zatch Posted December 31, 2012 Report Share Posted December 31, 2012 We very well intend to have our little guy neutered when the time comes. What is usually the appropriate age to get this done? We'd like to get it done as soon as possible. We will be talking with our vet during his next appointment for shots just to know when to expect to get that done, but I wanted some insight now because I like to plan ahead. (Far far ahead, he's just over 6 weeks) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleLuka Posted December 31, 2012 Report Share Posted December 31, 2012 Vets here in the USA (not sure where you're located) don't neuter until 6 months. It's not a huge surgery but its best to have them a little older. I know of some people waiting up until a year but that just may be personal choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Posted December 31, 2012 Report Share Posted December 31, 2012 yeah, 6 months is usually the minimum age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zatch Posted December 31, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2012 THank you for the replies! I am in the US. I have heard 6, 8, 12 months so I wasn't sure. We may do it at 6 months, or may wait We'll probably wait until that time comes around and see what the vet thinks, and hopefully by then he's big and healthy! (or as big as a 6 month old can be anyway haha). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BelleBot Posted December 31, 2012 Report Share Posted December 31, 2012 My vet suggested anytime between 6 months and a year depending on behaviour and personal preference. I'm going to get Fenrir neutered around 10 months probably. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleLuka Posted January 1, 2013 Report Share Posted January 1, 2013 Luka was a little over 7 months when I took him. It went well he was fine after a few hours. Worst part was keeping him calm haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ponder85 Posted January 1, 2013 Report Share Posted January 1, 2013 If you intend to take him to parks, the quicker you have it done, the more quickly you can begin to socialize him there. As far as what to expect... Well, mine seemed pretty surprised/depressed. He'd lick that area and look up at me like "cool, jokes over, where the hell are they?" He kinda moped around for a while. Lol, poor little guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Povodny Posted January 1, 2013 Report Share Posted January 1, 2013 There's no reason not to take your dog to a park to socialise him once he's had his vaccinations and before he's been neutered. As he reaches 6-8 months you may notice he attempts to become slightly more dominant with other dogs but that's generally down to the individual nature of the dog and how well he's been brought up. If he knows his place he shouldn't be a problem. Problems tend to occur when owners aren't watching what their dog is doing. I wouldn't suggest leaving him till 6months old to begin socialisation, you really would have your work cut out then lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Posted January 1, 2013 Report Share Posted January 1, 2013 We very well intend to have our little guy neutered when the time comes. What is usually the appropriate age to get this done? We'd like to get it done as soon as possible. We will be talking with our vet during his next appointment for shots just to know when to expect to get that done, but I wanted some insight now because I like to plan ahead. (Far far ahead, he's just over 6 weeks) Welcome! I am also from IN, and my vet neutered both my pups at 4 months of age. They were back to normal the next day. Some vets I called will not neuter until 6 months, or some even wait until almost 1 year. When I got both of them, I had their 1st and 2nd set of shots done, and at the appointment for the 3rd set is when they did the neuter, so it saved on the office visit cost with the 3rd round of shots. The older they are the more recovery time they will need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ponder85 Posted January 1, 2013 Report Share Posted January 1, 2013 There's no reason not to take your dog to a park to socialise him once he's had his vaccinations and before he's been neutered. As he reaches 6-8 months you may notice he attempts to become slightly more dominant with other dogs but that's generally down to the individual nature of the dog and how well he's been brought up. If he knows his place he shouldn't be a problem. Problems tend to occur when owners aren't watching what their dog is doing. I wouldn't suggest leaving him till 6months old to begin socialisation, you really would have your work cut out then lol Our local park does not allow unaltered dogs. I guess others do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Povodny Posted January 1, 2013 Report Share Posted January 1, 2013 Our local park does not allow unaltered dogs. I guess others do? Really? That includes puppies that are totally