Standard Poodles are very intelligent, people-focused, and sensitive to changes in environment; owners may describe stress as being “stubborn,” “clingy,” or suddenly avoidant. Common triggers include loud or high‑pitched noises (clippers, dryers, metallic sounds), crowded/chaotic lobbies, and handling of feet and ears due to frequent grooming history. Many do best with calm greetings, space to approach, and brief waits; note any fear indicators owners mention (trembling, hiding, lip‑licking) and preferred handling (slow approach, minimal restraint, high‑value treats). If a caller reports sudden non‑productive retching with a tight or enlarged abdomen and restless pacing in this deep‑chested breed, advise immediate emergency care.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know your dog is a Standard Poodle—many are very smart and can be sensitive to noise or to foot/ear handling. Are there any triggers we should avoid or ways your dog prefers to be approached so we can note that for the team? We can arrange a quieter check‑in and minimize waiting if that helps. If you ever notice sudden unproductive retching with a firm or swollen belly and constant restlessness, please go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way.
Standard Poodles have documented breed-linked risks including Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism), von Willebrand disease type I (inherited bleeding), sebaceous adenitis (immune-mediated skin disease), eye issues reported in the breed (e.g., cataracts/progressive retinal atrophy), orthopedic concerns (hip dysplasia), and anatomic risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus/bloat. Red flags to escalate immediately: non-productive retching, sudden abdominal distention, pale gums, weakness/collapse (possible bloat—this is an emergency). Same‑day urgency if owners report unusual bruising/bleeding, or repeated vomiting/diarrhea with marked lethargy/weakness (possible bleeding disorder or Addisonian crisis).
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know your dog is a Standard Poodle—this breed can be predisposed to Addison’s disease, von Willebrand bleeding, sebaceous adenitis, certain eye changes, hip dysplasia, and bloat. If you ever see repeated dry heaving with a tight/swollen belly, pale gums, or collapse, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way. If you notice easy bruising/bleeding or vomiting/diarrhea with marked lethargy, we’ll arrange a same‑day evaluation or direct you to urgent care based on severity. We’ll also confirm their breed‑appropriate screening is up to date.
Standard Poodles are smart, athletic, and people‑oriented; plan on daily exercise and mental enrichment. Coat care is high‑maintenance (low shedding but needs frequent brushing and professional grooming about every 6–8 weeks). As a large, deep‑chested breed they have higher risk for bloat/GDV—watch for a tight, swollen belly, drooling, restlessness, and repeated unproductive retching; this is an emergency and you should go to the nearest ER now. The breed is also over‑represented for Addison’s disease; if you see waxing/waning vomiting or diarrhea, marked weakness, or collapse, contact us immediately. For puppies, ask breeders about health screenings: hips (OFA/PennHIP), eyes (CAER), thyroid, von Willebrand disease type I, and NEwS (neonatal encephalopathy).
Front desk script: They’re bright, active dogs that are low‑shedding but need regular brushing and a pro groom every 6–8 weeks. Because Standards are deep‑chested, please learn bloat/GDV red flags: a tight swollen belly with unproductive retching or sudden distress—go to the nearest ER immediately and call us on the way. If you notice ongoing vomiting/diarrhea or unusual weakness, especially in this breed, we’ll prioritize a same‑day visit. For new puppies, we recommend confirming breeder screening for hips, eyes, thyroid, vWD I, and NEwS.
Front-desk teams most often hear from Standard Poodle owners about: ear discomfort (head shaking, odor, debris) linked to hairy/pendulous ears; itchy or irritated skin and post-grooming flares; vomiting/diarrhea or sensitivity after diet changes; new or growing skin lumps; bad breath/dental cleaning needs; weight/obesity questions; and limping or stiffness after activity. Watch for emergency red flags in this deep‑chested breed: unproductive retching, a tight or swollen abdomen, excessive drooling/restlessness, weakness/collapse (possible life‑threatening stomach emergency), and sudden severe lethargy with vomiting/diarrhea or collapse (possible endocrine crisis). Offer same‑day booking for ongoing ear issues, persistent itch/skin lesions, repeated GI signs, lameness, or rapidly changing/painful masses; direct to emergency care immediately if red flags are present.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—these are common concerns we see in Standard Poodles, such as ear scratching/odor, itchy skin after grooming, stomach upset, limping, dental concerns, or new lumps; I’ll ask a few quick triage questions. If you’re seeing unproductive retching with a tight/swollen belly, marked restlessness, collapse, or sudden severe weakness, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now while I alert our doctor. Otherwise, I can schedule a same‑day or next‑available visit and document the ear, skin, stomach, lameness, dental, or lump concerns you’re noticing.
Standard Poodles have a dense, continuously growing curly coat that sheds little but mats easily; owners should expect frequent home brushing and professional grooming about every six weeks to stay ahead of matting and skin/coat overgrowth. Curly, dense hair can hide skin issues; schedule regular coat checks at visits and set recurring grooms at checkout. Hair may be present in the ear canals—routine plucking in a normal ear is not advised unless a veterinarian indicates it’s contributing to disease; ask the vet to guide ear-hair management. Escalate to a same-day medical exam (not grooming) if there are painful or extensive mats with skin injury, strong ear odor, head shaking/ear pain, head tilt, or hot, red, oozing skin. Recurrent ear or skin problems may warrant a dermatology referral; this breed is predisposed to sebaceous adenitis, so persistent coat/skin changes should be flagged for the medical team.
