Need Female dog advice

[jeffrefrig]

OK, that didn't sound right. The breeder I got my Weimaraner from and some other places I've read said it's best to wait till she goes through her 1st estrus to get her spayed. She's 11 1/2 months old (she's pretty much full grown and strong as Atlas and chews on steel!) Now, she's not going to put up with that goofy cone for ten minutes let alone about 10 days. I've seen those dog wraps online, prices all over the place, that are supposed to keep dog from chewing out the stitches, which she definitely will. And I have reservations about the wrap thing, too, but it's better than the cone, and muzzle is not an option. She smiles too much.
So, I ask the one or two dog folks I know we might have if they have experience with those wrap things on their crazy pups? Or recommendations. I have a little time as she hasn't reached that phase yet. I should've taken her when she was small like we did with last dog but I didn't.
Thanks, Jeff

(I may have underestimated the number of dog folks; should've maybe added 5 or 6 zeros!)

 

[Kevin G]

Capella, my Golden, is pretty mellow, and I got by with a T-shirt. Drew the hem up tight and put a knot in it to prevent it from riding up. She looked rather sexy if I must say.
Foam, donut-like collars are supposed to be pretty effective.
Kevin G

 

[s&wchad]

I had a Weimaraner almost 40 years ago. They're crazy! The Mrs. and I have owned female chocolate labs for about 30 years. They're a bit calmer, but are still high energy. Both breeds need a lot of attention, regular exercise and a serious training.

Listen to your vet. We've had good luck with cones. Put her in a crate when you can't immediately supervise her and watch her like a hawk when she's out. It will pass...

 

[Walkin Horse]

It has been my experience with dogs and stallion horses,if you let them come into their own,they will mature much better. A stallion will start smelling his own urine when they start. Their necks get much bigger and they become a much sturdier horse than one that's cut early on.
Dogs do much better if they can go through a few cycles. I'm holding out as long as I can stand her, with my Doberman. She will be 9 months soon.
I realize this isn't what you asked about,but it's something to think about before spaying. I never have figured out why they don't spay mares.

 

[Tom S.]

99% of my dogs were male but the problem is the same when neutering. I used the cone for the first 24 hours. After that, if the dog was with me, such as on my lap or in the same room where I could watch him, I let him go 'coneless'. At night or if I had to go somewhere, the cone went back in place. I also removed the cone when they ate or wanted water.

My latest dog, Milo, learned to use the cone to scoop up treats and/or toys. He was a hoot to watch.

Milo and the "Cone of Shame":

 

[Rpg]

I've had several female Springers over the years. I've had them all spayed from 5 months to 3 years old (before and after they had their first heat).

I've found no difference in terms of long term effects. All my dogs are hunting dogs that hunt a fair amount.

Based on my experience, I'll spay the next dog as soon as possible. Younger dogs manage the post surgery process somewhat better than adult dogs and I haven't seen a difference in their performance regardless of whether they're spayed before or after their first heat.

 

[mckenney99]

Of the 3 dogs that I've raised that had to wear the "cone of shame", there was some initial reaction and misbehavior but it seemed to stop pretty quickly and they just relented to the shame. After my wolf got rid of her "cone of shame", I made the mistake of leaving it within her reach and when I wasn't watching she took all of her frustration out on it and destroyed it. She was scary smart.

 

[soFlaNative]

 

[jeffrefrig]

Milo actually looks like he's in shame!
I've also been considering the inflatable thing around her neck she's shed her collar a few times but I didn't have it tightened real tight. I leash her with a harness. I've seen the tee shirt method but she eats through every cloth thing she can get hold of! Vet says she will put the cone on and I'll deal with Angel when I bring her home.
Also, AKC registration papers said I have to spay her. Their way to curb overbreeding of the breed or something.
She will chip her and tie her stomach to keep it from flipping when she's older. Then I send AKC the chip number.
The Weims are very high energy for sure, much more than labs I've had. After sniffing every inch of the back yard she just runs non stop, then a few figure eights before she's ready. Glad I'm retired

 

[LCC]

I'm holding out as long as I can stand her, with my Doberman. She will be 9 months soon.
I

big fan of Dobies, along with German Sherpards the dogs of our youth, both rarely seen today.

 

[Walkin Horse]

big fan of Dobies, along with German Sherpards the dogs of our youth, both rarely seen today.

This is my 8th one.

 

[Faulkner]

Daisy got spayed at 7 months. She wore the cone for less than 48 hours and never bothered the incision. We did restrict her activities for 10 days, no frisbee, no tennis ball, no swimming, and casual walks on a leash only.

 

[jaguargolf]

I know when my male Lab had knee surgery the cone didn't work out. The vet gave me a drug/ pill form to keep him on for a week or so to make him lethargic. That seemed to work.

 

[jeffrefrig]

I know when my male Lab had knee surgery the cone didn't work out. The vet gave me a drug/ pill form to keep him on for a week or so to make him lethargic. That seemed to work.

That's what I'm gonna ask her for. Like the picture up there of the Doggie Downers. I'll use them if I can't handle her. I think she'll be okay after a while, but I know she will run every time I pull out whatever I get to keep her from trying to pull out her sutures. And if she doesn't need the drugs, well, no just kidding.