Spanish Water Dogs are intelligent, high‑drive herding/water dogs that bond tightly and are naturally suspicious of strangers; in busy lobbies they may become watchful, bark to alert, or try to “herd” moving people/pets (nudging or heel‑nipping). Motion (running children, fast approaches), separation from their primary person, sudden noises (dryers/clippers, bangs), and water cues (hoses, bowls) can quickly raise arousal. Many do best with slow introductions, predictable handling, and extra personal space—reaching over the head or crowding can heighten stress. Note if they settle better with one handler, owner in view, and a quieter room. Escalate immediately to the medical team if there is an abrupt personality change, disorientation, relentless agitation/panting that won’t stop, or sudden aggressive outbursts without a clear trigger.
Front desk script: This breed can be reserved with new people and sensitive to motion and noise. If you see him getting vocal or trying to herd, we can move you to a quieter space and keep handling slow with one staff member while you stay in his line of sight. Please tell me any specific triggers (e.g., clippers, separation) so we can note handling preferences. If you’ve noticed a sudden behavior change, confusion, or intense, unprovoked aggression today, I’ll alert our medical team right away.
Spanish Water Dogs show notable breed-linked risks for inherited eye disease (prcd-PRA and a PDE6B-linked early-onset PRA), occasional glaucoma risk, orthopedic hip dysplasia, thyroid disorders including autoimmune hypothyroidism and a puppy-onset congenital hypothyroidism with goiter (TPO mutation), and a rare neurodegenerative condition (TECPR2-associated neuroaxonal dystrophy); breed club reports also include Addison’s disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, epilepsy, and allergies. Front-desk alerts: sudden vision changes, red/painful eye, collapse, severe vomiting/diarrhea or profound lethargy, or a rapidly enlarging neck swelling in a puppy should be escalated immediately.
Front desk script: This breed has higher risk for inherited eye problems (including PRA), hip dysplasia, certain thyroid issues—including a rare puppy condition that can cause a neck swelling—and a rare neurologic disorder. If an owner reports sudden eye pain/redness or vision loss, collapse, severe vomiting/diarrhea, extreme lethargy, or a fast-growing neck swelling in a puppy, please alert the medical team now—we’ll treat that as an emergency. We’ll note the breed in the chart so the veterinarian can discuss appropriate screening at the visit.
Spanish Water Dogs are medium, athletic, very smart working dogs that thrive on daily exercise and mental jobs; their single, curly coat is kept natural (never brushed/comb‑out) and is typically clipped evenly all over 1–2 times per year, with bathing done by squeezing shampoo through the coat and blot/air‑drying. Expect low shedding, a 12–14 year average lifespan, and routine wellness with attention to breed health priorities (hips, eyes/retinal disease, and thyroid, including the breed‑specific CHG genetic condition). Ear and skin checks are helpful for dogs that swim often. Call us the same day if you notice red/painful eyes, repeated retching or vomiting, trouble breathing, collapse, or your dog is not passing urine—use the ER if severe or rapidly worsening.
Front desk script: They’re active, medium‑size curly‑coated dogs that do best with daily exercise and training. The coat isn’t brushed; most owners schedule an even, all‑over clip 1–2 times a year—we can help you plan grooming. For health, we follow breed guidance to screen hips, eyes (for PRA), and thyroid at routine visits. If you see eye redness/pain, repeated retching, trouble breathing, collapse, or no urine, call us right away or go to the ER if severe.
Spanish Water Dogs often prompt front-desk calls for: ear odor/head‑shaking after swimming or bathing; coat/curl matting with skin irritation or "hot spots" around ears/neck; vision changes (bumping into objects at night) given breed‑reported PRA risk; hind‑limb stiffness or limping after activity consistent with common orthopedic concerns; and recurring itchy skin/ear issues or hair loss/weight gain questions tied to breed‑associated thyroid concerns. Escalate immediately if an eye is red, painful, cloudy, bulging, or vision seems suddenly worse, or if the dog won’t bear weight on a limb.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—this breed commonly comes in for ear issues after water exposure, coat matting/skin irritation, vision concerns, or new limping. I can schedule the next available exam; for eye signs like redness, squinting, cloudiness, or sudden vision loss, please come to our emergency service now. If the dog is non–weight‑bearing or in severe pain, we recommend urgent/same‑day care. For grooming/coat‑care questions, we can book a nurse/tech consult.
Spanish Water Dogs have a single, curly/woolly coat kept natural—never brushed or combed; when longer it may form cords. Most pets do best with an even, full-body clip 1–3 times per year (no aesthetic shaping), and bathing/drying appointments may run longer because aggressive towel rubbing or brushing can cause matting. If owners want cords, set expectations for debris/moisture management and refer to groomers experienced with corded coats. Dropped ears and frequent water activity mean routine ear checks and moisture control are important. Escalate same day if you see tight/painful mats, foul skin odor or discharge, notable redness, or ear discomfort (head shaking, odor).