Front desk script: Poodles need frequent brushing at home and a professional groom about every six weeks—would you like us to set a recurring appointment so you don’t fall behind? If you notice painful mats, strong ear odor or head shaking, or hot, red, oozing skin, please tell us so we can book a same-day medical exam instead of a grooming visit. For repeat ear or skin issues, we can schedule a veterinarian recheck or discuss a dermatology referral.
Standard Poodles are deep‑chested and overrepresented for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat); during intake, always screen for red flags—nonproductive retching, tight/distended abdomen, pale gums, excessive drooling/panting, restlessness, weakness/collapse—and direct immediately to emergency care if present. They are also predisposed to Addison’s disease; escalate same‑day if repeated vomiting/diarrhea, marked lethargy/weakness, or collapse, especially in young to middle‑aged adults. For non‑urgent concerns (skin/ear irritation, mild lameness, routine grooming issues), route to next‑available or same‑week. Document onset/duration, relation to meals, appetite/energy, vomiting/diarrhea frequency, prior history of bloat or abdominal surgery, Addison’s history/medications, and any recent diet or stress changes; schedule recheck if GI signs persist.
Front desk script: Because Standard Poodles can be at higher risk for bloat and Addison’s, I’d like to check for any urgent signs: is the belly swollen/tight, is your dog trying to vomit but nothing comes up, drooling/panting heavily, very weak, or collapsing? If yes, this is an emergency—please go to the nearest 24/7 ER now; I can call ahead for you. If no, I’ll get you the earliest appointment and note when symptoms started, relation to meals, appetite/energy, vomiting/diarrhea frequency, and any prior related history.
Standard Poodle scheduling shifts with life stage: puppies need visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16–20 weeks to complete vaccines, start parasite prevention, and field socialization/grooming questions; healthy adults typically book annual (some semiannual) wellness with dental checks and weight/nutrition updates; by the last 25% of expected lifespan, plan twice-yearly exams with screening labs and mobility/cognitive check-ins. Key breed flags for front-desk triage: deep-chested build increases bloat/GDV risk—unproductive retching, a tight or swollen belly, restlessness, pale gums, or collapse are go‑now emergencies; Standard Poodles are also overrepresented for Addison’s disease—recurrent vomiting/diarrhea, lethargy/weakness, or collapse warrant same‑day evaluation (do not diagnose by phone).
Front desk script: For your Standard Poodle puppy, we’ll schedule vaccine visits every 3–4 weeks through about 16–20 weeks and start preventives. As an adult, plan at least an annual wellness exam; in the senior years (last 25% of expected lifespan), we recommend twice‑yearly exams and screening labs—your doctor will tailor this. If you ever see unproductive retching or a suddenly swollen/tight belly, go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way. New or repeated vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual weakness should be booked for a same‑day appointment.
For Standard Poodles, use clear triage language because this deep‑chested breed is overrepresented for life‑threatening bloat (GDV) and also has elevated risk for Addison’s disease. On calls, listen for: nonproductive retching, a tight/swollen belly, extreme restlessness, or collapse—treat these as an emergency and direct to ER immediately. For waxing/waning GI signs (intermittent vomiting/diarrhea, lethargy) in a young–middle‑aged Standard Poodle, book a same‑day exam and set expectations: we’ll obtain a focused history (timing, appetite, water intake, recent stressors), review prior records, and document the owner’s exact words. Keep tone calm and directive, avoid speculation, and summarize next steps before ending the call.
Front desk script: Because Standard Poodles can be higher risk for bloat, the signs you described—trying to vomit without anything coming up or a tight, swollen belly—are a medical emergency. Please head to the nearest emergency hospital now; do not wait, and I can call ahead to alert them. If signs are intermittent vomiting/diarrhea or low energy, we’d like to see your dog today due to this breed’s risk profile. Please bring any prior records and short videos of the behavior so our doctor can review them right away.
Standard Poodles have several breed-linked watchouts: they are a deep‑chested breed at increased risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat)—if an owner reports non‑productive retching, a suddenly tight/distended abdomen, restlessness, or collapse, direct them to an emergency hospital immediately while alerting the doctor. They are overrepresented for Addison’s disease—waxing/waning vomiting or diarrhea, marked lethargy, or collapse after stress warrants a same‑day exam. Poodles can also have von Willebrand disease (bleeding tendency)—before dentals or any procedure, flag any history of prolonged bleeding/bruising so the doctor can consider clotting/vWF screening. Recurrent ear issues (hairy, moist canals) and sebaceous adenitis (new dandruff/patchy hair loss) merit scheduling an ear/skin check sooner.
