Salukis are sensitive, reserved sighthounds that often ignore unfamiliar people and do best with a calm, low‑stimulus check‑in; minimize lobby time, use secure leashing, and be mindful at doorways because they are extremely fast and may try to bolt. Their strong prey drive is easily triggered by cats, small dogs, or quick movement near windows, so quick rooming away from small pets is preferred. Many become stressed if separated from their owner in new places and respond poorly to rough handling, so a quiet space and a patient approach help. Thin coats and low body fat make them temperature‑sensitive and more comfortable on soft, non‑slippery surfaces. If an owner reports unproductive retching, a suddenly swollen belly, collapse, or severe distress (especially after a meal), alert a veterinarian immediately—treat as an emergency.
Front desk script: “Salukis can be sensitive and reserved—would you like us to room you right away in a quiet space and away from cats or small pets?” “Please keep a snug leash and allow us to manage doors; Salukis are very fast and can bolt.” “If you notice any unproductive retching or a sudden swollen belly today, tell me immediately so we can alert the doctor.”
Salukis are generally healthy sighthounds but have recognized breed‑linked risks: heart disease (notably dilated cardiomyopathy/arrhythmias), life‑threatening bloat/GDV due to deep‑chested build, inherited eye and neurologic disorders (e.g., PRA and Saluki‑type neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis), some cancers (including hemangiosarcoma), hypothyroidism, and heightened sensitivity to certain anesthetic drugs common to sighthounds. Front‑desk red flags to escalate immediately: sudden unproductive retching with a tight/bloated abdomen, collapse or severe weakness, pale gums, or rapid/labored breathing.
Front desk script: We keep a Saluki alert on file because this breed has higher risks for specific heart problems, bloat (GDV), certain eye/neurologic issues, and anesthesia sensitivity. If you ever see non‑productive retching with a swollen belly, collapse, or very pale gums, please go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately. For routine visits, we’ll note any current concerns and medications so the doctor can tailor screening and safely plan any procedures.
Salukis are gentle, quiet sighthounds: typically calm indoors but they need daily exercise with safe sprint time in a securely fenced area and should not be off‑leash due to a strong chase drive. Grooming is light (weekly brushing; manage long ear feathering—many owners use a snood). They’re often reserved with strangers and do best with patient handling and older kids. Health notes owners ask about: routine eye and heart screening are commonly recommended; like other sighthounds, Salukis can be sensitive to some anesthetics—always tell us their breed before any procedure; and as a deep‑chested breed they can be at risk for bloat. If you see nonproductive retching with a tight, swollen belly, pale gums, collapse, or trouble breathing, seek emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Salukis are gentle but athletic—plan on daily walks plus safe, fenced sprint time and keep them leashed outdoors. Light grooming (weekly brushing) and mind the long ear hair. Please mention any exercise intolerance/fainting, eye changes, or digestive distress when scheduling. If there’s sudden retching without vomit and a swollen, painful belly or collapse, go to the emergency hospital now.
Salukis often prompt front-desk contacts for high‑energy mishaps after sprinting (sudden limping, torn/broken nails, paw/pad cuts), bad breath or scheduling dental cleanings, questions about anesthesia for dentals/procedures (sighthound considerations), coughing or decreased exercise tolerance, fainting episodes or belly enlargement (heart disease concerns), eye cloudiness/night‑vision changes, and weight/coat changes suggestive of thyroid issues. Escalate immediately if the owner reports repeated unproductive retching with a tight or rapidly enlarging abdomen (deep‑chested breeds like Salukis are at risk for life‑threatening bloat/GDV), or sudden weakness/collapse with pale gums or sudden abdominal swelling (possible internal bleeding). Direct these cases to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital now.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—let me ask a couple of quick safety questions. If your Saluki is retching without bringing anything up, has a tight or swollen abdomen, has pale gums, has collapsed, or is suddenly very weak, please proceed to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital now. For limping after a run, broken nails, or cuts, we can arrange a same‑day urgent visit; for dental odor, eye changes, or routine concerns, I can schedule the next available exam and note any anesthesia questions for the doctor.
Salukis have a smooth, silky coat in two types—smooth and feathered (longer hair on ears, legs, and tail)—with light shedding and typically low odor. Most do well with a weekly brush; feathered coats benefit from gentle combing several times a week to prevent tangles, especially behind the ears and on the legs. Their long ear feathering can dip into bowls; many owners use a snood at mealtimes. Baths are generally only needed when dirty. For scheduling, plan routine nail/ear checks and light brush-outs in-clinic, and refer to a groomer experienced with sighthounds for feather maintenance or de-matting. If red, smelly ears, persistent head-shaking, painful mats, or skin sores are reported, book a same-day medical visit rather than a grooming appointment.
