Sloughis are sensitive, reserved sighthounds with strong chase drive; fast movement (small pets, kids), door activity, direct approaches, loud/startling sounds, and sudden touch can trigger flight or a freeze response. They tend to do best with quiet check-in, soft voices, minimal restraint, and their familiar handler nearby; secure doors/double-leashing and visual barriers help prevent bolting. Owners may report the dog “shuts down” rather than struggles, and eye contact or head handling can increase stress. If you observe frantic escape attempts, escalating growling/snapping, or severe distress (uncontrolled panting, trembling), alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: “Many Sloughis are sensitive to motion and noise. Are there any specific triggers or handling preferences we should know about (for example, avoiding fast approaches or touching the head)?” “We can move you to a quieter space and keep handling minimal with you present; if your dog becomes very stressed or tries to bolt, I’ll notify our medical team right away and adjust the plan.”
Sloughis are generally healthy but have a few breed-linked flags: an inherited eye disease (progressive retinal atrophy specific to the Sloughi/rcd1-PRA) occurs in the breed, so owners may first notice night-vision changes; as deep‑chested sighthounds they can be at risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat)—sudden nonproductive retching, a tight/bloated belly, restlessness, drooling, weakness or collapse are emergencies and should be escalated immediately; like other sighthounds they tend to be more sensitive to certain anesthetics/medications and often show lower‑than‑average thyroid (T4) values that can be normal for the breed, so ensure the chart clearly notes “sighthound”; rare autoimmune problems (e.g., Addison’s disease, immune‑mediated nail disease) have been reported in the breed.
Front desk script: For Sloughis, we add a note that they’re sighthounds—this helps the doctor consider anesthesia sensitivities and breed‑typical low thyroid values when reviewing records. If an owner reports sudden retching without producing vomit, a swollen or tight abdomen, drooling, restlessness, weakness or collapse, advise: “This is an emergency—please come in now or go to the nearest ER.” Because this breed can carry a form of progressive retinal atrophy, let the doctor know if the owner mentions night‑vision changes so it can be flagged for discussion.
Sloughis are lean, athletic sighthounds that need daily on‑leash exercise and a secure fenced area; their short coat is low‑maintenance. They’re generally healthy, but owners should bring OFA/CHIC health records—common Sloughi checks include a DNA test for the breed‑specific PRA variant and regular ophthalmologist (CAER) eye exams—and tell us before any procedure, as sighthounds can have unique lab values and greater sensitivity to some anesthetic drugs. Watch for urgent red flags of possible bloat (GDV): a rapidly swollen/tight belly, repeated unproductive retching, drooling, restlessness, weakness, or collapse. If these occur, go to an emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way.
Front desk script: The Sloughi is a fast, reserved sighthound with easy grooming but high exercise needs. Please bring any OFA/CHIC health paperwork; we’ll note PRA DNA status and recent CAER eye results, and we’ll flag the chart for sighthound‑specific anesthesia considerations. If you ever see a suddenly distended abdomen with gagging/retching but no vomit, or collapse, treat it as an emergency and head to a 24/7 ER—call us en route.
Front desk typically fields Sloughi calls for sprint-related lameness or toe/nail injuries; sudden nail loss or painful paws; eye changes or night-vision concerns (owners seeking PRA screening); pre-procedure questions about sedation, vaccines, or medications due to sighthound/MDR1 sensitivities; and GI upset or suspected bloat in this deep‑chested breed. If the dog has a tight, enlarged abdomen with unproductive retching, collapses, or has very pale gums, advise immediate emergency care now (do not wait).
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Sloughi—how long has this been going on, and is your dog able to walk, eat, and settle? We commonly see this breed for post-sprint limping/toe or nail issues, eye changes, tummy bloating/retching, and pre-sedation or medication/vaccine questions. If you’re seeing a hard swollen belly with unproductive retching, collapse, or very pale gums, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way. Otherwise, I can arrange a same-day nurse triage or the next available appointment.
Sloughis have a very short, smooth, fine single coat with low grooming needs—weekly brushing with a soft glove/brush and baths only as needed typically suffice. Because the coat offers little insulation or UV protection, owners should plan for cold‑weather coverings on frigid days and discuss sun‑exposure precautions with the veterinary team, especially for lightly pigmented or thinly haired areas. Routine nail trims and ear checks should be scheduled. Escalate if owners report open, weeping or blistered skin, rapidly spreading redness, or sudden facial swelling after product or sun exposure.
