personality after neutering question

[Sarah Bennett]

Good evening!  So I'm new to getting your pet neutered thing, but after some research, I decided to wait until Salvador was a year old too get him fixed (he'll be one on the 30th).  Well I got him fixed on Friday (it's Monday as I write this) and it seems like my amazingly hyper & crazy dog is a little depressed and it makes me sad.  Granted he's supposed to rest for 10 days, but he seems SO mopey.  I think he hates the lampshade, but he's too much of a licker to go without it.  He's eating (a little less than normal), drinking, peeing & pooping, and he gets excited when I get home, but otherwise he just lays around or follow s right behind me or wants on my lap (all 80 pounds of him).  He's not normally a cuddler, and he's ALWAYS so crazy.  Not sure if this is normal or if I need to keep an eye on him...

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Oscar had his neuter procedure at a much younger age, but he, too, was pretty mopey the first week afterward. I took it as him being in pain, so we kept him on pain pills until they were gone. It surprised me too, as Lucy had bounced back from her spay so very quickly.  Oscar didn't seem to mind the cone though, and wore it without any complaints. I would give Salvadore a couple more days to perk up before being concerned. Or you might just want to give your vet a call and ask him/her if this is normal.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Another thing, if he's sticking close to you, wanting to be held, that may well be a sign he's just not feeling very good.

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

This really will turn around.  Anesthesia really knocks them back a bit and then they know  they have a wound healing and take it easy. Enjoy the cuddling and know that in just a few days he will be back to normal.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree with this.  My guess is than in another week he'll be back to normal. 

[Sarah Bennett]

That's what I was thinking too.  Thanks everyone.  I just wanted to make sure.  Because I'm not usually a compassionate person, when I become compassionate, I'm not really sure what to do!  lol-it's such a strange and foreign feeling to me... :) 

[Traz, Karen & Dale]

Traz was neutered about 2 months ago and it took him awhile to return to normal.  He was pretty swollen down below so we had to apply ice and keep him in the cone.  He is 20 months old and we had to wait to neuter him because he was part of a service dog breeding program.  Unfortunately, he got bloat in July 2013, and was removed from the program so never got to sire a litter.  Fortunately, he survived the bloat and twisted stomach episode so is still here for us to love today.

Fast forward, since Traz has been neutered, we have noticed that he listens better, particularly in the area of "recall".  He doesn't get as distracted by the scent of other dogs and pays more attention to us when he is off leash and we call him.  He actually comes (most of the time).  It's been wonderful!!!  Of course, he still has his moments when he chooses not to listen, but don't we all.  We thought he might become lethargic, but he seems full of energy and spunk just like normal.  Thank goodness.

Hope Salvador feels better soon.  The hardest part will be keeping him mellow for the 10 to 14 days so he can heal.  Good luck and continue to enjoy your precious pup :-) 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I think wearing the "cone of shame" affects their behavior, too.  Did you try a pair of underwear with his tail through the fly? 

[Miss Ellie]

Sounds pretty normal...he'll be back to his old self in no time:)