Front desk script: This breed is low-shedding with either smooth or feathered coats. Most Salukis need a weekly brush; feathered coats may need a little extra combing, and a snood can keep ear hair out of food and water. We can schedule quick tech visits for nail trims and ear checks, or refer you to a groomer familiar with sighthounds for feather care. If you notice red, smelly ears, constant head-shaking, or painful mats/skin sores, we should book a same-day medical exam instead of a grooming appointment.
Salukis are sighthounds—flag the chart for anesthesia/sedation considerations and request any prior anesthesia or procedure records; advise callers not to give over‑the‑counter meds unless our DVM directs. Triage/scheduling: book same‑day for non–weight‑bearing lameness after runs, deep cuts/toe injuries, fainting, ongoing cough or new breathing difficulty, acute eye pain, or sudden vision loss. If the caller reports unproductive retching, a tight/swollen abdomen, rapid/shallow breathing, weakness/collapse, or extreme restlessness after a meal, treat as suspected bloat (GDV) and direct to emergency care immediately. For routine issues (wellness visits, minor skin/ear concerns, chronic stiffness), schedule next‑available and note “sighthound”; ask for any prior heart/eye screening results to upload with records.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Saluki. I’ll note this is a sighthound so our doctor will tailor any sedation/anesthesia if needed—please do not give any medications unless our vet advises. If your dog is trying to vomit but nothing comes up, has a tight or swollen belly, severe trouble breathing, or collapses, this can be life‑threatening—please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now while I alert them. For limping after a run, deep cuts/toe injuries, sudden vision changes, fainting, or ongoing cough, we should see your dog today; I can offer the next same‑day appointment.
Puppy: plan vaccine/parasite visits every 3–4 weeks until ~16 weeks, microchip, and reinforce secure-leash/secure-yard habits (strong chase drive); note sighthound anesthesia considerations—flag chart and schedule pre-anesthesia consult if any procedure is anticipated. Adult: book annual wellness with year‑round preventives and dental care; remind owners that deep‑chested Salukis can be at risk for bloat (GDV)—advise immediate ER care if they report a tight swollen abdomen with unproductive retching or sudden restlessness/collapse; pre-anesthetic labs/consult before any sedated dental or procedure. Senior (about 8–10+ years): shift to checkups every 6 months with screening labs and vet‑directed cardiac/ocular monitoring; discuss mobility/cognition changes and comfort needs; continue preventative care and review emergency signs of GDV with owners.
Front desk script: For Saluki puppies, we’ll schedule visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks to complete vaccines/parasite prevention and go over socialization and microchipping. As adults, plan an annual wellness exam with preventives and dental care; because Salukis are sighthounds, we’ll book a pre‑anesthesia consult and labs before any sedated procedure. From around 8–10 years, we recommend checkups every 6 months with screening labs and a heart review. If you ever notice a tight, bloated belly with unproductive retching or sudden collapse, this may be life‑threatening bloat—please come in immediately or go to the nearest ER.
Salukis are lean, fast sighthounds with strong chase/bolt instincts and a sensitive, often reserved demeanor—use calm handling, secure doors, and a slip lead at all times. Set expectations that our team flags Salukis as sighthounds for anesthesia planning and temperature management, and that apparently “low” thyroid values can be normal in this group and may prompt confirmatory thyroid panels before any medication is discussed. Let owners know the doctor may recommend breed-appropriate screening (e.g., eyes/heart) per OFA/CHIC guidance. Review emergency red flags for deep‑chested dogs—sudden unproductive retching, rapidly enlarging/tight abdomen, collapse or extreme restlessness—and advise immediate ER care if seen.
Front desk script: “Because Salukis are sighthounds, we’ll keep a secure slip lead on and place you in a quieter room—please keep your dog leashed and close as they can bolt quickly. For any procedure with sedation or anesthesia, our doctor will review a sighthound‑aware plan and recovery steps with you. If lab work ever shows a ‘low thyroid,’ that can be normal in sighthounds; the doctor may discuss a full thyroid panel before any medication. If you ever see non‑productive retching with a tight, swollen belly or collapse, go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way.”
Salukis are deep‑chested sighthounds—front desk should be alert for gastric dilatation–volvulus (GDV) red flags (sudden non‑productive retching, tight/bloated or painful abdomen, pale gums, weakness/collapse); if reported, direct the client to an ER immediately. Before any sedation, note “sighthound anesthesia” on the chart and alert the doctor (these breeds can be more sensitive to certain anesthetics and temperature shifts). For routine care, ensure annual cardiac auscultation (schedule cardiology screening/echocardiogram only if the doctor recommends or if new cough, exercise intolerance, or fainting is reported). If owners mention “low thyroid,” flag that healthy Salukis may have lower T4 and route labs to the veterinarian for sighthound‑appropriate interpretation. For breeders or if vision concerns arise, ask the doctor whether to schedule a CAER eye screening (typically renewed yearly).
