Redbone Coonhounds are high‑energy scenthounds with a strong prey drive and a loud bay that owners may describe as “singing” or “talking,” especially when they catch wildlife scents, hear sirens/doorbells, or wait in busy lobbies. They may pull hard, follow a scent, or try to roam if a door opens—seat quickly in a quiet room and keep exits secured. Give brief sniff time on entry; many are friendly but independent. Ask about sensitivity to ear handling (long, floppy ears) and note any noise or separation triggers. If the owner reports collapse, severe overheating after exertion, or disorientation, alert medical staff immediately.
Front desk script: Redbones can be very scent‑ and sound‑driven and may bay or pull when excited. We’ll seat you in a quieter room and keep doors secured—does your dog have any handling preferences, especially around the ears? Please tell me right away if your dog is currently collapsed, overheated, or disoriented so our medical team can see them immediately.
Redbone Coonhounds are generally healthy but, like many large, deep‑chested hounds, they have some predictable risks to keep on the radar: orthopedic issues tracked by OFA (notably hip dysplasia); chronic ear infections (otitis externa) due to long, pendulous ears; autoimmune thyroid disease seen across many hound breeds; a conformation‑ and lifestyle‑linked risk of gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat) in large, deep‑chested dogs; and rare "coonhound paralysis" (acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis) following raccoon exposure. Urgent red flags to escalate immediately: non‑productive retching, a tight/swollen abdomen, collapse, or sudden rapidly progressing weakness/paralysis.
Front desk script: This breed is active and generally sturdy, but hound‑type ears and a deep chest mean we watch for ear problems, hip changes, thyroid issues, and—rarely—bloat. If you ever see dry heaving without vomiting, a swollen/tight belly, sudden collapse, or sudden weakness/paralysis (especially after raccoon exposure), please go to the emergency hospital immediately. For routine care, we’ll note any OFA/CHIC screening records (hips, eyes, thyroid/cardiac as applicable) and keep ears and weight on our watchlist.
Redbone Coonhounds are friendly, high‑energy scenthounds (about 45–70 lb, 21–27 in) that need vigorous daily exercise and secure leashing/fencing to curb baying and wandering; coat care is simple (weekly brushing), but their floppy ears should be checked/cleaned routinely. They’re generally healthy with a 12–15 year lifespan, though hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and ear infections are noted breed concerns. Smart but independent, they do best with positive‑reinforcement training and consistent activity. Emergency: a swollen/tight abdomen with repeated unproductive retching (often with restlessness or drooling after a meal) needs immediate ER care.
Front desk script: They’re active, social hounds that need daily vigorous exercise; plan on a leash/secure yard and expect some baying. Grooming is easy—weekly brushing—and advise owners to do regular ear checks; we can book wellness visits and discuss hip/eye screening with the veterinarian. If a caller reports a swollen belly with repeated unproductive retching or marked restlessness/drooling after eating, direct them to a 24/7 emergency clinic immediately; for new ear odor/redness or head‑shaking, offer a same‑day appointment.
Front desk teams most often hear from Redbone Coonhound owners about: ear odor, scratching, or head‑shaking after swimming/hunting (pendulous ears/moisture prone); sudden "pillow-like" earflap swelling (possible aural hematoma); itchy skin and paw‑licking; paw pad cuts or torn nails from field work; ticks found or exposure and prevention refills; and occasional vomiting/diarrhea after scavenging or rapid diet change. Flag same‑day scheduling for persistent head‑shaking/ear pain, a swollen ear flap, active bleeding from a nail/pad, visible ticks attached, or GI signs lasting beyond 24–48 hours. Escalate immediately to emergency if there is non‑productive retching with a tight or rapidly enlarging belly (possible bloat), collapse or severe heat distress (heavy panting, disorientation), or very pale gums.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—Redbone Coonhounds commonly come in for ear irritation or head‑shaking, swollen ear flaps, paw/nail injuries from running, tick concerns, and occasional stomach upset. We can arrange a same‑day visit for active ear issues, a swollen ear flap, bleeding nails/pads, or diarrhea/vomiting that isn’t resolving. If you see non‑productive retching with a firm/bloated abdomen, collapse or extreme overheating signs, or pale gums, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now; we can call ahead for you.
Redbone Coonhounds have a short, smooth, low‑maintenance coat with moderate year‑round shedding; plan for weekly brushing at home and occasional baths. Floppy, heavy ears can trap moisture/debris—offer routine ear checks at wellness visits and remind owners to monitor for changes. Front desk can book nail trims about every 3–4 weeks and optional de‑shedding baths, especially before spring/fall coat turnover. After outdoor activity, advise quick checks for burrs/ticks and minor skin scuffs. Escalate same day if owners report ear redness, discharge, strong odor, persistent head‑shaking, pain when the ear is touched, sudden ear swelling, or head tilt/loss of balance.
