Annie in heat!Spay?

[doglovin]

Well, my poor baby is in heat! I really want to spay her, but then again...

I really do not want to breed her again.She is in perfect health, acts like a puppy herself still,still has a shapely tummy.LoL!So know seems like the best time to say, Annie u've been a great mommy, but know just enjoy being grandma!lol.

I am just really worried about spaying her.I have to pay for it, but thats not what bothers me.I love her character,and DON'T want her to lose any of it.I know people say that they DO NOT lose any spunk and characterm but i have seen it many many MANY times, with the strays we have had come through, and been spayed.

I'm not really worried about an accidental breeding, because, she is NEVER by herself, and there aren't any other male dogs any were around here.

Also, if something went wrong during the operation, i would kill myself.So i'm not really sure what to do.Like i said, i'm mostly consernd about her character.I want my lil Annie to stay exactly the way she is.I don't want her to mellow or anything.

[AussiesCollies]

Both of my dogs have been spayed and neither got fat or have changed personality wise. And it can save their lives because many females have problems with their reproductive organs later. I would suggest doing it personally. And my Border Collie still acts like one and she's around 11 years old.

[Dax]

Firstly the risks associated with spaying are very minor. It is a very routine operation. You have to remember that her risk of getting puss in her uterus (pyometra) increases with every heat cycle. Then you have false pregnancies.

I have always had my dogs spayed early and have never noticed that it changed their personalities negatively. The exact opposite was true.

[whimzikal]

If you are worried about the surgery there is a pre op blood test they can perform which tells them whether Annie will have a reaction to the anesthsia. It's a little more but well worth it. In the past, I have always had my doggies altered only had a problem with my collie....but keep in mind that is over a lifetime of owning and caring for dogs. (and I am 33 but don't tell anyone) ha-ha My parents had a chihuahua who was spayed and got HUGE but it had nothing to do with the alteration, all us kids had moved out and 'Tina' assumed the role as baby. She ate better than most people. Kind of like their current baby Spike (OINK) If you continue to love and care for her the same she won't get fat or lazy. Spike acts lazy and older when he is at my parents, but when he comes here for a sleep over for us to 'babysit' he is a pup again. I have being working an evil plan, bringing atleast one of my dogs over when I visit and taking him for walks, introducing him to PEOPLE when he is here... he has become less aggressive, less fearful (I think that is where the aggression came in) and WAY MORE PLAYFUL. So I truly beleive it's safe and you will still have your Annie! Ultimately you have to make the decision and whatever it is, it will be the right one because you love her!

[Country-Side Br]

There are many misconceptions about sterilizing a dog. The first is that it will change its attitude...false. The second is that they will gain weight...again, false. There are many positive reasons to have her spayed, only a few negative. The health reasons for her far outweigh the small risk of having the surgery. As Kendra mentioned...have the blood test done before hand to see if she'll have a reaction to the anesthetic as that's the biggest reason why dogs have problems with the surgery. You have to realize too, that as she matures even more, she's going to settle down and change, whether or not you have her spayed. I'm having Carver spayed after this litter. It's much easier on them and the cancer risks are nill to none...that should be enough reason to have it done right there.

[GretaJack]

Oh, doglovin, I am sure it is not an easy decision, but everyone here is going to tell you that you should have her fixed if she is done being a momma. The risks are just too great if you don't.

All of my current dogs are fixed. I have no idea what Tanner was like before he was neutered but I can't imagine much change is his overexuberant personality. Jack was neutered last fall, he is the same old d ork he has always been. And Greta was 4 months old when she was spayed so I really can't tell you if there was any personality change in her. But, spayed or not spayed, she is going to be your Annie, one is just going to be healthier than the other.

Good luck. I know it is hard. But it will be well worth it, I promise.

[doglovin]

*sigh* Our Rotti Sarah, after being spayed naver changed at all really,infact, we had just left the vets office after her day before spay,

But Dakota, and Huney,rescue dogs, became totally different.Dakota [border colie X] after the spay basically layed around for two weeks,and became VERy mellow,and easy going, which wasn't like her before.And Huney[ chihuahua beagle??],became moody and terrified of going into strange buildings [truama??].Sugar [golden retriever], stopped eating,and had to go to the vets for IV for two days,from then on became exstremely food sensitive [gagging,throwing up,runny feces], and could eat NOTHING besides her dog food, without having problems.

People[vets] say these accurances are extremly rare, maybe they are.Maybe we just some obnormal dogs through the years.But still doesn't stop me from worry.LoL!Ok, all the female strays we have gotten get spayed,and yes, the majority all walked away with no problems.*sigh*! I know people sapy there dogs all the time,and when we got strays spayed, it was just different i guess from your own baby.lol!

[whimzikal]

You're such a great 'kid'.... I say that extremely respectfully to you!! You're VERY mature & such a sweetheart! So, follow your heart kiddo!!!

[*chihuahuagirl*]

My dog buzzie had puppies and changed ALOT. I had hated the way she changed. Well, I got used to it though and then it was time to get her spayed. I was so scared that her personality would cange. My mom spayed her and her personality didnt change. So now im happy buzzie wont have puppies and her personality didnt change. so spaying shouldnt be changeing Annies personality.

[Country-Side Br]

Yes, having litters certainly calms them down, but not spaying. I think the maternal instincts take over even after the pups are gone though. If you really don't want her to have more litters, then take her in...after you have some blood work done to make sure she'll handle everything well!