immature? That's harsh, where abouts are you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jessiezara90 Posted January 1, 2013 Report Share Posted January 1, 2013 Well I'm getting my boy done when he is 12-18 months to let him full mature and grow, this is what I have been advised to prevent problems in the long term Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staceybob Posted January 1, 2013 Report Share Posted January 1, 2013 Depends on the vets as to when they'll do it, but they can be neutered as soon as the testicles have dropped. Some like to allow the dogs to mature to about 2 years first, others will get it done around 6 months, but it's up to you. You need to look into the pros and cons of neutering at younger and older ages. Stacey xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ponder85 Posted January 1, 2013 Report Share Posted January 1, 2013 Really? That includes puppies that are totally immature? That's harsh, where abouts are you? Northern ky. Includes all dogs. It's black and white. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollys_mum Posted January 1, 2013 Report Share Posted January 1, 2013 My little Molly is now 19 months old, and I'm booking her in to be spayed in Feb'. There is no way I would have had her spayed at 6/12 months for the simple reason that her bones are still growing, and hormones are helping her with physiological development. I don't know if this is the case with male dogs though. Perhaps do some wider research on this area? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmscott Posted January 1, 2013 Report Share Posted January 1, 2013 Yes the same hormones affect males. There are actually different types of neutering that can be done. In my view, the older it is done, the better. http://www.dogster.com/forums/Dog_Health/thread/483298 [h=3]"Other Techniques for Surgical Sterilization[/h]Surgical techniques not involving the removal of gonads have been applied, though not commonly, to dogs and cats. Vasectomy (cutting the vas deferens) in males and tubal ligation (tying off and cutting the oviducts) in females. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmscott Posted January 1, 2013 Report Share Posted January 1, 2013 For males and females: Desexing ------------ Also reffered to as altering or "spaying" and "neutering". The dog is put under anesthetic and his/her sex organs (testicles or ovaries/uterus) are removed. Benefits of desexing: -------------------------- *Keeps dog from reproducing * Reduces the (9%) risk of non-cancerous prostate disorders (males) * Reduces the risk of mammary cancer (females) *Nearly eliminates (23%) risk of pyometra (females) *Removes the (1%-2%) risk of ovarian or testicular cancers. *Reduces roaming to find a mate (will not, however, keep a desexed male from roaming if he smells a bitch in heat and will not stop roaming for any other reason). * No more heat cycle (females). Risks of desexing: ---------------------- * Significantly increased risk of osteocarma (if done before 1 year of age) * Increases risk of hemangiosarcoma by a factor of 1.6 (males) and 2.2 (females) * Tripled risk of hypothyroidism *Increased risk of geriatric cognitive impairment * Triples the risk of obesity (males), increases the risk of obesity by 1.5 times (females) * Doubles the (1%) risk of urinary tract cancers (males) * Increases risk of adverse reactions to vaccines by 27% (males) and 30% (females) *Causes urinary incontinence in up to 20% of desexed female dogs. * Increases the risk of persistent or recurring urinary tract infections by a factor of 3-4 (females) * Increases the risk of recessed vulva, vaginal dermatitis, and vaginitis *Anesthetic shock *Surgical complications *Seperation anxiety *Increased owner, stranger, and dog-directed aggression *Increased noise phobias (females) *Lethargy * Hair loss and skin infections For females only: Hysterectomy ------------------- A female dog is put under anesthetic and the uterus is removed. Benefits of hysterectomy: -------------------------------- * Keeps dog from reproducing *No more messy heat cycles (females do not bleed while in heat) *Reduces the risk of mammary cancer (though not as much as spaying) *Removes the (23%) risk of pyometra * Allows the dog to keep growth hormones essential to proper growth and development. * Does not have the health risks that desexing has. The dog is under anesthetic for less time. Risks of hysterectomy: ------------------------------ *Anesthetic shock *Still at (1-2%) risk of ovarian cancer * Surgical complications Tubal Ligation ------------------- A female dog is put under anesthetic and the fallopian tubes are cut or tied. Benefits of tubal ligation: ------------------------------- * Dog is made unable to reproduce *Does not have the same health risks as desexing. *The surgery can be done safely, even before 6 months without negative effects. * Allows the dog to keep growth hormones essential to proper growth and development. * The dog is under anesthetic for less