Newfoundlands are typically gentle, people‑oriented, and friendly with strangers, but can be sensitive to tone/handling—calm, reward‑based approaches work best. Their heavy double coat means they dislike heat and may overheat quickly in warm or humid lobbies; prioritize cool, short waits and offer water. Many are drawn to water and may pull toward puddles or tubs; they also drool heavily, so expect slobber. Because of their giant size, tight spaces, slick floors, and stepping onto scales can increase stress; they often prefer to stay close to their owner. Red flags to escalate immediately: heavy panting with distress/weakness or collapse (possible heat illness), or trying to vomit without producing anything with a swollen abdomen (possible bloat/GDV).
Front desk script: “Newfies can run warm—would you like a cool exam room or to wait in your air‑conditioned car until we’re ready? We’ll keep water and towels handy. We’ll also use a non‑slip mat and can keep you together during the exam if that helps. If you’re seeing heavy panting with weakness/collapse, or unproductive retching with a tight or swollen belly, please tell me now—this is an emergency and we’ll alert the medical team immediately.”
Newfoundlands have several known breed-linked risks: congenital heart outflow narrowing (subaortic/aortic stenosis), a hereditary urinary condition (cystinuria) that can form cystine stones—especially concerning for urinary blockage in males, high rates of hip and elbow dysplasia, and bloat (gastric dilatation–volvulus) seen in large, deep‑chested dogs. Front-desk red flags: unproductive retching, a rapidly enlarging/tight abdomen, sudden collapse, or very pale gums—treat as an emergency and direct the client to come in immediately. Straining to urinate, repeated attempts with little/no urine, or blood in urine warrant same‑day urgent evaluation. Report fainting or exercise-related collapse the same day for veterinary assessment.
Front desk script: Newfoundlands can be prone to a heart outflow defect (subaortic stenosis), cystine urinary stones, joint dysplasia, and life‑threatening bloat in deep‑chested breeds. If your dog is retching without bringing anything up or has a tight, swollen belly, please come in immediately—this is an emergency. Straining to urinate or passing only drops also needs urgent same‑day care. We can schedule a doctor to review screening options and your pet’s history.
Newfoundlands are gentle, giant, water‑loving family dogs (about 100–150 lb) that need daily, moderate exercise and stay most comfortable in cool weather; expect heavy shedding, mats without regular brushing, and noticeable drool. Typical owner Q&A: good with kids—generally yes with supervision; grooming—brush several times weekly (more during seasonal sheds); heat—avoid strenuous activity in warm temps; lifespan—about 8–10 years. Health to ask your vet about: screening for hips/elbows, a cardiac check for subaortic stenosis (SAS), and a breed‑specific DNA test for cystinuria. Large/giant breeds like Newfs can develop bloat (GDV)—if you see a swollen/tight abdomen with unproductive retching, sudden collapse, or severe distress, go to an emergency vet now; inability to urinate or repeated straining with little output is also an emergency.
Front desk script: Newfies are sweet, giant dogs that shed and drool; they do best with daily, moderate activity and cooler temps. For wellness, our doctor recommends routine hip/elbow screening and a cardiac exam; we can also arrange the Newfoundland cystinuria DNA test. If you ever see unproductive retching with a tight, swollen belly—or your dog can’t urinate—go to the emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way. Would you like me to book a preventive check and grooming consult?
Front-desk teams most often hear from Newfoundland owners about: puppy heart murmurs or new exercise intolerance/coughing, fainting/collapse (breed predisposition to subaortic stenosis and dilated cardiomyopathy); sudden non-productive retching with a tight, enlarged abdomen in deep‑chested dogs (can indicate a life‑threatening emergency such as bloat/GDV); ear irritation after swimming or in humid weather (head‑shaking, odor, discharge) due to pendulous, moisture‑prone ears; rapidly developing “hot spots” under the heavy, often-wet coat; and straining to urinate—especially in males—because this breed is predisposed to cystinuria and stones that can obstruct urine flow.
Front desk script: Thank you for calling—let me ask a quick safety check: is your Newfoundland retching without bringing anything up with a swollen, firm belly, unable to pass urine, or has your dog collapsed or fainted? If yes, this may be an emergency—please proceed now to the nearest 24/7 veterinary ER; we can notify them you’re on the way. For ear irritation, hot spots, or new cough/exercise intolerance, we recommend a same‑day appointment; please note when signs began, any recent swimming/grooming, and if a heart murmur was ever mentioned. If you’re unsure, we can triage with a nurse immediately.
Newfoundlands have a dense, water‑resistant double coat that sheds heavily and mats easily; routine, thorough brushing is needed year‑round and more frequently during seasonal “coat blows.” Because trapped moisture and mats can predispose to painful hot spots and ear/skin issues after swimming or bathing, plan extra drying time and consider referral to a groomer experienced with giant, double‑coated breeds. Expect longer appointments for de‑shedding and blow‑drying, and advise owners that regular maintenance helps reduce skin problems and keeps visits predictable.
