Puli are vigilant herding dogs that can be reserved with unfamiliar people and quick to use their voice; owners may describe frequent “alarm barking” or efforts to herd moving children, pets, or staff by circling or nudging. Their long, corded coat can overshadow the eyes, so sudden touches or fast approaches may startle them—calm voices and predictable movement help. High intelligence plus high energy means boredom can amplify barking or restlessness. Dense cords hold heat and water; in warm rooms, under dryers, or after getting wet, some Pulik may pant heavily—if collapse, labored breathing, or extreme lethargy are reported, treat as an emergency.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know you have a Puli—these vigilant herding dogs can bark or try to “herd” when excited or around new people. For today’s visit, does your dog do best if we approach slowly and keep you present to reduce startle or barking? We’ll note any handling preferences (e.g., calm voice, minimal sudden movement). If your dog is collapsed, struggling to breathe, or seems overheated with very heavy panting at rest, this is an emergency—please come in now and we’ll alert the medical team.
Pulik are generally healthy but have recognized breed-linked risks: orthopedic issues (hip dysplasia and patellar luxation), inherited eye disease such as progressive retinal atrophy, and a late‑onset spinal condition called degenerative myelopathy; their dense corded coat can also contribute to overheating in hot weather. Front-desk watchouts to escalate: sudden non–weight‑bearing lameness, rapid vision changes (bumping into objects, red/painful eyes), new hind‑end weakness/collapse, or heat‑stress signs (excessive panting, disorientation). Breed clubs and registries highlight routine screening for hips, patellas, ophthalmic exams, and a DM DNA test for this breed. ([petmd.com](https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/puli))
Front desk script: For Pulik, we watch most closely for hip/knee problems, inherited eye disease, and degenerative myelopathy; screening typically includes hips, patellas, an eye exam, and a DM DNA test. If you’re seeing sudden hind‑leg weakness, non‑weight‑bearing lameness, or rapid vision changes, we should see your dog today; if there’s collapse, severe breathing trouble, or heat‑stress signs, please go to the nearest emergency clinic now. We can also book a wellness visit to review breed‑appropriate screenings and answer questions. ([akc.org](https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breed-health-testing-requirements/herding-group-health-testing-requirements/))
Puli = smart, high‑energy Hungarian herder with a corded coat that sheds little but needs regular hands‑on upkeep (separating cords; long drying after baths), so many owners use pro grooming; they thrive on daily exercise and training and can be vocal/wary without socialization. Common breed health topics to ask about: screening hips/patellas, eye exams, and a DNA test for degenerative myelopathy; hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and inherited eye disease (e.g., PRA) are noted in the breed. Typical lifespan is around 10–15 years, and their dense coat can trap heat—if you see heavy panting, weakness, or collapse, seek emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Quick take: Pulis don’t shed much, but their cords are high‑maintenance—plan for regular at‑home coat care and/or professional grooming. They’re bright, active herders who do best with daily exercise and training; we can point you to local classes. Our vets commonly screen Pulis’ hips and kneecaps, check eyes, and may recommend a DNA test for degenerative myelopathy. If you ever notice heat stress (excessive panting, weakness) or collapse, call us right away—if severe, go to the nearest emergency clinic now.
Front desks most often hear from Puli owners about coat-related issues (mildew-like odor or skin irritation after cords get wet, matting questions), itchy or smelly ears with head‑shaking (hairy, moisture‑prone ears), “hot spot” skin sores in warm weather, eye irritation or discharge when facial hair/debris contacts the eye, bad breath/dental buildup, and intermittent hind‑limb skipping, stiffness, or reluctance to jump (knee/hip concerns). Urgent triage cues to flag: a red, squinting, bulging, or discharge‑filled eye; heavy panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting/diarrhea (especially bloody), confusion, collapse or seizures after heat exposure—treat these as emergencies.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—Pulik often come in for coat and ear concerns, hot spots, eye irritation, dental odor, or hind‑limb ‘skipping.’ If the eye is red, painful, squinting, bulging, or has thick yellow/green/red discharge, we’ll arrange a same‑day urgent exam. If there’s heavy panting with drooling, weakness, vomiting/diarrhea, confusion, collapse, or seizures after heat exposure, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now. Otherwise, we can schedule the next available appointment and note any odor, moisture exposure, or lameness details for the clinician.
The Puli’s dense, corded double coat (wavy/curly outer hair over a woolly undercoat) requires hand‑separation of cords and markedly longer bath and dry times; air‑drying can take a day or two and risks mildew/odor, so plan extended drop‑offs and expect referrals to groomers experienced with corded coats. Trapped moisture under cords can predispose to odor and skin overgrowth/infections, and thorough skin/ear checks take extra time because problems and parasites can be hidden. Limit activities that leave the coat wet for long periods (e.g., swimming) and build in more frequent hygiene touchpoints for ears, feet, and perineal areas. Escalate same day if there’s a strong mildew/yeast odor, rapidly developing hot, painful, oozing skin patches, or the dog seems unwell after bathing or grooming.
