Polish Lowland Sheepdogs (PONs) are alert, independent herding dogs that can be reserved with strangers, highly vocal, and quick to guard space; in busy lobbies they may bark, pace, or try to control movement (circling/herding), especially around fast motion or noise. Their long facial hair can limit vision, so sudden or overhead approaches may startle them—use a slow, visible approach and let the owner introduce first. Many dislike prolonged confinement and settle best with quick rooming, owner-present handling, calm/consistent cues, and space from other pets; high‑value treats can help focus. If an owner reports a sudden dramatic behavior change, nonstop agitation or panting, or uncharacteristic aggression, alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: This breed can be wary with new people, so we’ll give your dog space and move you to a quieter room as soon as one is available. Could you introduce them to us first and share any handling preferences (favorite treats, areas to avoid)? If you notice sudden confusion, collapse, nonstop agitation, or signs of heat stress today, please tell me right away so I can alert our medical team.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs (PONs) are generally healthy but are routinely screened for hip dysplasia and inherited eye disease; AKC/parent‑club guidance recommends a formal hip evaluation and an ophthalmologist eye exam because conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts are reported in the breed. Front‑desk watch‑outs include stiffness, trouble rising or jumping, “bunny‑hopping,” or reluctance with stairs (possible hip issues), and night‑vision changes, bumping into objects, or cloudy eyes (possible retinal/lens disease). Some veterinary references also note endocrine issues such as hypothyroidism, which may present as low energy, weight gain, or coat/skin changes. If a PON shows sudden eye pain (squinting, redness, bulging) or cannot bear weight on a limb, advise a same‑day appointment.
Front desk script: This breed is commonly screened for hips and eyes. If you notice stiffness/reluctance with stairs or night‑vision problems/cloudy eyes, we can book the next available exam; if there’s eye pain or your dog can’t bear weight, please call today so we can triage for a same‑day visit. Do you have breeder health‑test results (hip rating, recent eye exam) we can add to the record?
Medium-sized, shaggy herder (about 30–50 lb) that’s bright, loyal, and energetic; expect daily exercise plus mental work to prevent boredom. Their long double coat mats easily—plan to brush several times a week (often daily) and keep hair around eyes/ears tidy. Generally healthy with a 12–14 year lifespan; the breed is screened most often for hips and eyes, and can be predisposed to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and hypothyroidism. Call us the same day for red/painful eyes, sudden vision changes, or new limping; seek emergency care now for collapse, breathing trouble, or a hard, swollen belly.
Front desk script: They’re active, intelligent herding dogs that need daily exercise and frequent brushing to avoid mats. At wellness visits we can discuss eye checks and, when age-appropriate, hip screening per breed guidance. Please call us the same day for any red or painful eyes, sudden vision changes, or new limping. If your dog collapses, has trouble breathing, or develops a hard, swollen abdomen, go to the emergency hospital immediately.
Front desk frequently fields calls from Polish Lowland Sheepdog (PON) owners about coat/skin upkeep (matting or “hot spot” concerns under the long, dense coat), ear odor/debris or help with routine ear cleaning, vision questions (hair over eyes, new cloudiness or night-vision changes), limping/stiffness after activity and requests for hip screening, high‑energy behavior/barking guidance, routine wellness (vaccines/parasite prevention), dental cleanings, nail trims/anal gland expresses, and health/travel certificates. Their mat‑prone coat and drop ears commonly drive grooming/skin/ear visits, and breed guidance highlights hip and ophthalmology evaluations, prompting screening appointments. Flag same‑day if owners report new eye redness, pain, or sudden vision loss, or if the dog won’t bear weight on a limb; direct to emergency care for collapse, severe breathing distress, or eye trauma.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Polish Lowland Sheepdog—we commonly schedule tech visits for ear checks/cleaning, nail trims and anal glands, as well as doctor exams for vision changes or limping, plus routine wellness care. If you’re seeing new eye redness, pain, or sudden vision loss, or your dog can’t put weight on a leg, we should see them today. If there’s collapse, severe breathing distress, or eye trauma, please head to the nearest emergency hospital now.
Long, dense, shaggy coat that mats easily; facial hair often covers the eyes/ears. Not customarily clipped or shaped, so owners who keep a full coat should expect very frequent, thorough brushing (ideally daily) and plan for longer grooming/comb-out appointments. Heavy matting can trap moisture/debris and hide skin problems—refer to groomers familiar with this breed for de-matting or maintenance. Escalate to a same-day veterinary exam if skin under mats is painful, hot, oozing, or foul-smelling, or if the pet seems uncomfortable.