Front desk script: This breed’s thick double coat needs consistent brushing and thorough drying, especially after swims or baths. We can book extra time during heavy shedding and provide a referral to a groomer familiar with Newfoundlands if you’d like. If you notice a rapidly spreading, red, moist, painful or foul‑smelling skin patch, or the dog seems very uncomfortable, please tell us so we can schedule a same‑day veterinary exam.
Newfoundlands are giant, dense‑coated, water‑loving dogs; for intake, confirm mobility/handling needs (two‑person lift, floor exam space, large scale) and ask targeted triage questions: any non‑productive retching with a tight/swollen abdomen, pale gums, collapse, or severe breathing distress (treat as emergency/ER now); male dogs straining to urinate or unable to pass urine (same‑day/urgent due to cystinuria risk); new fainting/weakness or a recently noted heart murmur (expedited DVM slot, consider cardiology referral); and recent swimming with ear odor, scratching, or moist painful skin lesions (book GP visit; note breed tendency to otitis and hot spots). Route routine skin/ear complaints to GP; reserve longer appointment blocks for size and likely assistance needs; document any prior CHIC‑related screenings (hips/elbows/heart/cystinuria) noted by the owner for records routing.
Front desk script: Because Newfoundlands can be prone to certain urgent issues, I’m going to ask a few quick safety questions: is your dog retching without producing vomit, has a firm swollen belly, trouble breathing, collapse, or is a male straining to urinate? If yes to any of these, this is urgent—if retching with a swollen belly or collapse, please head to the nearest emergency hospital now and I can call ahead. Otherwise, I can reserve a longer appointment today if there’s urinary straining or sudden weakness, or schedule a standard visit for ear/skin concerns after swimming and we’ll be ready to assist with handling on arrival.
Newfoundlands are giant-breed dogs whose lifecycle shifts front-office scheduling: in puppyhood, book 3–4‑week visits through ~16–20 weeks for vaccine series, rapid-growth weight checks, parasite prevention starts, and rechecks if a heart murmur is noted; in adulthood, schedule annual or 6‑month wellness to track body condition, skin/ears, mobility, and to cue doctor-led discussions on breed‑relevant screenings (hips/elbows, cardiac evaluation for subaortic stenosis, and cystinuria status); by senior years (which often arrive earlier in giant breeds), plan exams at least every 6 months with mobility, cardiac, dental, cognition, and lab screening per the veterinarian; remind owners Newfs are heat‑sensitive and water‑loving when setting seasonal/grooming appointments; if there is non‑productive retching with a tight, enlarged belly, sudden collapse, or severe breathing trouble, direct to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: For a Newfoundland puppy, we’ll see you every 3–4 weeks until about 16–20 weeks for vaccines, growth, and behavior check‑ins. As an adult, we recommend yearly or 6‑month wellness visits; the doctor may also discuss breed‑specific screenings like hips/elbows, heart, and cystinuria. From the senior stage (often earlier for giant breeds), plan twice‑yearly exams. If you ever see unproductive retching with a firm, swollen belly, sudden collapse, or labored breathing, go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way.
Newfoundlands are giant, heavy‑coated, deep‑chested dogs—plan extra time, larger rooms, non‑slip mats, and staff help with ramps/lifts; invite owners to bring a secure harness and allow curbside transfer if mobility is limited. Listen for red flags to triage: unproductive retching with a tight or rapidly enlarging belly; collapse/fainting or marked exercise intolerance; or straining to urinate with little/no output (often males). If any are reported, use explicit escalation: “These signs can be life‑threatening; please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now while I call ahead.” Keep the pet cool and minimize waiting-room stress; have towels/wipes ready for normal drooling and offer water breaks.
Front desk script: “Thanks for calling about your Newfoundland. Because of their size, we’ll reserve a larger, cool room and help with ramps and non‑slip mats—please bring a secure harness. If you ever see unproductive retching with a tight belly, collapse/fainting, or straining to urinate with little or no urine, this is an emergency—head to the nearest ER now while I notify them. If mobility is limited, we can meet you curbside to assist.”
Newfoundlands have several high‑priority preventive watchouts: congenital heart disease (subaortic aortic stenosis) is overrepresented—ensure an annual cardiac auscultation and fast‑track a cardiology referral if a murmur has been noted; orthopedic disease (hip and elbow dysplasia) is common—plan OFA‑style screening at skeletal maturity with optional prelims earlier; cystinuria can lead to cystine bladder stones—add periodic urinalysis from adolescence; and, as a giant deep‑chested breed, they carry bloat/GDV risk—if owners report non‑productive retching, a rapidly enlarging/tight abdomen, collapse/fainting, or straining to urinate with little to no output, direct them to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Because Newfoundlands are prone to heart murmurs (SAS), joint dysplasia, cystine urinary stones, and bloat, we like to stay proactive. I can book your dog’s annual heart check, schedule hip/elbow screening around 2 years old (with earlier prelims if your veterinarian recommends), and add a quick urine test at the next visit. If you ever see unproductive retching with a tight, swollen belly, fainting/collapse, or straining to urinate with little or no output, please go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way.