Front desk script: Because Standard Poodles can bloat, if you’re seeing non‑productive retching, a suddenly swollen/tight belly, or collapse, please go to the nearest emergency vet now; I’ll notify our doctor. If there’s vomiting/diarrhea or extreme lethargy—especially after a recent stress—let’s book a same‑day exam. Before any dental or surgery, has your poodle ever had prolonged bleeding or easy bruising? If you’re noticing ear shaking/odor/discharge or new dandruff/patchy hair loss, we can add an ear/skin check to your appointment.
Standard Poodles are highly intelligent, people‑oriented, and sensitive; most are friendly and very trainable. Front‑desk handling: note they do best with calm, confident, reward‑based, low‑stress approaches; slow introductions and gentle contact around ears/feet (frequent grooming areas) help, and owner presence can reduce anxiety. What usually matters at reception: grooming logistics/coat maintenance, adequate exercise/mental enrichment, and common appointment drivers like itchy skin/ears. Triage watch‑outs: as a deep‑chested breed they have risk for bloat/GDV—ask about unproductive retching, a distended belly, marked restlessness/drooling, or collapse—and this breed is also overrepresented for Addison’s disease, so recurrent vomiting/diarrhea with weakness or sudden severe lethargy warrants prompt evaluation; if any GDV‑type red flags are reported, state clearly: “This is a medical emergency—please go to the nearest emergency hospital now,” and alert the medical team.
Front desk script: “Standard Poodles are bright, people‑oriented, and sensitive; we’ll use calm, reward‑based, low‑stress handling and can keep you present if that helps.” “For triage, has your dog had unproductive retching, a swollen belly, marked restlessness/drooling, or collapse?” “If yes: This is a medical emergency—please go to the nearest emergency hospital now; we’ll call ahead.” “If you’re seeing repeated vomiting/diarrhea with weakness or sudden severe lethargy, we’ll arrange a same‑day exam.”
Standard Poodles are intelligent, active, and deep‑chested; in shelter/adoption settings, flag their high grooming needs (professional clip about every 6 weeks plus regular brushing, and note ear‑hair/matting on intake) and advise adopters about ongoing care costs. This breed carries elevated risk for gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat) and a known predisposition to hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease), so provide simple red‑flag education. Urgent bloat signs include unproductive retching, a tight/swollen belly, drooling, sudden restlessness, or collapse—this is an emergency and requires immediate ER care; recurrent vomiting/diarrhea, lethargy, or marked weakness should prompt same‑day veterinary contact. Recommend a baseline exam within 1–2 weeks post‑adoption and ensure microchip/ID and prior records are captured.
Front desk script: Poodles need routine grooming (about every 6 weeks) and regular brushing; we can share groomer referrals. Because Standard Poodles are at higher risk for bloat, if you ever see trying to vomit with nothing coming up, a tight swollen belly, or sudden restlessness/collapse, this is an emergency—please go to the nearest 24/7 ER now. They’re also predisposed to Addison’s disease; if you notice repeated vomiting/diarrhea or marked weakness, contact us the same day. Let’s book a baseline exam in the next 1–2 weeks and verify the microchip is up to date.
Standard Poodles are typically friendly, people-oriented, and highly trainable; in a busy lobby they can be sound/touch‑sensitive, so use a calm voice, reward-based handling, and minimal restraint. At check-in, confirm a secure leash/harness, offer a direct move to a quiet exam room or curbside call-in to reduce arousal, and use treats for the scale/ID check. Ask owners about any grooming/handling triggers (ears, feet, tail) and preferred rewards, and document these for the care team. During handoff, communicate observed stress signals, whether owner presence helped, and any noted sensitivities. If the owner reports or you observe non-productive retching, sudden abdominal distension, restlessness, collapse, or repeated attempts to vomit without producing material, immediately alert the medical team and triage as an emergency.
Front desk script: Welcome! Many Standard Poodles do best with a quieter check-in—would you like to go straight to a room or wait in your car until we text you? Are there any handling triggers we should avoid (ears/feet) and favorite treats we can use for the scale? If you notice unproductive retching or a tight, swollen belly at any time, please tell me right away so our medical team can respond immediately.
For Standard Poodles, treat the following as life‑threatening and escalate to an emergency clinician now: unproductive retching or a tight, distended abdomen (possible bloat/GDV; deep‑chested breeds like Standard Poodles are at higher risk); severe breathing difficulty or blue/gray gums; collapse, extreme weakness, or repeated vomiting/diarrhea with marked lethargy (this breed is overrepresented for Addison’s disease, and crisis can present this way); seizures that continue beyond a few minutes or occur back‑to‑back; and any known or suspected toxin exposure (e.g., xylitol, grapes/raisins, chocolate). Do not delay—direct to the nearest 24/7 ER immediately and alert the clinician en route. ([vcahospitals.com](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/gastric-dilatation-and-volvulus-in-dogs?utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: Based on what you’ve described, this meets our emergency criteria. Please proceed to the nearest 24‑hour veterinary emergency hospital now; we will notify them you’re on the way and share your records. If a toxin may be involved, we can provide the ASPCA Animal Poison Control number for guidance while you travel. Drive safely and call us back once you arrive so we can coordinate handoff.