There have been a few threads on this topic lately but I am hoping someone might be able to offer advice on my specific situation?
My bitch is almost 2 and a half and has already had 3 seasons. I had been planning to have her mated next season but have decided against now. Although I show her I now think it is in her best interests to be spayed. Mainly because of the restrictions placed upon her whilst in season, she loves her walks and runs off the lead and there are quite a lot of entire dogs around where we walk.  Now the question is, I have read on here that the operation should take place mid way between seasons. Her previous seasons were 8 months apart and it is now 5 months since her last season, so would it be okay to have her spayed asap or is it perhaps too close to a season and I should wait till 3 or 4 months after the next one? Any advice welcome! Thanks

If you are more than two months away from her next season it is OK to get her done now.

What breed is she, as with some breeds the effect on the coat may be such that her showing career may be negatively effected, spaniels and setters come to mind, but other breeds coats can change drastically.

Fortunately in my bred the change is slight so I have all mine spayed once they are retired from breeding.

If she has a regular 8-month cycle then now wouldn't be a bad time - I take it she's well past any signs of phantom pregnancy after the last season? If so, with about three months to go until the next season, she should be fine. :)

She is a Coton de Tulear, the coat is very important so I may be unable to show if spaying causes much change. Unfortunately I only know show people and don't know anyone with a pet which is spayed so I won't know till afterwards!  Yes she is well past signs of a phantom pregnancy which she has had every time so far so I think I should go and speak to the vet before I chicken out of it!

Lots of show people spay their bitches, so just ask around.

I am sure there are more spayed bitches in the ring than anyone thinks

Not sure if the coat will change on your breed after spaying.  I have shown 2 bitches that have been spayed (remember to inform the KC!).  My GSD bitch did have a coat change (was more wiry and moulted constantly!). but my Malinois bitch had and still does have a fantastic coat after spaying.

Well I managed to get some info from someone who has had Cotons spayed..........and it sounded fine so I have booked the op. However I now feel sick at the thought of putting her in for it!! There is no way I'd be able to leave her at the vets until I was sure they were just about to start, could not bear for her to be sitting waiting without me. We are as bad as each other, she hates to be parted from me and I never really leave her with anyone else. Will have to try to calm down or I will be ill with stress by the time the day comes!!!