Portuguese Water Dogs are high‑energy, people‑oriented working retrievers that can be vocal and easily over‑aroused in busy spaces; many dislike long separations and may show clinginess, barking, or pacing that owners describe as “anxious.” Their strong attraction to water and fetch means they may swim for long periods and unintentionally ingest fresh or salt water; if a dog has recently been swimming and then develops sudden vomiting, marked lethargy, wobbliness, collapse, or seizures, treat this as an emergency. Ask about recent water play, car‑waiting preference, and prior lobby behavior to plan quieter rooming and minimal‑restraint handling.
Front desk script: This breed often does best with direct rooming and staying with their person—would your dog be calmer waiting in the car until a room is ready? Has your dog had recent swimming or vigorous water play? If you’ve noticed vomiting, extreme tiredness, wobbliness, collapse, or seizures after swimming, please tell me immediately—this is an emergency and we will triage now.
Portuguese Water Dogs have documented breed risks that front-desk teams should recognize: endocrine (Addison’s disease), juvenile heart disease in puppies (juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy), inherited eye disorders (prcd-PRA and a newer early-onset PRA), microphthalmia syndrome, GM1 gangliosidosis, and orthopedic issues such as hip dysplasia. Red flags owners might report include sudden collapse or fainting, labored or fast breathing, pale/blue gums; repeated vomiting/diarrhea with marked weakness; rapid vision changes at a young age; wobbliness/tremors or seizures in young pups; and new hind-limb lameness. If collapse, breathing trouble, or repeated vomiting with weakness is reported, advise immediate emergency care.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—Portuguese Water Dogs can be prone to Addison’s disease, some inherited eye conditions, and a juvenile heart problem in young puppies. If your dog is collapsing, struggling to breathe, or has repeated vomiting with lethargy, this is an emergency—please come in now or go to the nearest ER. For vision changes, wobbliness in a young pup, or new limping, we’ll book the next available appointment and note the breed risk in the chart.
Portuguese Water Dogs are medium, athletic, people‑oriented working dogs that thrive with daily vigorous exercise and training; they shed little but are not truly hypoallergenic, and their single coat needs regular brushing and periodic professional grooming. Common owner questions: they usually do well with active families, love water, and may be prone to ear problems after swimming and to inherited issues screened by responsible breeders (hips and DNA tests for PRA/EOPRA, GM1, JDCM, and Microphthalmia Syndrome). Front‑desk tip: encourage buyers to verify breeder health testing and schedule routine wellness and eye/hip evaluations as advised by the veterinarian. Escalate immediately if the dog has trouble breathing, collapses, has a suddenly swollen belly with unproductive retching, pale gums, seizures, or is rapidly getting worse—go to the nearest emergency vet now.
Front desk script: They’re energetic, water‑loving dogs that need daily exercise and regular professional grooming; they’re low‑shedding but not truly hypoallergenic. If you’re selecting a puppy, ask the breeder about hip certification and DNA testing for PRA/EOPRA, GM1, JDCM, and Microphthalmia Syndrome—we can review results at a wellness visit. Want us to book an exam to set up vaccines, screening schedules, and grooming guidance? If you ever see breathing trouble, collapse, a sudden hard‑swollen belly with retching, or seizures, go to the emergency clinic right away.
Portuguese Water Dogs frequently trigger front-desk calls for: ear odor/head‑shaking after swimming or baths (moist, hairy ear canals predispose to irritation); itchy skin and rapidly appearing “hot spots,” often under mats or a wet collar; soft stool/diarrhea after pond or lake exposure; and sudden limp, painful tails or soreness after hard exercise or cold‑water swims. Owners also ask about breed‑specific screening (hips/eyes; JDCM/GM1). Book same‑day for painful ears, spreading skin lesions, new diarrhea lasting >24 hours, or sudden tail pain/lameness; escalate immediately if severe lethargy, repeated vomiting, breathing trouble, facial swelling, or blood in stool/urine are reported.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—this breed often comes in for post‑swim ear irritation, itchy skin or hot spots under mats, GI upset after lake days, or a suddenly limp, painful tail after heavy activity. Let’s schedule a same‑day exam so the doctor can keep your dog comfortable and prevent complications. If you’re seeing severe lethargy, repeated vomiting, trouble breathing, facial swelling, or blood in the stool, please proceed to emergency care now.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a continuously growing single coat (curly or wavy) that sheds minimally but mats easily, so owners should plan for frequent brushing at home and routine professional grooming; the breed is low‑shedding but not allergen‑free. Swimming and hairy ear canals can trap moisture and raise ear infection risk, so front desk should prioritize timely grooming/ear-check appointments, especially after water-heavy activity or when mats are noted. Escalate same day if there are tight/painful mats restricting movement, widespread skin redness/oozing or foul odor, or ear redness/odor, discharge, persistent head-shaking, or head tilt.