Front desk script: Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a long, dense, shaggy coat that tangles quickly and needs very frequent brushing. We can book routine grooming or refer you to a groomer experienced with this breed’s coat. If you notice tight mats with redness, odor, discharge, or your dog seems painful, please call us so we can arrange a same-day veterinary check.
For Polish Lowland Sheepdogs (PONs), intake should screen for hip and eye concerns: ask about hind‑limb stiffness/reluctance to jump and any night‑vision issues, squinting, red/painful eyes, or sudden vision changes. If the eye is red/painful, squinting, or vision has changed suddenly, escalate immediately to emergency/same‑day evaluation; non‑weight‑bearing lameness is also same‑day. Progressive, non‑painful vision changes can be booked as a problem exam with potential ophthalmology referral. Confirm whether the owner has breeder health documentation (e.g., OFA hip evaluations, ACVO/CAER eye exam results, or PRA DNA testing) and attach copies. Note the dense coat can hide ear/skin issues—ask about matting or ear odor and flag for the clinical team to check at the visit.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Because this breed often has recommended hip and eye screenings, may I ask if your dog is bearing weight normally and whether you’ve noticed squinting, a red or painful eye, or trouble seeing in dim light? If you report a red/painful eye or sudden vision change, this may be an emergency—please head to the nearest ER or we will arrange an immediate same‑day visit. Otherwise, we’ll schedule a problem or wellness exam in the next 24–72 hours and, if vision issues are progressive but not painful, we can coordinate an ophthalmology referral; please bring any OFA/CAER or DNA test records you have.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs (PONs) shift from frequent puppy visits to predictable adult wellness and then closer senior check-ins. Puppies (to ~6–9 months) need visits about every 3–4 weeks for vaccine/parasite series, microchip, early behavior/socialization, and grooming coaching for their mat-prone coat. Young/mature adults (from ~6–9 months to roughly the last 25% of life) are typically seen every 6–12 months for preventive care, dental check-ins, weight/behavior reviews, and—if breeding is planned—breed-club-recommended hip radiographs and an ophthalmology exam. Seniors (about age 9–10 years and up, based on a typical 12–14‑year lifespan) benefit from at least twice‑yearly wellness with mobility and vision monitoring and age‑appropriate screening as directed by the veterinarian; coach owners to book sooner if they notice rapid changes.
Front desk script: For PON puppies, we schedule checkups every 3–4 weeks until the vaccine series is finished; we’ll also review training, grooming, and parasite prevention. For healthy adults, plan wellness exams every 6–12 months; if you intend to breed, we can schedule hip screening and an eye exam. For seniors (around 9–10+ years), we recommend visits at least every 6 months for mobility/vision check-ins and routine screening. If you report sudden vision loss, collapse, severe breathing trouble, or inability to rise, please come in today or go to the nearest emergency clinic now.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs (PONs) are bright, perceptive herding dogs with excellent memories and can be reserved with strangers—set a calm lobby plan, allow slow introductions, and use high‑value treats (confirm dietary restrictions) to reduce stress. Their long, shaggy double coat can mat and hide eyes/skin; ask owners about recent tangles, eye discharge, or brushing sensitivity and note preferences for handling the face/coat. Confirm daily exercise and mental enrichment routines to anticipate energy and focus during visits. If an owner reports sudden difficulty breathing, collapse, a hard/swollen abdomen, or repeated unproductive retching, escalate to emergency triage immediately and direct them to come in now or go to the nearest ER.
Front desk script: “Thanks for bringing your Polish Lowland Sheepdog—many PONs warm up slowly. We’ll greet at your dog’s pace and can use high‑value treats; are there any food restrictions?” “Because their coat can hide eye/skin issues, please tell us if you’ve noticed matting, eye discharge, or sensitivity to brushing so we can plan handling.” “If you ever see sudden trouble breathing, collapse, a hard swollen belly, or repeated attempts to vomit with nothing coming up, that’s an emergency—please come in immediately or go to the nearest ER.”
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs (PONs) are generally healthy, but front-desk teams should prioritize breed-focused screening: schedule a hip evaluation (around 2 years) and annual ophthalmologist eye exams, and routinely ask about night-vision trouble, bumping into objects, or new eye cloudiness. Be alert for early neurologic red flags seen in some young PONs (1–3 years)—stumbling, disorientation, or seizures—which warrant immediate escalation; if seizures or sudden vision loss are reported, direct the client to emergency care now. During wellness calls, also ask about lethargy, weight gain, and recurrent skin/ear issues that can suggest thyroid problems so labs can be queued per the DVM. Note that the heavy facial coat can hide ocular issues—flag dogs arriving with hair covering the eyes for a quick vision check and to keep eye screening on schedule.
