owner reports active bleeding that won’t stop, sudden collapse/trouble breathing, or a very painful red eye with squinting, alert the doctor immediately and begin triage.
Front desk script: “Thanks for bringing [PetName] in—Kerry Blues are bright, energetic terriers and can be alert around new dogs, so we’ll head to a quiet room and use treats and calm handling.” “Any history of prolonged bleeding or testing for von Willebrand’s/Factor XI, recent ear problems, or eye squinting/redness we should note?” “If you’re seeing bleeding that won’t stop, severe eye pain, trouble breathing, or a collapse right now, please tell me—we’ll alert the medical team immediately.”
High‑energy working terrier often selective with unfamiliar dogs—plan slow, neutral dog‑dog introductions and consider single‑dog placement when appropriate. Their low‑shedding coat mats quickly; set expectations for frequent professional grooming and check ears/skin at intake. Breed‑relevant health flags include inherited bleeding risks (Factor XI deficiency; also von Willebrand disease)—collect any history of unusual or prolonged bleeding and alert the veterinarian before invasive procedures. Rare but notable for shelters, puppies around 4–16 weeks can develop progressive wobbliness/tremors from CMSD/PNA; flag promptly if observed. Escalate immediately for uncontrolled bleeding, persistent nosebleeds, or blood in urine/stool; painful red eyes or sudden ataxia in a young pup warrant same‑day veterinary assessment.
Front desk script: Kerry Blues are energetic terriers and can be dog‑selective, so we schedule slow, on‑leash meet‑and‑greets and may recommend single‑dog placement. Their coat needs regular grooming; we’ll review a schedule with you. This breed can carry inherited bleeding disorders—please tell us if you’ve noticed unusual bleeding after nail trims, injuries, or surgery; heavy bleeding or ongoing nosebleeds is an emergency, go to the nearest ER now. If you see red, painful eyes or a suddenly wobbly puppy, contact us the same day for guidance.
Kerry Blue Terriers are bright, energetic, and affectionate with their families, but like many terriers they can be vocal watchdogs, show strong prey drive, and may be wary or reactive with unfamiliar dogs (sometimes same‑sex) and strangers. At check‑in, request a secure short leash (no retractables), maintain distance from other pets, and consider direct rooming or curbside during busy times; confirm any history of reactivity or use of a muzzle. For waiting‑room flow, avoid face‑to‑face pet greetings and seat in a low‑traffic area. Handoff: note observed triggers (e.g., other dogs, handling near head/ears) and preferred handling aids. If you see stiff posture, hard staring, growling, lip lifting, or lunging, stop the approach, move the pet to a quiet area, and page a technician immediately.
Front desk script: Hi! For everyone’s comfort, please keep [Name] on a short leash and away from other pets—we can room you quickly if the lobby is busy. Does [Name] have any history of reacting to other dogs or small animals, or prefer a muzzle for exams? If you notice a hard stare, growling, or a stiff body, please step back and let us know so a technician can assist right away.
For Kerry Blue Terriers, escalate immediately if you hear any of the following: labored/fast breathing, blue or very pale gums, collapse or extreme weakness; a seizure lasting over 5 minutes, more than one seizure in 24 hours, or failure to return to normal; repeated unproductive retching with drooling and a tight/bloated abdomen or sudden restlessness after eating—treat as an immediate ER; sudden red, painful, or cloudy eye, marked squinting, or abrupt vision change (ocular emergency); unusual or prolonged bleeding from the nose/gums/urine or bleeding that will not stop (breed has increased risk of von Willebrand disease); facial swelling or hives especially with vomiting/diarrhea or lethargy (possible severe allergic reaction); straining to urinate with little or no output; or persistent, repeated vomiting/diarrhea, especially if blood is seen. If any of these are reported, instruct the client to come in now or proceed to the nearest emergency hospital.
Front desk script: Based on what you’ve described, this may be an emergency. Please bring your dog in immediately; if we’re closed or you can’t arrive promptly, go to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital now. If breathing worsens, collapse occurs, or a seizure is ongoing, proceed straight to the ER and call us on the way so we can alert the team.