Hi
I am the owner of a 9 week old Papillon puppy, named Mishka. He is the delight of my life, so loving and full of fun and oh so clever. My question is when is the right age to have a Dog neutered ?
By the way I love this forum...in my 10 years of being online it is the first one that makes me want to keep coming back and back for more.

Welcome to the forum Kimmie and thank you for your kind words :-) May I enquire why you feel you need to have him neutered?

As I only want my puppy as a pet I thought it would be the responsible thing to do. There are enuff unwanted pets in this world with adding more. I have also heard that they will be cleaner ( as far as marking there territory). He is already at his young age trying to hump me when he gets excited in play and while i realise this is totally normal after reading the other posts I wouldnt like it to get to a stage as he gets older that he feels the need to do it when ever the whim takes him.
Kimmie

Kimmie

Unwanted puppies only happen because people don't look out for their dogs or bitches. If yours is kept under proper control and not allowed to wander there is no reason why he should contribute to the unwanted puppy population. As for the humping - all puppies do it - bitches and dogs - it's nothing to do with sexuality but learning how to show dominance. Neutering does not necessarily change this behaviour. Training is the way to deal with it.

Many vets believe that neutering resolves all problems that a puppy may have and prevent many others - this is not categorically proven. Most unwanted behaviour develops because of lack of training and as such can be prevented by adequate and consistent training. Not all though - some is just down to breeding and neutering will not necessarily help.

When your boy is fully mature - if you are still thinking of castration - try an injection called Tardak first. It is a chemical castration that mimics the physical one. You will then be able to see if it needs to be done. If you don't think you'll be able to keep him under control at all times - then you need to think more carefully about your plans for looking after him anyway.

Vets may also try to sway you with arguments about future health and prevention of cancer - again - there is no real proof that neutering prevents cancer.

hth

Pam n the boys

There are quite a few unplanned human pregnancies - why do you think that people are any better at keeping their dogs under control than themselves :) :)

Daisy

Sorry, Daisy, but I think responsible dog owners can prevent unwanted puppies just as responsible people can prevent unwanted pregnancies! :) I have kept entire bitches who have never had unplanned litters, and entire dogs who have never roamed and sired unplanned litters, and I'm sure many other people have too (I'm not Superwoman!).

Well as an unplanned pregnancy myself (daughter of very responsible people of course :) ) - I know that accidents can and do happen and I for one would like to make sure that it can't. I don't think that we can have it both ways - complaining that people have irresponsible litters, but then condemning them if they have dogs neutered. My older dog is neutered and my pup will be speyed when she is old enough. I don't want to be another of this group's targets for ridicule thank you.

Daisy

I don't think you can compare unwanted human pregnancies with that in animals. Not to be too graphic;) but we do it coz we like it( so I've been told:D) - and know the risk. Animals do it to reproduce. As the owner of the animal it is up to us to keep it under control so that it can't do it unless we want it to.

I don't see why you would be a target for ridicule - you have made your choice for your reasons. No one would condemn someone for having their dog neutered - but if it was done to take away the need to be responsible for the dog at all times - then that's a different story.

People who are careful enough to think about neutering are not the ones that would normally have an unwanted litter anyway - it's those that don't care anyway and won't pay the money for an op. Notalot will change that behaviour.

Pam n the boys

I have lived with dogs most of my life - dogs and bitches - none have ever been neutered - none have become or caused any pregancy and none developed cancer of any sort other than a cairn of my parents who developed mammary cancer at the age of 15 but it was nephritis that eventually caused her to be pts.

No dog should be allowed to wander at any time. If your dog is likely to run off - then he shouldn't be off the lead in an open space where he is at risk anyway and if you have a bitch in heat again she shouldn't be off the lead in a public area.

jmho - but I don't believe in routine neutering - what they often don't tell you are the dangers from the anaesthetic. It is routine but major surgery that some pets do not survive. Neutering causes a large proportion of dogs to become overweight as it messes with their hormones and metabolism. In certain breeds it causes major changes in their coats with the result that the dog looks nothing like what it should. I have seen many a neutered bitch become desperate for food because she feels hungry all the time and yet keeping the weight at a reasonable level prohibits any further feeding.

You have to do what's right for you of course - I just ask that anyone considering neutering does it with all the full information.

Pam n the boys

Accidents can and do happen. I've had an accidental litter. It only takes one little error for a dog to be let out inadvertantly and then it is too late. If someone wishes to have their dog neutered it is up to them. Advice should be given as to the pros and cons of neutering not whether that person is responsible or irresponsible, or right or wrong in wishing to do it. That way they can make their own mind up.
Bec

Just wanted to make it clear that my dog has NEVER wandered, either before he was neutered or since. My point is that I cannot be 100% sure that he would be able to resist the urge if a female in heat was in the vicinity - the urge to mate in any animal is very strong and can make them behave in ways that are totally out of character. To be 100% sure of him (or in my opinion of any intact dog) he would have to be on a leash at all times and that would deprive him of his free running in the park which he ADORES!