Front desk script: For Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, our clinic follows breed guidance to book a hip evaluation around age 2 and an annual ophthalmologist eye exam. Have you noticed night-vision changes, bumping into things, hind-end weakness, or any seizure activity? If there’s a seizure or sudden blindness, please head to the nearest emergency hospital now; otherwise, we’ll schedule the next available exam and arrange any needed referrals. Also let us know about lethargy, weight gain, or recurring skin/ear issues so we can plan appropriate screening at your visit.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs (PONs) are bright, independent herders with excellent memory—devoted to family but often aloof/wary with strangers and quick to alert-bark. In clinic, expect a strong‑willed, intelligent dog that responds best to calm, confident, low‑stress handling: slow introductions, allow sniffing time, use voice before touch (hair can obscure vision), and minimize restraint with high‑value rewards. Front-desk priorities: note heavy, shaggy double coat that can hide painful mats/skin irritation; anticipate vocalization in busy lobbies; confirm history of hip or eye screening, as parent‑club guidance emphasizes hip and ophthalmologic evaluations. Escalate immediately if the owner reports acute lameness or inability to rise, eye pain (squinting, discharge) or sudden vision change, or foul‑smelling/tender mats indicating possible skin issues.
Front desk script: “Thanks for bringing your Polish Lowland Sheepdog in—these smart herders can be reserved with new people, so we’ll greet slowly and keep handling calm and confident. Please let us know about any limping, trouble with stairs, eye squinting/discharge, or painful mats so we can plan gentle handling. If you notice sudden collapse, severe distress, or a sudden inability to use a limb at any point, tell us right away and we’ll alert the medical team immediately.”
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs (PONs) are intelligent herding dogs with shaggy double coats that mat easily and can obscure eyes, ears, and skin—new intakes often need de-matting and a thorough skin/eye check after grooming. Expect alert barking and initial wariness with strangers; use slow, positive introductions and supervise interactions with children and small pets due to herding tendencies. For placement, prioritize adopters ready for frequent brushing/professional grooming, daily exercise and mental work, and secure fencing. Ask for prior health records; this breed is commonly screened for hips and inherited eye disease (e.g., PRA) via OFA/CAER. Escalate: sudden vision changes, eye redness/pain, or non–weight-bearing lameness should trigger same-day veterinary evaluation; collapse, severe distress, or traumatic injury warrants immediate emergency care.
Front desk script: This breed is a high-grooming, high-initiative herding dog—new adopters should expect frequent brushing or professional grooming plus daily exercise and training. They can be vocal and a bit reserved at first, so we recommend slow meet-and-greets and close supervision with kids or small pets. If you notice sudden vision issues, eye redness, or a leg the dog won’t use, please tell us right away so we can arrange same-day veterinary triage. If the dog collapses or seems in severe pain, we will direct you to emergency care immediately.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs (PONs) are intelligent, alert herding dogs that can be affectionate with family but wary of strangers, vocal, and somewhat independent/willful. For check-in and waiting-room flow, ask owners to keep a short leash and maintain distance from other pets; consider quick rooming if the lobby is busy. Announce your approach and offer treats—long facial hair can obscure facial cues, so approach from the side and avoid reaching over the head. If you observe stiff posture, hard staring, raised hackles, growling, snapping, or lunging, stop interaction, move the patient to a quiet space if safe, and page a technician immediately.
Front desk script: “Hi! We’ll keep things low-stress for your PON. Please keep a short leash and let us know if other dogs or new people make them uneasy. If the lobby gets crowded, we can room you right away. If we see any stress signs, we’ll pause and have a technician assist.”
For Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, immediately escalate if the caller reports: labored or noisy breathing, open‑mouth breathing, or blue/gray gums; collapse, fainting, unresponsiveness, or seizures (especially >5 minutes or multiple); pale/white gums or signs of shock; a swollen/tight abdomen with repeated unproductive retching (possible bloat/GDV); persistent or repeated vomiting/diarrhea or any blood in vomit/stool; straining to urinate with little or no urine; known/suspected toxin exposure; major trauma, penetrating wounds, or eye injuries; or heat‑stress signs (excessive panting, drooling, weakness, disorientation, collapse). If any of these are present, do not schedule—advise the client this is an emergency and to come in now or go to the nearest 24/7 ER; for possible toxins, instruct them to also contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426‑4435 while en route.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this is an emergency and your dog needs to be seen now. Please bring your Polish Lowland Sheepdog straight to our hospital; if we are closed, proceed to the nearest 24/7 emergency clinic. If a toxin may be involved, please call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 while you are on the way. Please do not give any human medications or attempt home treatments before the doctor evaluates your dog.