Front desk script: If you ever see unproductive retching, a suddenly tight/bloated belly, pale gums, or collapse in your Saluki, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now—I can provide the address. For procedures, I’ll note “sighthound anesthesia” so our doctor reviews the plan first. I can also book your annual exam and, if the doctor advises, arrange a cardiology or eye screening. If you have recent thyroid results, please email them so the doctor can interpret them with Saluki‑specific ranges.
Saluki = sensitive, quiet sighthound; typically gentle with owners and reserved/aloof with strangers. Expect high prey drive and a strong flight response—use a secure slip lead at arrival, double‑door/closed‑door handling, and a calm, low‑stimulus room; allow the owner to stay present when possible. Note for clinicians: as a sighthound, Saluki labs and thyroid values can differ from general‑dog ranges, and anesthesia choices may warrant sighthound‑aware consideration—flag the chart. If a caller reports collapse, labored/fast breathing, pale gums, or severe sudden weakness after a chase, treat as EMERGENCY and alert a clinician immediately; sudden vision loss or fainting should be booked same day.
Front desk script: “Salukis are gentle but can be shy and quick to bolt, so we’ll keep a secure leash on and seat you in a quiet room. Please tell us what keeps your dog calm, and you’re welcome to stay for handling. I’ll note that Salukis are sighthounds so our doctors will use breed‑aware lab and anesthesia considerations. If you notice collapse, trouble breathing, or pale gums at any time, please tell me right away—that’s an emergency.”
Salukis are lean, deep‑chested sighthounds with strong chase/flight instincts—use secure handling at intake (martingale collar or double‑leash; no off‑leash) and introduce cautiously to small pets. Flag the medical record for sighthound anesthesia precautions (breed‑atypical responses reported with some agents) and for breed‑specific lab interpretation: clinically normal Salukis often have lower total/free T4 than general canine ranges, so thyroid results should be read with sighthound context to avoid overcalling hypothyroidism. Because deep‑chested dogs are at higher risk for gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat), ensure adopters know red‑flag signs (nonproductive retching, sudden abdominal distention, collapse/restlessness) and the need for immediate emergency care if observed.
Front desk script: “Salukis are sighthounds with a strong chase instinct, so we’ll check gear and use a secure leash/harness today; please avoid off‑leash and be cautious with small‑pet introductions at home. We’ll note ‘sighthound anesthesia precautions’ in the chart and have our doctor interpret any thyroid labs with breed‑specific ranges. If you ever see unproductive retching or a suddenly swollen belly, go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way.”
Salukis are gentle, dignified sighthounds that are often reserved with strangers and highly sensitive to noise and crowding; many have a strong chase instinct toward small animals. For check‑in, ask owners to keep the dog on a secure, well‑fitted collar or harness with a short leash, confirm doors/exits are closed, and seat them away from cats or small pets or offer direct‑to‑room. During waiting and handoff, minimize unsolicited petting, use a calm voice and slow movements, and favor minimal‑restraint transfer while allowing the owner to stay with the dog. Escalate immediately if the dog shows intense escape attempts (backing or pulling hard toward doors), cannot settle due to marked trembling/panting, growls/lunges at nearby animals, or if the collar/harness looks likely to slip—call a technician and move to a low‑stimulus room.
Front desk script: Welcome! Salukis can be sensitive and a bit reserved, so we’ll keep things calm and efficient. Please keep your dog on a secure, short leash; we’ll seat you in a quiet spot away from small pets or take you straight to a room. If your dog seems very stressed or tries to bolt, tell us right away so a technician can assist.
For Salukis—deep‑chested sighthounds—immediately escalate if the caller reports signs consistent with bloat/GDV (dry heaving or unproductive retching, rapidly enlarging or tight abdomen, drooling, restlessness, collapse); any breathing difficulty, blue or very pale gums, or sudden weakness/collapse; first‑time seizure, seizures >5 minutes, or multiple seizures; known/suspected toxin or foreign‑object ingestion; inability to urinate when straining; heat‑related illness signs (heavy panting, weakness, vomiting/diarrhea, confusion, collapse); or persistent vomiting/diarrhea with blood. These are same‑day emergencies—if any are present, instruct the client to proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now.
Front desk script: Based on what you’ve described, this could be life‑threatening and needs immediate veterinary evaluation. Because Salukis are deep‑chested, signs like dry heaving without vomiting or a swollen, tight abdomen are emergencies. Please go to the nearest 24/7 emergency animal hospital now; do not wait or attempt home care. If needed, I can provide the address and call ahead to alert the ER team.