Front desk script: This breed’s coat is kept natural—no brushing. Most families schedule an even, full-body clip one to three times a year; if you prefer a corded look, we can refer you to a groomer experienced with this coat and allow extra time for bathing/drying. If you notice tight mats, strong odor, redness, or ear discomfort, we recommend a same‑day nurse triage. Would you like me to set a grooming referral or a quick ear/skin check?
Front-desk triage: Spanish Water Dogs commonly have ear issues due to pendulous, hairy canals and frequent swimming—ask about recent water exposure, head-shaking, odor, or pain and prioritize scheduling within 24–48 hours if uncomfortable. Vision concerns are also relevant: owners may report night blindness, dilated pupils, or bumping into things from breed-associated progressive retinal atrophy; route to a standard doctor exam unless there is a red, very painful eye or sudden vision loss—advise immediate emergency care in those cases. Note that some SWDs are high-energy and may be wary with strangers; offer low‑stress handling options and flag if additional assistance is needed. Other breed-associated calls may involve hypothyroidism, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or hip/lameness; book routine exams for chronic weight/skin or mobility changes, but escalate collapse, severe lethargy, intractable vomiting/diarrhea, or pale gums to emergency care. ([merckvetmanual.com](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/ear-disorders/otitis-externa/otitis-externa-in-animals?utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—so I can get you the right appointment for your Spanish Water Dog, has there been recent swimming or ear signs like head-shaking, odor, or discomfort, and any changes in night vision or bumping into things? If you notice a red, squinting or very painful eye, or sudden vision loss, this can’t wait—please go to the nearest emergency hospital now, or we can help arrange a same‑day emergency visit. Otherwise, I’ll schedule the next available doctor exam and note any mobility or weight/skin changes for the veterinarian. ([merckvetmanual.com](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/ear-disorders/otitis-externa/otitis-externa-in-animals?utm_source=openai))
Spanish Water Dog lifecycle scheduling: Puppies typically need visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks for vaccine series, growth/behavior check-ins, parasite prevention setup, and early discussions on spay/neuter and coat/ear care for a water‑loving breed. In adulthood (about 1–7 years), plan annual wellness exams with lifestyle‑based vaccine updates, year‑round parasite prevention, dental assessments, and consider baseline screening the doctor recommends (e.g., ophthalmic checks given SWD PRA risks and review of any breeder genetic results). In senior years (often ~7–8+ for medium breeds), book twice‑yearly exams with age‑appropriate screening (labs, mobility, vision/hearing, blood pressure as directed) and ask about changes in activity, appetite, weight, thirst/urination, or behavior; advise owners to seek immediate care for sudden vision loss, collapse, labored breathing, or a hard swollen abdomen.
Front desk script: For SWD puppies, we’ll schedule vaccine and growth visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks. For adults, we book yearly wellness with vaccine updates and prevention refills; for seniors, we plan twice‑yearly checkups with screening the doctor recommends. Because SWDs have documented inherited eye conditions, please bring any breeder test records; we can arrange annual eye screening if the doctor advises. If you report sudden vision loss, collapse, trouble breathing, or a firm, rapidly enlarging belly, we will direct you to emergency care immediately.
Spanish Water Dogs are energetic, water‑loving, curly‑coated dogs whose coats are not brushed; ask owners about current coat length/cording so you can plan handling time and cleanup. Set expectations that post‑swim ear irritation can happen—if they report head‑shaking, ear odor, redness, or discharge, offer a same‑day or next‑available appointment (no home remedies advised). Many SWDs are naturally wary of strangers; invite owners to arrive with the dog leashed and with high‑value treats, and offer a quiet check‑in if the dog is nervous. Clearly advise owners that any sudden red, bulging, cloudy, or painful eye, or sudden vision change, is an emergency and they should come now or go to the nearest ER. After water play, cough, labored/fast breathing, blue gums, or extreme lethargy can signal water aspiration/near‑drowning—direct them to emergency care immediately. Note in the chart any breeder eye/hip clearances or past ear issues to streamline future visits.
Front desk script: “Thanks for calling about your Spanish Water Dog. Because they swim and have tight curls, we watch closely for ear issues—are you noticing head‑shaking, odor, or discharge? If so, I can reserve a same‑day spot. If you ever see a sudden red, painful, or bulging eye or your dog is coughing or breathing hard after swimming, please come in right now or go to the nearest emergency hospital. At check‑in, keep your dog leashed; if they’re nervous with new people, we’re happy to use a quiet entry and treats.”
Spanish Water Dogs have notable predispositions to hip dysplasia; inherited eye disease (PRA) and occasional glaucoma; endocrine issues (autoimmune hypothyroidism, rare congenital hypothyroidism with goiter, and Addison’s disease); and otitis due to floppy, water-loving ears. Front-desk watchouts: keep annual wellness on time with weight/lameness checks; confirm a current board‑certified ophthalmology (ACVO/OFA) eye exam and note breeder CHIC clearances (hips, thyroid, PRA/eo‑PRA, CHG); offer an ear check after swim season or if there’s odor, head-shaking, or discomfort; and schedule evaluation for persistent weight loss with large soft stools or increased appetite. Escalate immediately for sudden collapse, severe lethargy, repeated vomiting/diarrhea, or a painful red/cloudy eye—advise the owner to proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way.
