Spinoni Italiani are typically gentle, people‑oriented, and sensitive to tone and rough handling; they tend to work methodically and may be cautious with unfamiliar people, doing best with calm, low‑pressure approaches and positive reinforcement. In the clinic, noise, crowded waiting rooms, strong odors, slick floors/scales, and separation from their owner can increase stress; many relax if checked in from the car and moved straight to a quiet room. Owners may report a chronically wet or “drooly” chin from the beard holding water, which is often normal for the breed. Front desk should flag handling notes such as slow approach, minimal restraint, treats ready, and floor exams when possible; if fear escalates (frantic attempts to flee, growling that intensifies, inability to settle) or the dog shows visible distress (excessive, rapid panting or difficulty breathing), alert the medical team immediately and prioritize a quiet space or rapid rooming.
Front desk script: “Spinoni are usually very gentle but can be sensitive to noise and handling. Would your dog do better waiting in the car or going straight to a quiet room?” “I’ll note ‘slow, minimal‑restraint handling’ and have treats ready—does your Spinone have any known triggers we should avoid?” “If you notice escalating panic or any trouble breathing at arrival, please tell us right away so we can bring you directly inside and alert the clinical team.”
Spinone Italiano are large, deep‑chested gundogs with several known predispositions: life‑threatening gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat) can occur in large, deep‑chested breeds; urgent red‑flag signs include non‑productive retching, sudden abdominal distention, restlessness or collapse. Orthopedic issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia and juvenile “growing pains” (panosteitis) are reported; inherited juvenile cerebellar ataxia (rare but DNA‑testable) causes early unsteady gait; eyelid issues (entropion/ectropion), hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and ear problems in pendulous ears are also noted. Front‑desk takeaway: confirm routine screening history (hips/elbows/eyes) and encourage owners to call early if mobility, eye, ear, or neurologic changes appear; escalate immediately for suspected bloat.
Front desk script: For Spinoni, we commonly watch for joint problems (hips/elbows), eye-lid irritation, and ear discomfort; if you notice limping, red or squinty eyes, or frequent head‑shaking/ear odor, we can book an appointment to check it out. If a young Spinone suddenly becomes very unsteady or develops wobbliness, please let us know promptly so a veterinarian can advise on next steps. If you ever see non‑productive retching, a tight/swollen belly, restlessness, or collapse, go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way. We’ll coordinate with the ER team.
Spinone Italianos are gentle, people‑oriented hunting dogs that do best with daily walks/play and basic training; they shed moderately (not hypoallergenic) and their rough coat benefits from brushing a few times a week, with regular ear cleaning and beard wipe‑downs. They’re usually good with kids and other dogs but will follow their nose—use a leash or secure yard. Common vet topics for this breed include hip/elbow dysplasia, ear infections (due to heavy ears), eye/eyelid problems, and hypothyroidism; as a deep‑chested breed they also have risk for bloat (GDV). Escalate immediately if you see a swollen/tight abdomen, repeated unproductive retching, sudden restlessness/pacing, excessive drooling, weakness/collapse, or pale gums—go to the nearest emergency vet now.
Front desk script: They’re friendly, medium‑energy dogs: plan on daily exercise and brushing a few times a week, plus regular ear checks and a towel for that beard. They’re not hypoallergenic and shed moderately. Health‑wise, we commonly screen hips/elbows and watch for ear/eye issues; deep‑chested breeds like this can be at risk for bloat. If you ever see retching without vomiting or a tight, swollen belly, that’s an emergency—head to an ER and call us on the way.
Spinoni Italiani often generate front-desk calls for ear problems (head-shaking, odor, dark discharge—common in floppy, hairy-eared, swimming/hunting dogs), itchy skin or seasonal flare-ups, eye irritation or tearing from their droopier lower lids, stiffness or limping after hard exercise in this large sporting breed, and field-related burr/foxtail pickups causing paw licking, sudden sneezing, or ear shaking. Be alert for bloat red flags seen in large, deep‑chested dogs: sudden non‑productive retching/dry heaves, a tight swollen abdomen, restlessness/pacing, drooling, collapse—these warrant immediate emergency direction.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—let me note what you’re seeing (ear shaking/odor, eye redness/tearing, itching, limping, or foxtail exposure). If you report non‑productive retching, a tight or rapidly enlarging belly, sudden distress, or collapse, this is an emergency—please proceed to the nearest ER now and we can alert them. Otherwise, we recommend a same‑day evaluation; may I schedule the earliest available appointment and share arrival instructions?
