Hi

My terrier is getting spayed on Wednesday. She is 5 yrs old and has a brilliant nature.  I am wondering if she will change at all after being spayed and will it effect her relationship with my other non spayed younger bitch? (Whippet) They really are best mates and the terrier is the boss as you would imagine lol.

I really dont want her to change at all or there relationship. Is this likely

Wendy

Think the honest answer is I don't know. If the youngster is the dominant one at the moment then there should be no problem, if the elder is there still may be no problem as spaying usually makes the bitch a bit more dominate and sometimes more playful.

She may have a change in coat.
She may have a change in shape
She may become incontinent.
She may become pushier
However she may show no change what so every except in time the body shape will change just the same as ours do following the menopause.

HI thanks thats is what I was thinking.

They get on so well together and are best pals I really dont want that to change.

Dont mind about coat and shape as long as they are ok together.

I am dreading it, she will hate leaving us and will really play up. I have told the vets this and we are able to take her in later than normal so she doesnt have to sit around waiting for surgery to end.

In fact I have organised it so hubby can take her and I will be at work as i cant stand the thought of handing her over to the vet. The last time i did that with my beloved dog he didnt come home again. Totally different cirumstances and I knew he was very ill but I still see his face as he was looking back at me leaving him. Cant do that again.  The cat was ok as he was in a carrier box lol.  Soppy or what??

Wendy

> Soppy or what??

Defiantly soppy, she will be ok you will be having trouble keeping her quiet in 48 hours,

Hi Wendy,

Chances are as I have had over the yrs - their relationship won't change.  The coat will definitely get thicker and also the disposition to become 'rounder' - LOL

She will be very sorry for herself to begin with and will possibly 'play on it' as several of mine have. Big babies ;-)

Most of all, try not to worry - it's a routine op that is carried out everyday and your baby will be fine :-)

But I know what you are going through as I was absolutely distraught when my girl went in last Summer and insisted on being there when she came round so that she wasn't disorientated. Much to the Vets chagrin.

my girl was spayed last year and she ahs just turned 5, apart from some weight gain etc, her character hasn't changed at all, she's still the same with all the others

my only query is when will my younger bitch, who is nearly 2 and hasn't been spayed, when will she start to become more dominant?? Or will she?? At the moment she still seems subservient, but lately has been trying to pinch food off my older girl if she (the younger one) finishes first....

> my only query is when will my younger bitch, who is nearly 2 and hasn't been spayed, when will she start to become more dominant?? Or will she?? At the moment she still seems subservient, but lately has been trying to pinch food off my older girl if she (the younger one) finishes first....

She may well not, when spayed the bitch concerned looses the effect of the softening female hormones and can become more aggressive and assertive. It is more than possible the spayed bitch will retain her position in the family and if that was ahead of the younger bitch before then the situation may well remain the same.

ah well that's nice to know, I know the older girl still plays the part of top bitch, bless her, I was wondering if things might change when my younger girl has her next season, will have to wait and see ;)

Well, bitches don't read books on animal behaviour and domination so it is impossible to tell and even experience counts for little when it comes to the individual dog, being individuals they don't always conform to the expected or the norm.

Having said that my experience would lead me to expect that she, the elder, will remain 'top dog' and that she 'the younger' may try a little harder to take over but probably without success. Time for you to assert yourself if you think matters are becoming a little fraught and remind them both who pays the bills and supplies the food and comforts.

This has hit a point with me I have two Staffords 1/2 sisters and Tess the younger by 2 years the more dominant. So she is being spayed tomorrow Monday, she will be 4 on the 10th June so I will then wait and let Sal (almost 6) to be done next, their seasons were not together this time first time ...but hey why would they accomodate me......by synchronising as they always have doen so I could have them done together almost.

I don;t think her coat will change as she is short coated, may put on a little weight but I don;t mind that. Just be glad when she is okay have a feeling she will be a stitch eater.......   

Think I would be more inclined to spay the least dominant first, is there a reason why you have decided to go the other way?

No real reason but Sal will be done in the next fortnight...anyhow no great gap in time. Was going to have them both done on the same day but not sure I could cope. :)

Tess is only slightly more dominant they get on great anyhow.

Oh, yes, I understand, thanks.