Gentle, people‑oriented “gentle giant” that is usually easy to handle with calm, low‑stimulus approach; anticipate very large size, heavy drool, and heat sensitivity. Operational tips: use wide, low, non‑slip scale and clear floor space; keep lobby time short and offer a cool area/water; have towels ready. What to flag at intake: this breed is overrepresented for subvalvular aortic stenosis (ask about known heart murmur, fainting, or exercise intolerance) and for cystinuria in males (ask about straining to urinate or urinary blockage history). Escalate immediately if the owner reports unproductive retching with a tight/bloated abdomen, collapse, severe breathing/heat distress, or inability to urinate—tell them, “This could be an emergency; we’ll alert the medical team now.”
Front desk script: Welcome! Newfoundlands are usually very sweet—let’s get you into a cool, non‑slip spot and a quick weight. Any history of a heart murmur, fainting during exercise, or trouble keeping up? For males, any recent straining to urinate? If you notice unproductive retching, a suddenly swollen belly, collapse, or severe heat stress at any time, please tell me right away—this is an emergency and we will bring you straight to the medical team.
Newfoundlands are giant, deep‑chested, heavy‑coated dogs; in shelter/adoption settings, confirm any prior breed‑relevant screenings (hips, elbows, cardiologist cardiac exam for subaortic stenosis, and cystinuria DNA) and note baseline weight and body condition. Watch for heat intolerance in warm environments and moisture retention in coat/ears after swimming or baths. Escalate immediately for signs of bloat/GDV (non‑productive retching, tense/bloated abdomen, restlessness/collapse) or urinary obstruction (male straining with little/no urine); fainting or marked exercise intolerance in a young large‑breed dog also warrants prompt veterinary evaluation. For placements, discuss size/transport needs, sturdy harness fit, and early wellness follow‑up with a primary vet.
Front desk script: For this Newfoundland, could you share any records of hip/elbow evaluations, a cardiologist heart exam, and cystinuria DNA testing? If you see non‑productive retching with a tight, swollen belly, collapse, or a male straining to urinate with little or no output, direct the adopter to the nearest emergency clinic now. If there’s fainting or sudden exercise intolerance, arrange a same‑day veterinary visit. We also recommend an early post‑adoption wellness check to set up care for a giant, heavy‑coated breed.
Newfoundlands are typically calm, people‑oriented “gentle giants” that are friendly with strangers and other dogs; they do best with slow, low‑key greetings and room to choose contact. Expect heavy drooling and plan for heat sensitivity from their dense double coat—seat in a cool, roomy area away from busy doorways, provide a non‑slip mat, and keep towels handy. Because of their size and sometimes slow mobility, confirm ability to rise/turn, use a floor scale with a ramp, and consider a two‑person assist for transitions. For waiting‑room flow, avoid crowding and announce wide‑door transfers to staff. Escalate immediately if you observe heavy/persistent panting, drooling with weakness, confusion, or collapse—alert the medical team for immediate triage; do not delay.
Front desk script: Welcome! We’ll get your Newfoundland a spacious, quiet spot—would a non‑slip mat or towel help today? Let us know if mobility is limited so we can use the floor scale and assist with transfers. If you notice heavy panting, drooling with weakness, or your dog seems confused or collapses at any point, please tell me right away so our medical team can triage immediately.
Newfoundlands are giant, deep‑chested dogs with breed risks that make certain signs true emergencies. Immediate ER referral is required for: suspected bloat/GDV (sudden non‑productive retching/dry heaving, rapidly bloated or painful abdomen, restlessness/pacing, pale gums, weakness/collapse); possible urinary blockage (repeated straining with little/no urine, vocalizing, licking at genitals, blood in urine—males at higher risk due to breed‑linked cystinuria); heatstroke signs (heavy panting, drooling, confusion, weakness/collapse after heat or exertion); or cardiac red flags (fainting/collapse, sudden exercise intolerance, rapid or labored breathing at rest—breed predisposition to subaortic aortic stenosis). If any of these are reported, instruct the client: this is an emergency—go to the nearest veterinary ER now and call ahead; do not wait or monitor at home.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing in a Newfoundland, this could be life‑threatening. Please proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital now—I can call ahead to alert them. If none of these emergency signs are present but you’re still concerned, we’ll arrange a same‑day clinician evaluation. If you’re unsure, err on the side of emergency.