Spinoni Italiani have a harsh, wiry, medium-length coat with facial furnishings that benefits from regular brushing and periodic hand‑stripping if owners wish to maintain the correct texture; routine clipper cuts can change coat feel/appearance and are a grooming preference discussion with a professional groomer. Their large, pendulous ears can trap moisture and debris, so add ear checks to wellness visits and after baths/swims; towel-drying the beard and ears helps minimize odor and buildup. Front desk should offer groomer referrals for hand‑stripping and schedule extra time for post‑outdoor debris checks. Escalate same-day if owners report head shaking, painful ears, foul odor, discharge, a swollen ear flap, or head tilt.
Front desk script: This breed has a wiry coat—owners often brush at home and may use a groomer for occasional hand‑stripping to keep the correct texture; we can share groomer referrals if helpful. Because their droopy ears can trap moisture, we’ll add an ear check to routine visits. If you notice head shaking, strong ear odor, discharge, or a swollen ear flap, we recommend a same‑day appointment.
Spinone Italiano callers often report ear irritation (pendulous ears predispose to otitis), eye concerns (ectropion/other eye issues), orthopedic questions (hip/elbow dysplasia), and breeder/genetic testing inquiries (Spinone cerebellar ataxia, PRA-prcd); confirm age, activity/hunting exposure, onset/duration of signs, and prior imaging or eye/ear history. Route most cases to general practice; prioritize same-day for painful eyes, severe ear pain with swelling/odor, or new non–weight-bearing lameness. If the caller mentions unproductive retching/dry heaving, a tight or rapidly swelling abdomen, restlessness/collapse, or excessive drooling, clearly advise this may be bloat (GDV)—this is an emergency and they should proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us en route. For puppies or breeding homes asking about genetic screening, offer a routine appointment to discuss Spinone-specific tests and orthopedic/eye screening needs; for active field dogs, note possible burr/foxtail or debris exposure and schedule accordingly.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Spinone Italiano—let me ask a few quick questions about age, activity (hunting/field time), and whether this is about ears, eyes, limping, or genetic/breeder testing. For eye pain, severe ear discomfort, or a new significant limp, we recommend a same-day general practice appointment; otherwise I can book the next comprehensive exam. If you see dry heaving without vomit, a swollen/tight belly, sudden distress, or collapse, that can be bloat—please go to the nearest emergency clinic immediately and call us on the way.
Spinone Italiano care shifts by life stage: Puppies need a series of visits every 3–4 weeks until roughly 16–20 weeks for core care, growth/behavior check-ins, and parasite planning; common questions include housetraining, chewing, and socialization. Adults typically book wellness exams every 6–12 months to review weight/conditioning for this large working breed, activity/travel plans, coat/skin and ear care, and ongoing parasite risk. In the senior stage (which arrives earlier in large breeds), plan at least twice‑yearly checkups with veterinarian‑directed screening to track mobility, cognition, dental, and organ health. Be aware that large, deep‑chested dogs can be at risk for bloat (GDV); reports of unproductive retching, a tight or distended abdomen, restlessness, pale gums, weakness, or collapse should be treated as an emergency.
Front desk script: For Spinone puppies, we’ll schedule a series of visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16–20 weeks for growth checks and core care. Adult Spinoni are seen every 6–12 months; when booking, please mention hunting/swimming plans, travel, or any skin/ear or mobility questions. Once your dog is a senior, we’ll plan checkups at least every 6 months with screening as the doctor recommends. If you report non‑productive retching with a tight/bloated belly or collapse, we will direct you to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.
Spinone Italiano are large, deep‑chested, pendulous‑eared sporting dogs, so front‑desk teams should normalize brief triage questions and set clear next steps: ask about any unproductive retching, sudden abdominal swelling, collapse, or extreme restlessness and state plainly that these are bloat/GDV red flags requiring immediate emergency care; ask about ear signs (head‑shaking, odor, discomfort) and book a routine exam without advising at‑home cleaning so the vet can assess; for puppies with new or progressive wobbliness/coordination changes, invite owners to bring a short video and schedule a timely evaluation, noting this is a recognized breed issue without suggesting a diagnosis.
Front desk script: “Because Spinoni are deep‑chested, if you ever see unproductive retching, a tight or swollen belly, sudden collapse, or severe restlessness, this can be a life‑threatening emergency—please come straight in now; if we’re closed, go to the nearest 24/7 ER.” “For ear odor, head‑shaking, or discomfort, we’ll schedule an exam and ask that you don’t clean deeply beforehand so the doctor can see what’s going on.” “If your Spinone pup has new or worsening wobbliness, please capture a short video and we’ll book the next available appointment so our veterinarian can evaluate.”
Spinone Italiano preventive watchouts: as a large, deep‑chested breed, they have increased risk for bloat/GDV—non‑productive retching, a tight or swollen painful belly, restlessness/collapse require immediate ER referral; their long, pendulous ears and frequent swimming/hunting predispose them to ear infections—book prompt visits for head‑shaking, ear odor, or redness and add seasonal ear checks; schedule an annual CAER eye exam (breed is prone to eyelid/other ocular issues) and same‑day visits for new squinting, redness, or cloudiness; at wellness visits, note any stiffness or lameness and flag for orthopedic review (hips/elbows) and weight tracking to support joint health and accurate dosing.