Front desk script: This breed’s coat grows continuously and tends to mat, so most families schedule regular professional grooming plus frequent at‑home brushing. While they’re low‑shedding, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. If you notice painful mats, strong skin odor, red or oozing skin, or ear redness/odor with head‑shaking, we recommend a same‑day veterinary exam. Would you like us to book the next grooming and add an ear/skin check with the doctor if needed?
Portuguese Water Dogs love water and have floppy, hair‑covered ears, so ask about recent swimming and ear signs (head shaking, odor, pain); book a prompt sick visit for suspected otitis, and escalate immediately if neurologic signs (head tilt, loss of balance, rapid eye movements) are reported. This breed is also overrepresented for hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s); waxing/waning vomiting or diarrhea with lethargy, collapse, or profound weakness should be treated as an emergency. Gradual night‑vision changes can occur with inherited eye disease (e.g., PRA); schedule non‑urgent evaluation unless there is sudden vision loss or a painful red eye. Expect likely follow‑ups for ear rechecks and, if an endocrine disorder is diagnosed by the DVM, periodic monitoring visits.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—because Portuguese Water Dogs have higher risk for ear issues after swimming and for Addison’s, I need to triage quickly. Is your dog collapsing, extremely weak, or having repeated vomiting/diarrhea—or showing head tilt, stumbling, or rapid eye movements? If yes, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now and I can call ahead for you. If no, I’ll schedule a same‑day sick exam (or the earliest available) and note ear/GI concerns for the doctor.
Lifecycle scheduling for Portuguese Water Dogs: Puppy (0–12 months)—book visits every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks to complete core vaccines, microchip, start preventives, and cover house‑training, socialization, grooming, and swimmer‑ear risk; confirm breeder records and discuss breed‑relevant screenings (hips, annual ophthalmology exam, and DNA tests for PRA, GM1, JDCM). Adult (1–7 years; includes mature 7–10)—wellness every 6–12 months with year‑round parasite prevention, dental planning, weight/exercise checks; for frequent swimmers, schedule proactive ear checks and reinforce coat/skin care. Senior (10+ years for medium breeds)—book wellness every 6 months with doctor‑directed screening (e.g., labs, mobility/vision/hearing assessments) and discuss adjustments to activity, nutrition, and home setup. Escalate immediately for difficulty breathing, collapse, or unproductive retching with a tight, swollen abdomen.
Front desk script: For puppies, we’ll see [Name] every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks, then plan the first adult wellness. Because this breed loves water, please mention swimming so we can time ear checks during routine visits. Adults are seen every 6–12 months; seniors (10+) every 6 months with screening per the doctor. If you report trouble breathing, collapse, or unproductive retching with a firm belly, I’ll alert the medical team right away.
Portuguese Water Dogs are energetic, water‑loving, curly‑coated dogs that may be vocal at check‑in; to set expectations, ask about recent swimming/bathing and any ear signs (head‑shaking, odor, pain), confirm last groom to anticipate coat/handling needs, and invite owners to bring prior hip/eye/genetic records so the team can update preventive plans; if an owner reports red‑flags such as repeated retching with no vomit, a tight/bloated painful belly, collapse, or very pale gums, treat this as an emergency and direct them to immediate ER care while coordinating with the doctor.
Front desk script: “Because Portuguese Water Dogs often swim and can have hair in the ear canals, have you noticed any head‑shaking, ear odor, or discomfort after swims or baths?” “Please bring any hip/eye/genetic test results and let us know when the last groom was so we can plan the visit and handling time.” “If you ever see retching without producing vomit, a suddenly bloated or painful belly, collapse, or pale gums, this is an emergency—go to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital now and call us on the way.”
Portuguese Water Dogs have several breed-specific watchouts to flag at check-in and when scheduling: keep breeder DNA results on file (prcd-PRA, EOPRA, JDCM, GM1) and book annual veterinary ophthalmology (CAER) exams; confirm hip screening history (e.g., OFA/PennHIP) and note any rear-limb stiffness for vet review; for puppies under 7 months, sudden weakness, labored breathing, fainting, or collapse can indicate juvenile cardiomyopathy—direct the client to an emergency hospital immediately and have them call us on the way; as a water-loving breed, set seasonal ear-health checks during heavy swim months and offer same-day visits for ear pain, foul odor, or persistent head shaking; PWDs are overrepresented for Addison’s disease—if an owner reports vomiting/diarrhea with marked lethargy or collapse, advise immediate emergency care.
Front desk script: Because Portuguese Water Dogs have specific inherited and endocrine risks, we recommend yearly eye screening and keeping any breeder genetic and hip results in the chart. If your dog swims often, we can schedule routine ear checks; call us the same day for ear pain, bad odor, or constant head shaking. For puppies under seven months—or any PWD—with collapse, trouble breathing, or severe lethargy, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way.