Front desk script: Pulik need longer grooming appointments—their cords take extra time to soak and fully dry—so we book extended drop‑offs and often refer routine coat care to groomers experienced with corded coats. We’ll allow extra time during visits to check skin and ears since issues can hide under cords. If you notice a strong mildew smell, a hot painful wet patch on the skin, or your dog seems unwell after getting wet or groomed, please call us right away for a same‑day evaluation.
For Puli intake, note the dense corded coat: ask if the dog overheats in warm weather, if cords are fully dried after baths/swims, and about any odor, skin irritation, or ear debris; schedule a problem exam for skin/ear concerns and a wellness or grooming-adjacent slot for routine coat questions. Screen for mobility or orthopedic flags (new/intermittent hind‑limb lameness, difficulty rising) and route to a general exam with potential ortho follow‑up; ask about vision changes (night vision issues, eye cloudiness) or senior‑onset hind‑end weakness and schedule sooner, with ophthalmology/neurology referral if advised by DVM. Explicitly escalate if heat exposure plus signs like excessive panting, weakness/collapse, vomiting/diarrhea, or seizures are reported—advise immediate ER. Document any breed history of hip/patella issues, PRA, or degenerative myelopathy for the clinician and plan likely recheck after diagnostics as directed by the DVM.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Puli. Because this breed’s heavy corded coat and herding build can mask issues, I’ll ask a few quick questions: are the cords fully dry after bathing, any strong odor or ear discharge, new limping or trouble rising, night‑vision changes, or hind‑end weakness? Based on what you’ve shared, I can book a same‑ or next‑day problem exam and note for the doctor if ophthalmology/orthopedic follow‑up may be needed. If your dog has heat exposure with excessive panting, collapse, confusion, seizures, or repeated vomiting/diarrhea, this is an emergency—please proceed to the nearest ER now while I notify them.
Puli lifecycle touchpoints: Puppies need a series of wellness visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16–20 weeks for vaccination series, parasite prevention starts, microchip discussions, socialization guidance, and early grooming acclimation for their corded coat. As adults, plan wellness every 6–12 months to review weight, dental checks, year‑round parasite prevention, activity needs, and breed‑relevant screening discussions (hips/eyes) based on the veterinarian’s advice. Seniors benefit from at least twice‑yearly exams to monitor mobility, vision, cognition, and comfort, and to reassess diet and home safety; dense coats can predispose to overheating, so staff should confirm heat‑risk questions year‑round. Escalate immediately if owners report signs of heat stress (excessive panting, collapse), breathing difficulty, or sudden eye pain/vision loss—advise emergency care now.
Front desk script: For Puli puppies, we book vaccine/parasite visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16–20 weeks. For healthy adults, we schedule wellness every 6–12 months; for seniors, every 6 months. We’ll note coat care/overheating risk and, for this breed, the doctor may recommend hip or eye screening. If you see heat distress, trouble breathing, collapse, or sudden eye pain/vision loss, please head to the emergency hospital now and call us on the way.
Pulik have dense, corded coats that collect debris and take significant time to bathe and fully dry, so let owners know exams may run a bit longer and ask that the dog arrive clean and completely dry to help us see skin, ears, and nails clearly. Many Pulik are high‑energy herding dogs that can be vocal and wary of strangers—offer quiet check‑in and direct‑to‑room options and confirm the dog is on a secure leash/harness. Ask about home grooming frequency and any odor, debris, or skin concerns noticed during cord care, plus recent exercise and heat exposure, since dogs—especially thick‑coated breeds—are at higher risk for heat‑related illness. If an owner reports heavy panting that won’t settle, drooling, confusion, seizures, collapse, or similar signs after heat or exertion, instruct them to seek emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: “Pulik’s corded coats can make exams take a few extra minutes—please arrive with your dog clean and fully dry so we can check skin, ears, and nails efficiently.” “Many Pulik are alert barkers or shy with strangers; would you prefer a quick check‑in and going straight to a room?” “If you ever see heavy panting that doesn’t ease, drooling, confusion, or collapse after heat or exercise, this is an emergency—please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way.”
Puli watchouts: their dense, corded coat can trap heat and moisture—flag warm‑weather appointments to review heat safety, and suggest a quick skin/ear check if there’s odor, discharge, or redness after swimming/baths. The breed has documented risks for hip dysplasia and patellar luxation—prioritize scheduling if owners report new limping, a “bunny‑hopping” gait, or reluctance to jump. Ask about night‑vision changes or eye cloudiness (PRA predisposition) and book an exam if noted. In seniors, watch for gradual hind‑end weakness that warrants a mobility/neurologic evaluation. If a Puli collapses or shows extreme panting/confusion in heat, instruct the owner this is an emergency and to go to the nearest ER immediately.