Front desk script: If you see non‑productive retching, a swollen/painful belly, or collapse, this is an emergency—please go straight to the nearest ER and call us on the way so we can alert the team. For routine care, Spinoni benefit from yearly ophthalmology (CAER) screening; I can schedule that and add an ear check, especially after swimming or if there’s head‑shaking or odor. If you notice new limping or stiffness, I’ll book the next available appointment for a mobility/orthopedic assessment.
Spinoni Italiani are large, people‑oriented gundogs that are typically sociable, docile, affectionate, and patient—most do best with a calm, unhurried greeting, minimal restraint, treats, and a quiet room with non‑slip footing (have a towel handy for a wet beard). Front‑desk priorities: note ear concerns (pendulous ears predispose to otitis externa—ask about head‑shaking or odor), and be alert to deep‑chested GDV red flags; unproductive retching, a tight/bloated abdomen, restlessness/pacing with panting, or collapse are emergencies and require immediate veterinary care. Common background issues you may hear about include hip/elbow dysplasia, ectropion/other eye problems, possible hypothyroidism, and a rare inherited cerebellar ataxia seen in young dogs with early incoordination.
Front desk script: “Spinoni usually prefer a slow, gentle approach—we’ll have a quiet room, non‑slip mat, and treats ready. Have you noticed any ear shaking or odor, eye redness, or recent limping? If your dog is dry‑heaving without producing anything, has a tight or swollen belly, or is very restless/panting or collapsing, this is an emergency—please come in immediately or go to the nearest ER. Otherwise we’ll schedule the next available appointment and note gentle handling on the chart.”
Large, gentle, people‑oriented gundogs, Spinoni Italiani thrive on daily exercise and close companionship; they can be reserved with strangers and are very scent‑driven—use secure fencing and leashes during intake and advise adopters to manage off‑leash risk. Their wiry coat is moderate‑care, but long, droopy ears trap moisture/debris, so routine ear checks after adoption are important. Reported breed‑associated issues include hip/elbow dysplasia, ear infections, eyelid issues (ectropion), inherited cerebellar ataxia, and risk of bloat (gastric torsion). Urgent red flags requiring immediate emergency referral include non‑productive retching, a tight or rapidly enlarging abdomen, collapse, or sudden unrelenting distress.
Front desk script: This breed is typically friendly and people‑oriented but may be shy with new people and will follow their nose—please keep them securely leashed and use controlled, calm introductions. After adoption, schedule a new‑pet exam within 1–2 weeks and ask the veterinarian about ear care and screening for joint/eye issues noted in this breed. If you ever see unproductive retching or a tight, swollen belly, go straight to the emergency clinic.
Spinoni Italiani are typically gentle, sociable, and patient; some may be reserved at first but warm quickly. They are strongly scent-driven and can be independent, so keep a secure, short leash at check‑in and allow a calm, slow approach with a moment to sniff before handling. Expect close attachment to owners—flag possible separation stress and consider a quiet seating area away from heavy foot traffic and small pets. Their beards often carry water and drool—have towels handy for cleanup. For handoffs, use low-key greetings, soft voice, and treat-based encouragement; note in the chart if the dog settles better with the owner nearby. If you observe unproductive retching, a swollen/bloated abdomen, sudden restlessness/pacing, collapse, or acute distress, alert a veterinarian immediately—treat as a potential GDV (bloat) emergency.
Front desk script: Hi—Spinoni are usually friendly but can be a little reserved; we’ll give your dog a moment to sniff and settle before we approach. We’ll seat you in a quieter spot and keep the leash short since this breed loves to follow their nose. If your dog gets anxious when separated, please tell us and we’ll plan a calm, quick handoff. If you notice any sudden retching without vomit or a swollen belly today, please let us know right away.
Spinone Italiano (large, deep‑chested) — escalate immediately for: suspected bloat/GDV (sudden swollen belly, repeated unproductive retching/dry heaves, restlessness, labored breathing, collapse); acute breathing distress or pale/blue gums; heatstroke after exertion/heat (heavy panting, drooling, vomiting/diarrhea, weakness/collapse); seizures >5 minutes, cluster seizures, or failure to fully recover between events; straining to urinate with little/no urine or blood; sudden severe eye pain, bulging eye, inability to open the eye, or vision change; major trauma or known/suspected toxin exposure. If any of these are present, this is an emergency — instruct the owner to come in now or proceed to the nearest 24/7 ER without delay.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this could be an emergency for this breed. Please come to our hospital immediately; if we’re closed or you’re far away, go to the nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital now. I will alert the clinician and confirm your arrival details.