Energetic, water-loving working breed that’s people-focused and often vocal/alert; expect high arousal in lobby but generally friendly. Best handling: calm, confident tone, reward-forward approach, owner present if possible; allow slow greetings and be prepared for coat/ear handling. Front-desk priorities: ask about recent swimming (ear irritation or head-shaking can flare after swims), activity-related lameness, and vision changes at night. Health watchouts noted in veterinary references include predisposition to Addison’s disease in adults and inherited eye/neurologic disorders (e.g., PRA, GM1) and a rare, fatal puppy condition (juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy); if collapse, repeated vomiting/diarrhea, severe weakness, trouble breathing, or pale gums are reported, direct the client to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.
Front desk script: “Portuguese Water Dogs are smart and energetic. We’ll keep today’s visit calm and you’re welcome to stay with your dog—treats help us make it positive.” “If you ever notice sudden collapse, repeated vomiting/diarrhea, extreme weakness, trouble breathing, or very pale gums, please go to the nearest ER now. For frequent swimmers, if the ear is painful, has a strong odor, or there’s nonstop head-shaking, we’ll try to see you the same day.”
Portuguese Water Dogs are active, water‑oriented working dogs that do best with daily exercise and structure; their curly/wavy coat grows continuously, sheds little, and mats quickly—plan regular grooming and document clip/coat history at intake. For health flagging, note a recognized breed predisposition to hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) and that DNA tests exist for certain inherited conditions (e.g., GM1 gangliosidosis); if history is unknown, ask about prior genetic testing, microchip, and any breeder/medical records. After stressful transitions (rehoming, surgery, boarding), advise adopters to watch for repeated vomiting/diarrhea, profound lethargy/weakness, tremors/collapse, or inability to keep water down—if any occur, direct immediate emergency evaluation due to risk of an Addisonian crisis.
Front desk script: Portuguese Water Dogs are smart, high‑energy dogs, so regular exercise and routine grooming will help them settle in. The breed is predisposed to Addison’s disease, and some inherited issues (like GM1) have DNA tests—please share any prior records so we can update the chart. If you see repeated vomiting or diarrhea with weakness or collapse, or your dog can’t keep water down, go to an emergency hospital now and call us on the way.
Portuguese Water Dogs are intelligent, high‑energy working dogs that bond closely with family, may arrive exuberant, vocal to alert, and at times assertive with unfamiliar people or dogs. For check‑in and flow, use low‑stimulus, reward‑based handling: require a 4–6 ft leash (no retractables), offer high‑value treats, and move directly to a quiet room to minimize dog–dog encounters; ask about prior vet‑visit anxiety or any pre‑visit calming plan. In the lobby, maintain space from other pets, avoid crowding, and use calm voices and non‑slip surfaces; if the dog stops taking treats or shows stiff posture, fixed stare, lip lift, or growling, pause movement and page clinical staff for a reactive‑patient/side‑door protocol. If you observe collapse, extreme open‑mouth breathing that doesn’t ease, sudden disorientation, or pale/blue gums, alert the medical team immediately—this is an emergency.
Front desk script: Hi [PetName]! We’ll take you to a quieter room to keep things calm. Please keep [him/her] on a standard (non‑retractable) leash and feel free to offer these treats while we check in. Has [PetName] shown stress at previous vet visits or used calming aids/meds before? If [he/she] seems overly excited or stressed, we’ll pause and bring you in through a side door as soon as a room is ready.
Escalate immediately for Portuguese Water Dogs with any of the following: labored or noisy breathing, blue/gray gums, collapse/fainting; non-productive retching with a tight or rapidly enlarging abdomen and restlessness; sudden severe weakness with vomiting/diarrhea or marked lethargy/disorientation (this breed is overrepresented for adrenal emergencies); after any submersion or vigorous water play, persistent coughing, breathing changes, repeated vomiting, extreme lethargy/wobbliness, or seizures (risk of near-drowning complications, water intoxication, or saltwater exposure); puppies under ~6 months with rapid breathing difficulty, profound weakness, or reports of sudden littermate deaths (juvenile cardiomyopathy has been reported); severe head tilt, loss of balance, or intense ear pain after swimming. If any are present, this is an emergency—direct the owner to the nearest emergency hospital now and call ahead; otherwise, escalate same day for concerning but stable ear or GI signs.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re seeing, this could be urgent for a Portuguese Water Dog. If there is trouble breathing, collapse, repeated retching with a tight belly, or worsening signs after water exposure, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now—I will call ahead to alert them. If the pet is stable but has severe ear pain or a persistent head tilt after swimming, we should see them the same day. Do not give over‑the‑counter remedies; we’ll have the clinician assess immediately.