Front desk script: Because Pulis’ cords can trap heat and water, we like to check skin and ears after heavy swimming/bathing and review warm‑weather safety. This breed can also be prone to hip/knee issues and certain hereditary eye or spinal conditions, so we’ll ask about mobility and vision at wellness visits and schedule follow‑ups if anything has changed. If you ever see collapse, extreme panting, or sudden vision loss, this is an emergency—please head to the nearest ER now and call us on the way.
Alert, agile herding breed with a corded coat; highly intelligent, loyal, often reserved with strangers, and prone to vocal watchdog behavior. Handling at check‑in: let the owner keep the leash, greet calmly from the side (eyes may be hidden by cords), avoid fussing with the coat, and room promptly to reduce arousal/barking. What usually matters most: ask about grooming/ear‑care intervals (cords trap debris/moisture), note lobby space needs due to motion sensitivity, and confirm any prior health screenings on file—breed clubs commonly emphasize hips, patellas, eyes, and degenerative myelopathy.
Front desk script: “Hi! Pulik can be a bit wary with new people, so we’ll have you keep the leash and head straight to a quiet room—no touching the cords. Any recent changes in mobility or vision, or skin/ear odor? If you notice sudden hind‑limb weakness, eye pain/squinting, or signs of heat stress (collapse, extreme panting), please tell me right away and I’ll alert our medical team immediately.”
Pulik are high-energy herding dogs that bond closely to family, can be reserved with new people, and often bark when under‑stimulated; newly adopted dogs benefit from structured exercise and mental work plus careful introductions. Their dense, naturally corded coat requires a management plan (corded vs. brushed short) and can trap moisture/debris—wet cords must be fully dried to avoid mildew, and severe matting can hide skin lesions or parasites and even impede defecation. For intake, perform a hands‑on check by gently parting coat sections—especially the hind end—for mats, fecal buildup, odor, or skin sores, and document grooming needs and any found microchip. Counsel adopters about the significant grooming commitment and heat risk with heavy coats (wet cords add weight; hot, humid weather raises overheating risk). If you observe heavy panting, collapse, bright red or very pale/blue gums, or a dog unable to pass stool/urine due to matting, escalate immediately to emergency veterinary care.
Front desk script: “Pulik are active herding dogs with unique corded coats. Do you plan to keep cords or a brushed coat? We can note grooming needs and share groomer referrals.” “Please watch for over‑heating in warm weather; if you ever see heavy panting, collapse, or very pale/bright‑red gums, go straight to the nearest emergency vet.” “If you notice severe mats—especially around the hind end—or foul odor/sores, tell us right away so we can arrange urgent veterinary/grooming assessment.”
Pulik are bright, high‑energy herding dogs that can be very vocal, protective, and wary of unfamiliar people and dogs. For check‑in, ask the owner to keep a short leash and close control; avoid crowded pathways and seat them in a quieter area or room promptly if barking or reactivity starts. Use calm, neutral greetings only with owner permission, and avoid reaching over the head; confirm any triggers (strangers, other dogs, herding/chasing) before handoff so the care team can minimize handling until the clinician is present. Note that the dense corded coat can contribute to overheating; if the dog arrives panting excessively, weak, or collapsing, alert medical staff immediately—treat as an emergency.
Front desk script: “Hi! Pulik are smart and energetic but can be reserved with new people. Please keep [Name] on a short leash; we’ll seat you in a quieter spot and room you quickly if needed. Does [Name] have any triggers around strangers or other dogs we should note for the care team? If [Name] seems overheated or suddenly distressed at any point, please tell us right away.”
For Pulis, escalate immediately if you hear or see: labored/rapid breathing, blue/gray gums, collapse or marked weakness; signs of overheating after activity or warm environments (heavy panting, drooling, confusion, seizures, or collapse)—note this breed’s dense, long coat can raise heat risk; unproductive retching with a tight or rapidly enlarging abdomen and restlessness; seizures (especially >5 minutes or multiple); sudden eye pain/squinting, redness/cloudiness, dilated pupil, or sudden vision change; repeated straining to urinate with little/no output (especially males); or any pale gums, major trauma, toxin ingestion, or sudden hind‑limb inability. These warrant same‑day escalation, and many are emergencies requiring immediate ER referral.
Front desk script: Based on what you’ve described, this may be an emergency and your dog needs to be seen now. Please come directly to our hospital; if we are closed or you cannot reach us, go to the nearest 24/7 veterinary emergency clinic immediately. Call us when you arrive so we can alert the clinician and triage your pet on arrival.