Will My Dog Change After Spaying?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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While

a dog's fundamental personality will not change after a spay or neuter surgery

, there are some changes you might observe, including: Behavioral changes are more pronounced among neutered males. They're less likely to hump people, other dogs, and inanimate objects (though many persist).

What to expect after spaying a dog?


Some Spotting May Be Normal

It's not uncommon for a dog to have a little bit of bloody discharge from their vulva, or in their pee, for a day or two following their spay procedure. Anything lasting more than a day or two, though, or any copious bloody discharge, should be evaluated by your veterinarian.

Do dogs go through hormonal changes after spaying?

When your pet is spayed, the entire reproductive tract (including both ovaries and the uterus) is surgically removed. Therefore,

your spayed dog no longer has ovaries, produces estrogen, or goes into heat

.

Do female dogs get less aggressive after being spayed?

Fighting. Unspayed females sometimes compete for the attention of a male dog by fighting.

Spaying your dog reduces any aggressive behavior patterns so your dog will likely be less aggressive toward people and other dogs after spay surgery.

How long after Spaying will my dog calm down?

So overall, there are few bad behavioral consequences. We expect normal, age-appropriate, behavioral development for dogs after spay or neuter surgery. This means that

some dogs will “calm down” over the next few months, while others may take years to calm down

.

Where should my dog sleep after being spayed?

Make sure you place your dog in

a quiet place, in dim light

, during the recovery process. The bed must be comfortable and the room temperature should be pleasant. If you have other pets at home or children, keep them away from your dog.

Do dogs cry a lot after being spayed?

While some dogs are able to tolerate pain more than others, don't be surprised if your dog whines or whimpers after being spayed.

It's perfectly normal for dogs to whine after being spayed

.

What age should a dog be spayed?

In general, the best age to spay your female dog is

about six months of age

. At this stage in their development, all of their organs have fully developed, so you won't have to worry about encountering any medical issues once the procedure is complete.

What are the benefits of Spaying a female dog?

Your female pet will live a longer, healthier life.

Spaying

helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors

, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.

Does spaying change personality?


Generally, spaying or neutering your pet will not change its personality

. If there are any effects on behaviour, they tend to be positive (reducing unwanted behaviour). Spaying or neutering will not change your pet's affection level or playfulness. For females, there is typically no change at all.

How long does it take a dog to poop after surgery?

After a procedure, a bowel movement can take anywhere from

3-5 days

! Although that may seem like a long time for a furbaby that normally poops daily- this is actually a normal reaction to a surgical procedure. When a pet undergoes surgery, bowel motility is slowed down by the anesthetics and opioids that are used.

Can my dog sleep in a cone?


Yes – dogs can sleep, eat, drink, pee, and poop with a cone on

. In fact, the stricter you are with the cone (officially called an Elizabethan collar or E-collar for short), the quicker your dog will get used to it.

Can my dog sleep in my bed after spay?

How do I keep my dog comfortable after surgery? It's best to have your dog rest in familiar territory,

allowing them to lie comfortably in their bed

, keep their body temperature regulated (especially if it's summer, ensure they can rest in a cool room) while having access to fresh water.

Is 2 years old too late to neuter a dog?

The recommended age to neuter a male dog is

between six and nine months

. However, some pet owners have this procedure done at four months. Smaller dogs reach puberty sooner and can often have the procedure done sooner. Larger breeds may need to wait longer in order to properly develop before being neutered.

Is it OK to spay a 2 year old dog?

Since dogs can get cancer at any age, even senior dogs can benefit from a spaying procedure. As long as a dog doesn't have any health issues that would make it dangerous to use anesthesia or undergo a surgical procedure,

no dog is too old to be spayed

, says Chewy.

Why you should not spay your dog?


Urinary tract tumor risk

, though small (less than 1%), is doubled. An increased risk of recessed vulva, vaginal dermatitis, and vaginitis, especially in spayed before puberty. An increased risk of orthopedic disorders. An increased risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.