Curious to know what (if any) effect spaying would have on a 3yr old chocolate Labrador bitch's coat?
She's currently having seasons that apparently last for 6 weeks and I've advised her owner to get her spayed although she is reluctant as she loves her "shiny conker" coat.

Opinions appreciated.

I don't know much about Labradors, but my mother in law (who lives with us, so the dog is right here with me) has a black Labrador bitch that she got as a rescue. She was spayed after we got her (few months later) and it has not affected her coat at all, it is still just as shiny and the texture hasn't changed.

No doesn't affect the coat. The only thing that does normally affect is if the dog lives in or outside.

So long as they are getting a good balanced diet and are groomed on a regular basis there shouldn't be any problems.

I would advise that her health is of more importance than a shiny coat ;-) .....it sounds like there is a hormonal imbalance maybe?

Thanks all.  And yes Jolene, I think I'd be more worried about hormonal problems than coat condition in a family pet. :-)

Hi i got my chocolate lab girl done after her first season,  she is 4 this year, she is in tip top condition with a lovely coat.

Hayley

I don't think it affects Labs' coats as much as it does other breeds with a long coat, when they go woolly.   It might easily cause her to put on weight, though, of course, you'll have to watch that.

Jo

I have had 2 blacks spayed. Both live in. One coat has stayed the same the other has gone funny but i am still showing her and it doesn't affect her placings.

i thought you couldnt show spayed bitches??!

Yes you can, as long as the KC have been informed.

My bitches have long caoats. I have two who are spayed and they get e.p.oil. this stops the woolly coat. I did the same with my males when they were neutered, it helped their coat as well.I take it also!

Yes I have permission to show her from the Kennel Club. She had to be spayed for health reasons and I think it is nice for her to be shown alongside her children.

> i thought you couldn't show spayed bitches??!

Why does this idea still persist?

It has been nearly 20 years since all neuters could be shown but the KC were to be informed.  Before that neuters could be shown if they had registered progeny and you didn't have to inform anyone.

One coat has stayed the same the other has gone funny

Maybe just a fluke of a difference between the two dogs?  My spayed Lab girl always had a coat that shined like black satin.  Her neutered brother was fed the same food but always had a dull coat.  Both black.  Unless the gender makes the difference.

Is it "shined" or "shone"?