She was so friendly, outgoing and playful. Now she is fearful, shy and sits in her kennel. She doens't like to eat as much, and she just seems sad. It started right after her surgery, which went well. She is not as friendly with other dogs, now, and used to play all the time. The dog trainer said she looked totally stressed. What would cause this, and what can we do to help her?
2007-02-26 12:38:20 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
The change is due to hormonal differences now that her ovaries have been removed. The changes will level out, but sometimes the animal may not be the same. After spaying they need more exercise and activity because some dogs will become lethargis and lazy. Just like with us gaining weight is not the best thing for them.
On a sepperate note....
Please make sure to be keep her incision very clean during healing, but no baths until the vet states that it is ok. Females have a higher instance of infection and complication than males due to the invasive procedure. Males have their reproductive organs on their outside. Females have them on the inside and any time you sut something up bacteria can get inside. Keep an eye on her temp, eating, and illimination habits. Any change should be reported to the operating vet.
2007-02-26 13:00:30 · answer #1 · answered by brooklyn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with asia. Your dog really needs to get used to the hormone change. "Energy reduction" is one side effect of spaying- your dog has gone from having certain amounts of estrogen to lacking estrogen. Any major chemical change is likely to make her more lethargic. As far as her being more shy is perplexing because with a raised amount of testosterone she should exhibit signs of aggression even if its momentarily. I really don't have enough information to be able to tell you what to do exactly but i think you should take in account her breed and her age. If she has ovulated more than once and-or if she has bred puppies- You would also need to know if you spayed her within 2 months from or before her ovulation. Also you would need to adjust the type of food your dog is consuming now that she is spayed. What she was eating before is not exactly what she needs now to give her that energy boost. With that said: Give her time and let her adjust. Adjust her food her schedule let her have some quality time by herself. I wouldn't push her into socializing with other dogs right after the surgery. If she want to be in her kennel for a few hours I would let her but only to a point- take her out to play or for a long walk with just you. Give her a couple of months to balance herself with her new levels that she's producing. After a few months- if she is still stressed take her back to the vet, if he-she does nothing get a second opinion to be on the safe side. I wouldn't worry too much right now, she just needs some time to get herself back to normal. Surgery for a dog is very frightening and stressful and I think the best thing that you can do for her right now is the be there to scratch her special spot and let her know you still love her.
2007-02-26 21:14:06 · answer #2 · answered by jypsiiie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spaying a dog is not as simple an operation as one might think. Remember that the reproductive organs produce hormones that influence a dogs personality. A temporary personality change is not unusual following a spay but just keep socializing her and encouraging her to play and I'm sure she will return to the same loving pup she was once her body adjusts.
2007-02-26 22:03:25 · answer #3 · answered by avalon_bz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spaying does NOT change personality!!!!!! it does NOT cause any of the issues you describe. There is likely something else going on that would warrrent attention from the vet.
Also if it has only been a few days since surgery your dog may still be painful and need pain meds. Talk to your vet!!!
2007-02-26 21:50:32 · answer #4 · answered by Great Dane Lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cousin had a kitten that she had spayed. (I know it's not a dog) Before the cat was spayed she was friendly, playful, and like to be around people. After she would hiss, bite, and run off. She would once in awhile let you pet her but if she didn't know you that well she would let you know she didn't like you. I think that spaying does have an effect on animals. I think with a little time and love she will come around. She may not be her old self but she may start acting a little more like it.
2007-02-26 21:13:06 · answer #5 · answered by chick_4god 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some say that with females, that they should have a litter before being fixed.
2007-03-02 17:42:26 · answer #6 · answered by Shaz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nothing to do with the spaying............ what are her parents temperaments like ( you need to check both parents) temperament is genetic....
2007-02-26 20:41:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hormones are changing
2007-02-26 20:43:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