Front desk script: This breed’s short coat is easy care but sheds moderately all year. We can schedule nail trims every 3–4 weeks and a de‑shedding bath as needed. Because their ears are floppy, if you notice redness, discharge, strong odor, constant head‑shaking, or sudden ear swelling or head tilt, we should book a same‑day veterinary exam.
Redbone Coonhounds are large, high‑energy scent hounds that often spend time in brush/woods; during intake, screen for ear issues (head shaking, odor, discharge) common in floppy‑eared breeds, recent tick exposure or lack of preventives, and any lameness after vigorous activity or hunting. Route wellness to standard GP slots; ear/skin complaints to a focused ear/derm slot; tick exposure with fever/lethargy/shifting lameness to same‑day illness. Escalate immediately if the caller reports non‑productive retching with a tight, swollen abdomen, trouble breathing, collapse, or severe bleeding—advise ER now and notify the clinician. Plan likely follow‑up for ear rechecks or lab review per doctor after the initial visit.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Redbone Coonhound—so I can book the right visit, may I ask if there’s ear odor, head shaking, or discharge; any recent ticks or time in brush/woods; or any limping after activity? If you notice non‑productive retching with a tight, swollen belly, difficulty breathing, collapse, or heavy bleeding, this is an emergency—please go to the nearest emergency hospital now while I alert our team. Based on your answers, I’ll reserve a general exam, an ear/skin visit, or a same‑day illness slot and note any outdoor exposure for the doctor.
Puppy (to ~16 weeks): schedule checkups every 3–4 weeks for vaccine series, parasite baselines, growth and microchip discussions; remind owners about ear checks after play/swims due to floppy ears. Adult (finished growth to ~7–8 years): book wellness every 6–12 months; for active/hunting Redbones, add seasonal tick/heartworm risk reviews and ear/skin check-ins; monitor weight, behavior, and dental needs. Senior (~8–10+ years, lifespan often 12–15 years): plan at least twice‑yearly wellness with screening as the doctor directs, and ask about mobility, appetite, thirst/urination, and new lumps; set expectations for pain/cognitive monitoring and dental follow‑up. Escalate immediately if owners report non‑productive retching, sudden abdominal distension, collapse, or pale gums—these can indicate bloat and require emergency care.
Front desk script: For Redbone Coonhound puppies, we’ll book a series of visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks to complete vaccines, check growth, and go over parasite prevention and microchipping. Adults are seen every 6–12 months; if your dog hunts or swims a lot, we can add seasonal parasite and ear health check‑ins. Seniors (around 8–10+ years) do best with twice‑yearly wellness and screening as the doctor recommends. If you notice unproductive retching, a tight/bloated belly, collapse, or very pale gums, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way.
Redbone Coonhounds are energetic, vocal scent hounds—offer secure leashing and a quiet or curbside wait to reduce lobby stress. Front desk should ask about ear red flags (head-shaking, scratching, bad odor) because floppy ears can trap moisture; note findings for the doctor. If owners report severe ear pain with head tilt, loss of balance, or a swollen ear flap, mark as a same‑day visit. As a medium‑to‑large, deep‑chested hound, this breed can be at some risk for gastric dilatation‑volvulus (GDV): educate owners that a tight or rapidly enlarging belly with repeated unproductive retching or excessive drooling is an emergency—go to the nearest ER immediately, then call us. Also document mobility or night‑vision concerns (possible breed‑linked issues) to set clinician expectations.
Front desk script: “Redbones can be high‑energy and vocal—would you prefer a quiet room or curbside check‑in today?” “Because floppy ears can trap moisture, have you noticed head‑shaking, scratching, or an ear odor?” “If you ever see a tight, quickly swelling belly with repeated retching that brings nothing up, that is an emergency—go straight to an ER and then call us.” “If he seems painful in the ear, off‑balance, or the ear flap looks swollen, we’ll mark this as a same‑day concern for the doctor.”
Redbone Coonhounds are generally robust, but front-desk teams should prioritize: year‑round heartworm and tick prevention with an annual heartworm test; asking about outdoor/hunting exposure and recent tick bites; flagging weekly ear checks due to floppy ears and booking sooner if owners report head‑shaking, odor, or discharge; confirming healthy‑weight goals and asking about new limping/stiffness (breed reports hip issues) or night‑vision/eye changes (PRA noted in the breed) to schedule exams; and reinforcing ID tags/microchip and leash/fence use. If an owner reports unproductive retching, a tight/bloated or painful abdomen, marked restlessness, pale gums, or collapse, instruct them to proceed to the nearest emergency hospital immediately and call us en route.