Front desk script: This breed’s sleek, short coat is low‑maintenance—most Sloughis just need weekly brushing and occasional baths. Their thin coat provides minimal warmth and sun protection, so we can book nail/ear care and talk about cold‑weather gear and safe sun practices at your next visit. If you see open or blistered skin, fast‑spreading redness, or sudden facial swelling after product or sun exposure, please call us for a same‑day appointment; if there’s trouble breathing, use the nearest emergency clinic.
Sloughi (a deep‑chested sighthound) intake should be flagged as “sighthound” in the chart so clinicians anticipate breed‑associated anesthesia/medication sensitivities and review any planned sedation, dentistry, or surgery beforehand; ask about prior eye screening (PRA history) from breeders/records. For any call reporting abdominal distention with non‑productive retching, drooling, restlessness, or sudden collapse, treat as a potential bloat/GDV and direct the client to the nearest emergency hospital immediately. For vision changes (especially night/dim‑light difficulty) or sudden non‑weight‑bearing lameness after sprinting, offer same‑day/next‑available. Note that the breed is typically reserved/aloof with strangers—offer a quiet check‑in/straight‑to‑room when possible.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Sloughi—I’ll note ‘sighthound breed’ so the doctor plans anesthesia and medications appropriately, and we’ll review any procedures in advance. If you ever see a swollen belly with unproductive retching, sudden drooling/restlessness, or collapse, that can be an emergency; please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and I can text the address. For eye changes or sudden limping after a run, I can schedule a same‑day or next‑available visit. We can also arrange a low‑stress arrival and take you straight to a room if your dog is uncomfortable in the lobby.
Sloughis are athletic sighthounds with a typical lifespan of about 12–15 years; plan life-stage visits accordingly: puppies need visits every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks for core vaccine series, parasite checks, microchip, and socialization counseling; adults should have yearly wellness with heartworm testing, fecal checks per risk, and confirmation of any prior eye screening (the breed club recommends PRA DNA/ophthalmology screening); seniors (around 7+ years or last 25% of expected lifespan) benefit from twice-yearly exams with screening labs (CBC/chemistry/urinalysis), blood pressure, dental evaluations, and mobility/cognition check-ins. Flag “sighthound” status before any sedation/anesthesia or elective procedures, and remind owners to learn emergency bloat/GDV signs—sudden non-productive retching, a swollen/painful abdomen, collapse—these require immediate emergency care.
Front desk script: For Sloughi puppies, we’ll book vaccine/parasite visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16–20 weeks, then set your first annual wellness after that. As adults, plan yearly checkups; for this breed we also confirm any eye screening history each year. Once your Sloughi reaches senior years (around 7+), we schedule checkups every 6 months with screening labs. If you ever see sudden retching without vomit, a tight or distended belly, or collapse, go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way.
Sloughis are reserved sighthounds—set expectations for a calm, low-stimulation visit: invite the owner to check in by phone and come straight to a quiet room when available; ask them to keep the dog on a short leash at their side and avoid nose‑to‑nose greetings with other pets. Confirm any prior reactions to anesthesia or medications and request previous records, as some sighthounds have breed‑related differences in drug metabolism that clinicians should review. Use reassuring, reward‑based language and extra space to reduce fear. Clearly advise owners that sudden non‑productive retching, a rapidly enlarging or tense abdomen, restlessness, or collapse are signs of life‑threatening bloat and require immediate emergency care.
Front desk script: “Hi—since Sloughis can be a bit aloof with new people, we’ll keep things low‑key and move you to a quiet room as soon as it’s open. Please keep [Pet’s Name] on a short leash by your side and we’ll give you space from other pets.” “Have you ever noticed any reactions to anesthesia or medications, or do you have prior medical records we should add to the chart?” “If you ever see sudden dry heaving/retching with a tight or swollen belly or sudden collapse, that is an emergency—go to the nearest ER now and call us on the way.”
Sloughis are sighthounds with known sensitivity to anesthesia and some medications—flag the breed in the chart and alert the DVM before any sedation, surgery, or multi‑vaccine visit. Schedule annual eye screenings (PRA risk) and keep wellness exams current; note that sighthounds can have atypical lab values that are normal for the type. Educate owners on bloat (GDV) red flags given the deep chest: sudden swollen abdomen, unproductive retching, excessive drooling, restlessness—treat as an emergency. Also watch for signs that merit prompt evaluation (e.g., collapse, persistent vomiting/diarrhea, sudden painful nail loss suggesting SLO) and book a same‑day exam when reported.
