Cocker Spaniel Coat After Spaying or Neutering [Best Care Tips]

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Cocker Spaniels are known for their long coats, but they also require regular grooming to keep them looking good.

If you’ve ever had to groom a Cocker Spaniel before, you know that it takes time and patience.

The trouble is, what happens to a cocker spaniel’s coat after spaying or neutering? Does it change or deteriorate?

In this post, you will learn about the common issues faced and how to handle them when it comes.

Why has my cocker Spaniels coat gone fluffy after desexing?

Cocker Spaniels are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and something that stands out is their beautiful, curly hair.

After a cocker spaniel has been desexed, there will be permanent changes in their reproductive tract as well as in their hormones which could cause changes in coat length, color, and texture. Other physical attributes such as size and shape of the head and ears or even personality traits like aggression towards other animals or people around her home environment can also be impacted.

When it comes to their coats, it is often observed that they become longer, thicker, and fluffier, which is unlike how a regular Cocker should look like.

Another issue that is commonly seen is that the hair now mats easily.

This is especially so with those that have a thick coat to begin with.

As the undercoat of the dog grows thicker and faster than the upper coat, it causes this undesirable situation and makes the coat unmanageable to some.

The thing is, Cocker Spaniels need frequent brushing because their coats tend to be coarse and thick, and with this “new” coat, it might become quite difficult to do so.

That’s why, brushing your dog’s coat regularly can help to keep him clean and healthy, removes dead hair and dirt, and keep their skin soft and supple.

If you’re not comfortable grooming your dog yourself, take him to a groomer who specializes in Cockers.

Lastly, be aware that this does not usually happen overnight.

More often than not, it happens within a 6 month period, and in some cases, a year or two later. 

Doggy says, consider reading this too: How soon after neutering can a dog be groomed?

Understand: Some alternatives to consider

You should know that some of the changes you see are not necessarily a result of spaying or neutering.

There is so far no scientific evidence to prove this theory, although it is widely reported by dog owners.

Changes in your dog’s coat could be a result of them growing up and experiencing natural changes in their bodies.

It is a fact that dogs’ hair will have some changes in them as they go into adulthood.

So what are some of the things you can do if you are really concerned?

Here are a few tips for you.

Doggy says, you might like this too: Pros and Cons of Neutering a Bernese Mountain Dog

Don’t send your dog for the operation

There is this common advice or belief going around that if you do not intend to breed your dog, you should spay or castrate it.

Sometimes you hear this from your breeder, sometimes you hear this from your fellow dog owners.

I think this is really a personal choice that you get to decide on your own. 

Don’t forget, there are side effects to your Cocker if you bring it to be spayed or neutered, and some of these effects are damaging to your dog’s health in the long run.

You have to weigh the benefits and disadvantages yourself.

I would think that if you are able to keep your dog away from other dogs in heat, there should be no issue of accidents happening.

Doggy says, consider reading this too: Puppy Ears Changing? How to Correct it?

Delay the operation

If you have decided to spay or neuter your Cocker Spaniel, you might want to consider delaying the process. 

There is no need to rush into it and taking a slower approach might let you think through the entire scenario more carefully. 

You also do not want to make the mistake of having your dog do the operation at too young an age. After all, this is a pretty big operation and has a big impact on your pet. 

You can speak to your vet about this, but don’t fall into the common myth that this should be done at 6 months old.

This is simply not true for all dog breeds and should be considered carefully for each individual type of dog. 

Doggy says, read this too: Potty Training Regression After Spaying/Neutering [Now What?]

Use supplements

If your dog has undergone the operation and you are now noticing changes in its coat, using supplements might not be a bad idea to help them regain its beautiful fur.

There are many supplements out there that can help give your dog a nice and shiny coat, and here are some of the key ingredients you should look out for:

• Fish oil
• Flaxseed
• Biotin
• Vitamin A, C, and E
• Zinc
• Omega-6 fatty oils

You can easily find them made in the form of treats so that makes feeding your dog super easy. 

I have tried a number but it seems that these ones from Zesty Paws are the most popular so far.

All of these are also helpful in getting rid of dry skin in your dog too.

Doggy says, you might be interested in this too: Pros and cons of neutering an Australian Shepherd?

Get them clipped

As you should be aware, Cocker Spaniels do require regular clipping to prevent dirt from building up in their coats and also to keep them neat and tidy, so there’s really nothing new here.

You can of course try to do it yourself, but if you’re struggling with it, send your pet to a professional groomer.

Some of you might be concerned about how your Cocker will look after clipping, in which case you can try using a pair of thinning scissors instead.

Doggy says, read this too: Dog Scratching Spay Incision With Hind Leg – 8 Ways To Comfort Her

How long does it take for fur to grow back after spaying?

In most cases, the fur will start to grow within the first two months, and will usually fully grow out within 6 months.

Providing your dog with a nutritious and healthy diet is an important factor in ensuring this!

Doggy says, you might like this too: Pros and Cons of Neutering a Doberman Pinscher

How to have better coat conditions for your Cocker Spaniel?

To keep your dog’s coat looking its best, use a shampoo formulated specifically for dogs.

Avoid shampoos containing harsh chemicals like sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) and cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB).

These ingredients dry out the coat and cause shedding.

Instead, use a shampoo that contains natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, wheat germ oil, and aloe vera.

These oils help moisturize the coat and prevent shedding. I personally recommend this one.

If you wash your dog’s hair too often, you may end up stripping away the oils that protect the coat.

To avoid this, only wash your dog’s hair once every two to four weeks and ensure they are properly dried out after washing.

And lastly, you should brush your Cocker’s fur on a daily basis to improve circulation and remove dead skin cells.

I think most dogs seem to like this activity very much.

Maybe it’s like us humans having a massage!

Doggy says: read this too: Dog Balls Irritated After Grooming – 5 Ways For Relief

In Conclusion: Cocker Spaniel Coat After Spaying or Neutering

Although spaying or neutering your Cocker Spaniel can have an impact on their coat, with proper care and attention, you can definitely maintain its quality and appearance.

Don’t forget: regular brushing, a balanced diet, and the occasional visit to a professional groomer can go a long way in keeping your dog’s coat looking healthy and shiny.