I am glad that you have been so lucky and none of your dogs have ever suffered from cancer - I hope that I am as lucky. However the fact remains that dogs do get cancers, including testicular cancer, and the risk of this cancer must be virtually eliminated by neutering. Not that I would have considered this alone as a reason for the surgery, but it has to be an added bonus.

Neither my neutered male or my older spayed female (she was spayed after a very miserable phantom pregnancy made up my mind for me) have shown any increase in appetite or weight - although I acknowledge that, as in the case of the cancers, this does not mean that others don't - in this case I guess I am lucky :)

I do realise that there is a risk to anaesthetic, as there is in any operation. I deliberated over this for weeks before I booked him in. I didn't sleep the night before, cried all the way to the vets, was like a cat on hot bricks until knew he was OK and cried again from releif when I got him home. It was not an easy decision or one undertaken lightly. Nor, as I said before, do I think that everyone should take the same course as I did. However, given the same circumstances I would make the same decision again.

I agree that it is a personal decision and one that should be thought about long and hard but as this thread seems to be dwelling on the negatives I just wanted to put across my reasons for opting for neutering.

Karen

Hi JRT Mum,
Yes, I have been very lucky (touch wood) that my intact animals haven't suffered from being intact. Having lost a much loved bitch from the effects of anaesthetic I am reluctant to risk any more of my dogs from non-emergency operations.
Just my opinion.

Hi Jeangenie

I am so sorry about your bitch and I am sure in your position I would feel the same as you do. I think that we agree that this is a very individual decision - one in which personal experience will obviously play a big part.

IMHO It is very important that anyone considering neutering should look at all factors, both for and against, so that whatever they decide they know that whatever they decide and whatever the future might bring, they made the best decision they could at the time.

I hope that you continue to be lucky with your dogs - you obviously love them very much. :)

Karen :)

hi Jeangenie
The biggest risk of losing a dog during a neutering operation comes when that operation becomes a necessity due to other problems ie birthing problems, pyometra etc The risk from anaesthetics nowadays is minimal in a healthy animal. Even sighthounds which used to be at great risk from anaesthesia now have very few problems.
sue

Hi Sue,
The problem we discovered my bitch had was an allergy to the anaesthetic, which would have killed her if she'd been operated on sooner anyway....:( just one of those freak occurrences, but leaves you living in fear each time.

I agree that you can prevent unwanted pregnancies in dogs but at what cost. Bitches in season have temperament changes and entire dogs are constantly wanting to get out if they smell a bitch. OK we are able to stop this with fencing, but it makes the dogs life a misery. Nature intended them to breed and produce pups and the desire to do this is strong in most dogs. If a dog is castrated and a bitch spayed then the desire is at best lessened and in most cases removed completely. The animals live out a happy and restful life without the associated medical problems associated with preventing the natural cycle by confining.
I have worked with dogs as a groomer(20yrs), as a breed shower(20yrs) and as a rescue home checker for the greyhound Rescue West of England for several years now, and while I do not have all the answers any more than anyone else, it is obvious which dogs have less veterinary visits, behaviour problems and unwanted puppies <g>. The incidence of cancers in un-neutered dogs HAS been proven by vets records. If a dog is allowed to roam and procreate freely then it would be less likely to show medical problems than an entire dog which is confined and prevented from completing the cycle, but that is not the issue here I think. In all my years of working with dogs I have honestly never seen an incidence of mammary tumours in a speyed bitch but have seen many cases in pet bitches, often with sad results :( Also I have seen male un-neutered pet dogs with testical cancer and prostate troubles. This can and should be prevented for the sake of the dog as well as to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The time for breed showing to become more leniant towards neutered dogs is also becoming a more realistic option. Come on folks lets do away with the politics and think more about the health of our dogs.
Just my humble opinion of course :-)
Sue

But surely it is pretty much impossible to get testicular cancer if you haven't got any, so there must be some protection from at least one cancer!

But the reason that I had my dog neutered was because ot the thought of him straying if he gets a whiff of a female on heat. Whilst I can guarantee to keep him saff 99% of the time what about the time when he is of lead at the park and catches the scent of a bitch in heat? I can rely on him to come when called and to stay near me, he is not a dog prone to straying at all. But I think I can remember hearing that a dog can smell a bitch in season over quite a distance and would the temptation be too strong? Is this not possible? The dog park near us has a main road on 2 sides of it and the risk to my mind was just too great. Tardack would not have proven anything as really I wouldn't have known there was a problem until it was too late.