Front desk script: Because Sloughis are sighthounds, they can be more sensitive to certain anesthetics and medications—I’ll flag the chart so the doctor reviews any sedation or vaccination plan first. We also recommend an annual eye screening and routine wellness checks for this breed. If you ever see a suddenly swollen belly with retching but nothing coming up or heavy drooling, please go straight to the ER and call us on the way. For collapse or persistent vomiting/diarrhea, contact us immediately for a same‑day appointment.
Reserved, noble sighthound that bonds closely with its family and may be aloof with unfamiliar people; handle with a calm, quiet approach, minimal crowding, and let the dog come to staff rather than reaching in. Prioritize quick rooming during busy times, ask owners to keep a secure leash on at all times, and avoid exposure to small pets due to strong chase/prey instinct. Deep‑chested build means any report of non‑productive retching, sudden abdominal swelling, restlessness, excessive drooling, or collapse should be treated as an emergency—alert a clinician immediately and prepare for rapid triage.
Front desk script: “Sloughis can be reserved with new people, so we’ll keep things low‑key and let your dog come to us. Please keep a secure leash on; we’ll room you promptly and away from small animals. If you ever see unproductive retching or a suddenly swollen belly, tell us right away—that’s an emergency.”
Sloughi adoptees are lean sighthounds that can be timid with strangers and strong flight risks—use calm, minimal restraint at intake, secure leashing (martingale or well‑fitted harness), and double‑door control. Flag the record “sighthound—drug/lab considerations,” as sighthounds may respond differently to some anesthetics/sedatives and can have breed‑typical CBC/chemistry values (e.g., higher RBC/PCV, lower platelets/WBC) that require sighthound‑specific interpretation by the veterinarian. Ask whether the dog was imported from or recently traveled to North Africa/Mediterranean regions; if yes, alert the medical team because imported dogs can carry Leishmania. Educate adopters about gastric dilatation‑volvulus (deep‑chested breed risk): sudden non‑productive retching, a rapidly swollen/firm abdomen, weakness/collapse, or pale gums are emergencies—advise, “Go to the nearest emergency clinic now and call ahead.” Provide a quiet space, soft bedding, and fear‑free handling; early, positive interactions support acclimation for fearful dogs.
Front desk script: Thanks for adopting a Sloughi—because they’re sighthounds, I’m adding a chart alert so our medical team uses sighthound‑appropriate anesthesia and interprets any lab results with sighthound references. Was your dog imported from North Africa or the Mediterranean? If you ever see unproductive retching with a tight, bloated belly or collapse, please head to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way.
Sloughis are sighthounds that bond tightly to their family and are typically reserved/aloof with unfamiliar people, so avoid direct, looming approaches or prolonged eye contact and let the owner remain with the dog. Expect strong prey drive—keep leashed at all times and seat away from cats, toy dogs, and small pets; use direct-to-room check-in when possible. Limit front-desk handling; speak softly, give space, and defer hands-on contact to clinical staff using minimal, non-confrontational restraint, with a basket muzzle considered if there’s a history of reactivity. Watch for fear-stress signs (panting, trembling, lip-licking, freezing/‘whale eye’) and adjust flow accordingly. If an owner reports non-productive retching, a tight/distended abdomen, sudden restlessness, or drooling, alert the medical team immediately as a possible bloat emergency.
Front desk script: Hi, Sloughis can be reserved with new people, so we’ll keep things calm and move you straight to a quiet room; please keep [Pet Name] leashed and away from small pets. We’ll let you stay with [him/her] and limit handling until the clinician arrives. If you’ve noticed any retching without bringing anything up or a suddenly tight/bloated belly, please tell me right away so we can alert the doctor.
For a Sloughi, treat the following as escalation triggers: EMERGENCY NOW if there is unproductive retching with a tight or rapidly enlarging abdomen, marked restlessness/pain (suspect bloat/GDV); any trouble breathing, blue/white gums, collapse, seizures, major trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or repeated straining with no urine. Also escalate to EMERGENCY if heat exposure or exertion is followed by heavy or noisy panting that doesn’t settle, excessive drooling, confusion/weakness, vomiting/diarrhea, or collapse (heatstroke). SAME‑DAY if vomiting/diarrhea persists >24 hours or there is black/tarry or bloody stool, or sudden severe lameness/inability to bear weight. When in doubt, immediately involve a clinician.
Front desk script: Based on what you’ve described, this could be an emergency for dogs. Please bring your Sloughi in immediately; if we are closed, proceed to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital now. I’m alerting the medical team so we’re ready on arrival. If your situation changes en route (worsening breathing, collapse), call us or the ER from the car.