Front desk script: Because Redbones are active, deep‑chested hounds with floppy ears, we recommend year‑round heartworm and tick prevention and an annual heartworm test. I can add a quick ear check to your next wellness visit—have you noticed any head‑shaking or ear odor? If you ever see retching without vomit or a suddenly bloated, painful belly, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us from the car. For new limping or vision changes, we’ll get you a same‑week appointment.
Friendly, even‑tempered scent hound; typically calm in clinic once settled but highly nose‑driven outdoors and prone to door‑darting/pulling. Generally social with people and other dogs; uses a deep bay when aroused. Front‑desk handling: quiet approach, allow sniffing time, use high‑value treats, and double‑secure with leash/harness near entrances. Common practical watch‑outs: heavy exercise needs (arrive a bit early to decompress), and drop ears that can get moist/itchy after swimming or humid weather—flag ear discomfort (persistent head‑shaking, foul odor, pain) for clinician review. Escalate immediately if signs of heat stress after activity (collapse, confusion, severe or unrelenting panting, vomiting/seizures).
Front desk script: “Redbone Coonhounds are friendly, scent‑focused hounds. We’ll keep things calm, use treats, and secure him with a leash/harness so he doesn’t follow his nose out the door. If you’ve noticed ongoing ear shaking or odor, we’ll note that for the doctor. If he shows any heat‑stress signs today (collapse or relentless panting), we’ll alert the medical team immediately.”
Redbone Coonhounds are athletic scent hounds with strong prey drive and loud baying; plan for high activity needs, secure housing (kennels/fencing), and careful introductions to cats or small pets. For intake, flag heartworm testing when preventive history is unknown and consider tick‑borne screening if the dog originated from or worked in endemic/hunting areas; check ears for debris/odor due to pendulous ears, and note skin/foot abrasions from field use. Provide adopters with guidance on leash management and scent‑based enrichment to reduce escape seeking and vocalization. Escalate immediately if you observe signs consistent with gastric dilatation‑volvulus—non‑productive retching, a tight/distended abdomen, sudden restlessness/hypersalivation, collapse, or unproductive attempts to vomit—this is an emergency and the pet should go to an ER now.
Front desk script: This breed is a high‑energy scent hound and may vocalize (baying) and chase wildlife; secure fencing and leashed outings are important. We’ll note heartworm/tick exposure risk if history or origin is unclear and take a quick look at the ears and skin from field work. Please tell us right away if you ever see non‑productive retching or a tight, swollen belly—this is an emergency and we’ll direct you to ER care. We can also share scent‑game ideas to help channel their nose‑driven energy.
Redbone Coonhounds are generally even‑tempered, people‑friendly, and social with other dogs, but their strong scent‑drive can lead to pulling, door‑darting, and fixation on small pets; they may bay loudly when excited. For check‑in, confirm a snug collar or harness and short leash, add a backup slip lead, and use a secure, direct path to an exam room or offer car/outdoor waiting to reduce arousal. Seat away from cats and pocket pets. During handoff, note any prey‑drive triggers, tendency to follow odors, and leash/door control needs. If the dog becomes uncontrollably agitated, repeatedly attempts to bolt, shows escalating aggression, or exhibits signs of heat stress or respiratory distress (excessive panting, drooling, collapse), alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: Redbones are usually very friendly but can be strongly scent‑driven, so please keep [Name] on a snug collar or harness and short leash; we’ll add a slip lead as backup. We can take you straight to a room or offer waiting in your car if [Name] starts baying or getting overexcited. Does [Name] react to cats or small pets? If [Name] can’t settle, is lunging, or is panting heavily/drooling, we’ll alert our medical team right away.
For Redbone Coonhounds (deep‑chested hounds), escalate to a clinician immediately if the caller reports: unproductive retching, a painful/swollen abdomen, restlessness/hypersalivation, weakness or collapse (possible life‑threatening bloat/GDV); any breathing difficulty or blue/pale gums; repeated vomiting/diarrhea—especially with blood—or inability to keep water down; sudden or rapidly progressive weakness/paralysis within 1–2 weeks after raccoon exposure (risk of respiratory compromise); or heat‑related signs such as heavy panting, drooling, confusion, seizures, or collapse. If any of these are present, instruct the client to come now or proceed to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital without delay. ([acvs.org](https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/gdv/))
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this could be an emergency. Please bring your dog in immediately; if we’re closed, go straight to the nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital. If there is non‑productive retching with a swollen belly, pale/blue gums, breathing trouble, collapse, or sudden inability to stand, do not wait—come now. I’ll alert the medical team so we’re ready on arrival.