time. Risks of tubal ligation --------------------------- * Still at (23%) risk of pyometra *Still at (1%-2%) risk of ovarian cancer * Risk of mammary cancer is not reduced Birth Control pills ------------------------ A pill is given to a female dog to stop her heat cycle. Benefits of birth control pills: ------------------------------------- * Keeps dog from becoming pregnant * Heat cycle is not present while the dog is on the pills * No risk of anesthetic shock or surgical complications * Does not have the risks of desexing * Dog keeps hormones necessary for proper growth and development Risks of birth control pills --------------------------------- * Does not recuce (23%) the risk of pyometra or (1-2%) risk of ovarian cancer *Increased risk of non-lethal uterine infections * Does not reduce the risk of mammary cancer * Lethargy while on the pills * Coat changes * Weight gain Cheque drops RX ---------------------- A liquid oral contraception given to a female dog for 30 days prior to the female's heat cycle. Benefits of cheque drops RX: ------------------------------------ * Keeps dog from becoming pregnant * Heat cycle is not present while the dog is on the drops * No risk of anesthetic shock or surgical complications * Does not have the risks of desexing * Dog keeps hormones necessary for proper growth and development * Reduces the smell of the female while in heat (if given *while* the female is in heat) Risks of cheque drops RX: --------------------------------- * Infertility * Does not recuce (23%) the risk of pyometra or (1-2%) risk of ovarian cancer * Increased risk of non-lethal uterine infections * Does not reduce the risk of mammary cancer * Increased risk of liver damage * Increased urination while on the drops * Skin problems * Increased risk of mood swings For male dogs only: Vasectomy -------------- A male dog is put under anesthetic and the vas deferens are cut or tied. Benefits of vasectomy: ----------------------------- * The dog is unable to reproduce * Dog is under anesthetic for less time * Hormones essential for proper growth and development are present * Can be done at an early age without worry of negative effects on health *Does not have the health risks of desexing. Risks of vasectomy: ------------------------- * Dog is still at (1%) risk of testicular cancer * Does not reduce roaming * Risk of non-cancerous prostate disorders may not be reduced Chemical sterilization: ----------------------------- A chemical sterilent is injected into the testicles of a male dog. Note that some chemical sterilization removes necessary growth hormones while others do not. The risks and benefits of this below are assuming that the growth hormones have *not* been removed. Benefits of chemical sterilization: ------------------------------------------ * The dog is unable to reproduce * Can be permanant or temporary (depending on the type of sterilant used) * No risk of anesthetic shock * Can be done at an early age without worry of negative effects on health * Does not have the same health risks as desexing *No risk of surgical complication Risks of chemical sterilization: -------------------------------------- * Risk of adverse reaction to the sterilant * Dog is still at (1%) risk of testicular cancer * Does not reduce roaming * Risk of non-cancerous prostate disorders are not reduced Neutersol injection: -------------------------- A sterilant is injected into the testicles of a male dog between 10 weeks and 10 months of age. Cuts the growth hormone by 41% to 52%, and shrinks the testicles and prostate by 77%. Benefits of neutersol injection: --------------------------------------- * Makes the dog incapable of reproducing *No risk of anesthetic shock or surgical complications * Nearly eliminates the (1%) risk of testicular cancer (by eliminating most of the cells that could potentially cause cancer) * Reduces roaming and marking behavior Risks/possible side-effects of neutersol injection: -------------------------------------------------------- ------ * Lethargy *Temporary vomitting * Temporary diahhrea * Most of the isks of desexing still present (but the risks are reduced) * Temporary swelling of the testicles within 24 hours of injection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Posted January 3, 2013 Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 We very well intend to have our little guy neutered when the time comes. What is usually the appropriate age to get this done? We'd like to get it done as soon as possible. We will be talking with our vet during his next appointment for shots just to know when to expect to get that done, but I wanted some insight now because I like to plan ahead. (Far far ahead, he's just over 6 weeks) I would talk to your vet. I had read so many pros and cons on getting them neutered at all, or getting them neutered young and you will get all kinds of answers. Your vet would know best Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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