For me there is no longer any decision to be made and I am by no means saying that others should do what I have done. But I DO love my dog with all my heart and feel that I did what was best for him.

Thankyou everyone for your replys :) I intend to look after my puppy as if it was one of my own children ( all grown up now) and my two sons were never let out of my sight (both unplanned by the way LOL). I think my sons had more trips to the emergency room than a lot of other children, simply cause I was so over protective and it only took a quick trip to the loo or a pot to boil over and bingo they sensed my eyes werent on then and thats when trouble starts. My point is altho this is a puppy and not a human child...I do know that even the best intentions and security can sometimes fail.
Kimmie

QUOTE I intend to look after my puppy as if it was one of my own children UNQUOTE

Were your sons neutered to prevent testicular cancer?

:D :D

Perhaps when dogs can be taught to wear condoms then neutering may be unnecessary :D

Daisy

Hi Long dog
I think we all know that it would be unethical to castrate little boys as they may want a family of their own one day ;-) However when little boys become teenagers they get together and do the things that little boys do. their parents are able to explain to them that it is OK to do certain things in privacy and that when a consenting girl comes along it is only proper to use protection. Dogs don't know this do they.? We could also get on to the issue of the uncontrolled adult male human, who has not understood fully the correct way to go and decides to abuse his wife and childrenor even to go out and rape inoccent females. I think it is very well understood that if these individuals were to be castrated then they would no longer have the urge to do what they do. In fact men with this *problem* are frequently known to request chemical castration. But then again this is about dpogs isn't it? :-)

Hi JRT Mum
What a logical and caring response to this topic. You indeed did what was best for your dog. He has rewarded you with his loyalty instead of becoming neurotic and a nuisance to the neighbourhood.
Take care
Sue

Thank you Sue :)

I have a lovely Cocker Spaniel puppy and he's four months old now. When should I get him neutered? My Aunt who owns King Charles Cavaliers had her boy (Jack) done at four months, but other people have said wait till six months.
As you can guess I'm very puzzled about the whole subject. :)
Please help!

I would personally wait until he is fully mature at least physically if not mentally!
Bec

I would also ask you why you want to neuter him? Is it for you or for the dog and if it is for the dog what are the reasons?
I have no problem with neutering when the dog or bitch is at risk and it is for the better health of the dog. I cannot agree with routine sterilisation of any dog.

Dawn

Hi Kimmie, I myself am new to this site. I have a 3 mth old Rott and will have him neutered. I feel this is best for him due to myself not wanting him to become a neighborhood nuisance. We have a fenced yard and he has leaned no outs without his leash. However I also know once they get the scent off they go and seems nothing will stop them. In our neighborhood there are too many lose dogs and lose dogs become nusiances as well as end up at the vets for injuries from cars, bullets, etc. I feel the only reason not to have your pet spayed or neutered is if your going to breed them and I myself have no interest in doing this. I hope I am not ridiculed too severly for my opinion. Thank you all.. Good luck with your beloved pets or in my case I call mine kids...

Wow I am truely impressed by the replys and the opinions of everyone. I guess us dog lovers are a breed unto ourselves and want only the best for our pets. Making the right decision is going to be harder than I thought. All tho I see a lot of ppl share the same reasons that I do as to why to neuter.
On a lighter side of things ... No LongDog my sons were never neutered because then I wouldnt have had the beautiful granddaughter that I have, and no, I dont want Grandpuppys. LOL

Kimmie

:) :) :) :D

I have 5 dogs were 4 are fixed, 2 bitches and 2 males. Before I ever new anything about dog breeding how long a heat last ect. I had 2 big dogs just pets and well they did breed very unplanned. I couldn't believe a heat lasted that long when I called my vet, thats when I started doing alot of reading. Did find good homes for a litter of 12, way to many pups, that was 9years ago and very inexperienced. Me personally if u are not planning on breeding I would fix them. I fixed my pups at 5 months my female and my male. My bitch was fixed during a section and my male BT is still intack. With my big dog I have noticed he is less wanting to mark everywhere we go and same with my fixed male pup, the intack one likes to mark everytime he is allowed (outside of course).

It is truely up to the individual, all my pups except 1 are all fixed because I did not want them bred from. I agree better to be safe then sorry.
Just my personal opinion

ttfn :)

Hi
It may also be worth mentioning that when large dogs escape and are in serach of a bitch in heat they are a danger to children and even adults. The sexual urge in a dog is very strong and children trying to prevent an accident could easliy get bitten or otherwise injured.

Wizzasmum,

You have no idea what a relief it has been reading your posts! I am off to the vets next week to have one of mine neutered,after much deliberation and heart searching. I feel it is best for my family and our situation but frequently read very strong opinion against such action and it's nice to know there is someone out there who wouldn't condemn me for doing what I think is best!