Front desk script: For Spanish Water Dogs, we aim to keep annual ACVO eye exams and wellness checks current; would you like us to book or confirm those today? If you notice ear odor, head-shaking, or discomfort—especially after swimming—we can schedule the next available appointment. Ongoing weight loss with large soft stools or unusual fatigue should be seen soon. If there’s sudden collapse, repeated vomiting/diarrhea, or a painful red or cloudy eye, please head to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us en route so we can coordinate.
Active, very intelligent herding breed that bonds closely with its family and may be reserved with unfamiliar people; expect watchful, protective tendencies and occasional herding behaviors (circling/nipping). For reception, use a calm, go-slow greeting, let the owner lead handling, offer a quiet room if the lobby is busy, and use high-value treats with permission; minimize looming or sudden touch and avoid fiddling with their curly/corded coat. What usually matters most: adequate mental/physical outlets, early socialization, and awareness of breed-noted health discussions (hips, thyroid disease, and inherited eye problems like PRA/glaucoma). Ask proactively about eye redness/squinting or sudden vision changes, seizure-like events/collapse, or severe gastrointestinal signs with weakness—if reported, escalate immediately.
Front desk script: Spanish Water Dogs are bright, energetic, and can be cautious with new people, so we’ll greet slowly and let you guide handling. If your dog seems stressed, we can room you right away and use treats with your OK. Are you noticing any urgent concerns today such as squinting or painful/red eyes, sudden vision changes, seizures or collapse, or severe vomiting/diarrhea with weakness? If yes, we’ll alert the medical team immediately and may direct you to the nearest emergency facility.
Spanish Water Dogs (SWD) are active herding breeds with a dense, curly single coat that can mat quickly and trap moisture; severe matting can hide wounds or fecal/urine soiling and may restrict movement. Their love of water plus dropped ears increases risk for ear issues—flag intake signs like head-shaking, foul ear odor, redness, or pain. SWDs may be vigilant or wary with unfamiliar people and have strong herding/prey drive, so advise slow introductions and secure containment during decompression. For newly adopted SWDs, ask adopters or prior caretakers for any OFA/CHIC records (hips, thyroid including CHG, and PRA/eye exams) if available. Note that some SWDs have a natural bobtail; a short tail is not always due to docking. Escalate same day for painful ear signs or severe matting; if there is collapse, extreme lethargy, breathing difficulty, maggots in mats, or acute eye injury/pain, direct to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know you’ve adopted a Spanish Water Dog. This breed’s curly coat can mat and their dropped ears plus water play can lead to ear problems—if you’re seeing head-shaking, foul ear odor, or painful mats, we should see them today. If you notice collapse, severe lethargy, breathing trouble, maggots in mats, or sudden eye pain, please go to the emergency clinic now. If you have any OFA/CHIC health records (hips, thyroid/CHG, PRA/eyes), please bring them to the first visit.
Loyal, high‑energy herding dogs that bond closely to their family, Spanish Water Dogs can be naturally suspicious of strangers and may alert‑bark or display herding behaviors (nudging/nipping) when aroused. For check‑in and waiting areas, seat away from doorways and heavy foot traffic; request a short, fixed leash (no flexi), approach calmly from the side, avoid unsolicited petting/eye contact, and use owner‑approved treats to build rapport. Ask about prior vet‑visit behavior, muzzle comfort, and handling preferences; allow extra time/space for warm‑up, and consider direct‑to‑room if the dog is vocal, tense, or scanning. If the dog begins lunging, growling with a hard stare, or air‑snapping, stop interaction, notify the medical team immediately, and arrange curbside or direct‑to‑room handoff for safety.
Front desk script: Hi [PetName] is a Spanish Water Dog—many are very loyal but can be cautious with new people, so we’ll give them space and keep things calm. Please keep a short leash on, and let us know if going straight to a room would help. With your OK, we can use treats to make today as positive as possible. Any past muzzle use or handling tips we should note?
For Spanish Water Dogs, escalate immediately for any of the following: difficulty breathing or pale/blue gums; collapse, extreme weakness, or uncontrolled bleeding; seizures lasting over 5 minutes, multiple seizures within 24 hours, or failure to fully recover between events; suspected bloat (repeated unproductive retching, tight/distended abdomen, restlessness); heat-related signs after activity or exposure (heavy panting, drooling, confusion, staggering, vomiting/diarrhea, or collapse); acute eye pain/injury or suddenly bulging/cloudy eye; straining to urinate with little or no output; known/suspected toxin exposure (including blue‑green algae) or water-related illness after intense swimming/hose play (staggering, vomiting, seizures). These are emergencies—advise immediate clinician evaluation and direct the client to the nearest veterinary ER now.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this is an emergency and your Spanish Water Dog needs to be seen right away. Please proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital now; do not wait to see if it improves—I can alert our clinical team and provide the ER location. If a toxin may be involved, bring the packaging and, while en route, you can also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for guidance.