Jane

Hi Jane,
I would never condemn you for doing your best for your dog - we all do what we think is best! :) You know your own circumstances better than anyone, so know what arrangements you will be happiest with. There are as many views on this as there are dog owners - and nobody is completely right or completely wrong! So good luck with your pup, and I hope all goes well with you! :)

There are some people that disagree with neutering routinely in principle. The majority who are against it though are those who have dealt with the negative consequences of neutering, and who beleive a dog should fullymature in it's boduily functions to minimise these negative effects.

In their be responsible, kindest cut adverst for neitering the negatives are rarely mentioned, and in some breeds especially they may well outweight the benefits.

Some breeds, like Boxers and Rotties have a large proportion of spayed bitches become incontinent. This then means routine medication to counter this which sometimes can make a bitch aggresive, which is costly, and the extra visits to a proffesional groomer with a dog whose coat cannot be managed easily anymore.

I advise all my puppy buyers to wait until their bitch has had her fisrtst season, and is at least 12 months old. Also that males are done over 12 months if they want a pet that looks like a male of it's breed, as the characteristic sex differences are quite pronounced in my breed, and with early castration yfou end up with a male that looks like a rangy ovewrgrown bitch, rather than the proud regal animal they were attracted to!

The opinion amongst many show people ( and this is in no way meant to be derogatory - I have shown dogs too) is a political one and really not a lot to do with the well being of the dog. I always find it strange that my cousin who shows cockers, decries the routine neutering of dogs but does it to her own once they have finished showing. LOL

Jane

As you may have read further up the thread, I had my dog neutered but like you had to do a lot of soul searching first. It is a very individual decision and never an easy one.
I wish you well for next week and will be thinking of you and your dog :)

Karen :)

Hi Jrt Mom
Good luck, he will be fine :-) get back to us to let us know of your/his progress.

Can anyone tell, why a lot of breed rescue,s and Dog rehomeing centre's insist that rehomed dog's and bitch's have to be, neutered as part of there rehomeing policy, if these dog's are going to veted responsible homes.If it could be detramental so the dog's health.

It is to prevent unscrupulous persons aquiring breeding stock on the cheap. the ones gone through rescue have been through enough, and it is to stop them being exploited any further!

Is 11 months an ok age to have a GSD castrated? I thought I would have my new boy neutered in the hope that it calms him down a bit, and also because I have no intention at all in breeding from him. But I read the comment in one of the previous posts about some males that are neutered too early not developing properly, and that worries me a bit.
As for routine neutering of non breeding dogs ( and cats ) I have to say anyone who disagrees with that should take a look at all the rescue centres around the UK which are bursting full of mongrels and crossbreeds, and sometimes pedigrees which are there due to some people not being 'in favour' of neutering.

if there was no routine sterilisation of dogs then surely this country would be overrun. There are so many irresponsible people out there, who don't care. This country would end up like Greece, who are having to cull their strays.
I have a very good friend who is presently worrying about her dog, who could well have testicular cancer. I can see what she is going through. Which has lead me to the decision that i should get my two dogs done. My bitch has been spayed, because she had quite bad phantom pregnancies. However, i would have had her done anyway.
I feel that no matter how responsible a dog owner you are, accidents happen. The charities in this country who take unwanted dogs are overrun, if more people got their dogs neutered, there would be less dogs in kennels waiting for their perfect homes.

Here Here Snoopy!!

Goodness I love this site but some people are so PC!

I am having my little lad 'done' in 3 weeks and have no qualms,
it is so naive to say if your responsible you won't let
your dog mate.. accidents do happen!

With regard to age, my vet said between 5-6 months...

and a note to all those anti-neuters...suppose you don't agree with
micro-chipping because your far too sensible to have your dog run off or be stolen??

Hi Louise,
I still believe it is perfectly possible for a dog or bitch to live a long, healthy life without being "routinely" neutered, and without siring/bearing unplanned litters. Yes, it takes great care and vigilance on the part of the owners, and if they feel they cannot do this, then it's their decision.

It remains true that a GA carries a risk, which has to be weighed against the benfit to the animal of the operation. Owners should be aware of the possible side-effects before they decide, and also be aware that while neutering can prevent some problems, it can create others in their place!

I sincerely hope nobody else has to live with the feelings of guilt from causing a loved pet an unnecessary and agonising death. I still regret this over 20 years later.

I also believed this - and for 10 years managed to keep Bonnie 'virginal' - but sadly she developed mammary tumours, the occurance of which is drastically reduced in speyed btiches that are speyed soon after their first season. From now on ALL my dogs will be speyed/neutered.

Hi Digger,
I guess our personal experiences will always colour our views! :)