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Age for neuter

6K views 25 replies 8 participants last post by  krandall 
#1 ·
What is everyones experience/thoughts on the best age to get your pup neutered?
 
#2 ·
I think that the short answer is, "it depends". The "right" answer is going to be different for every dog and every family. Many breeders mandate the time in their contract, and if you want to do something different, you need to discuss it with them up-front. But many breeders will work with you on that date if you have a valid reason for wanting to do something different.

This is the best, in-depth look at current literature, and the pro's and con's. I would highly suggest that EVERYONE get a copy and read it before deciding when to spay/neuter their puppy. In fact, I know a couple of breeders who are including this booklet in their "puppy packet" when they send puppies home:

https://shoppuppyculture.com/collections/books-1/products/puppy-culture-spay-neuter-booklet
 
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#3 ·
That looks like a great resource!

I neutered on the early side for a few reasons, including timing with our family’s schedule. I’ll likely wait until a year next time, though. I’ll have to read the literature Karen posted before I decide:)

There’s kind of a tradition of scaring people into neutering that almost gives the impression it’s impossible to prevent pregnancy without neutering as soon as possible. I learned early on that it’s critical to potty training to supervise my puppy, and we also learned early to control every exit, so the idea of my puppy escaping and getting all of the neighborhood dogs pregnant is pretty far fetched. I also think the common arguments for early neutering, such as preventing marking and humping, are grossly misrepresented. For one thing, both marking and humping can be managed behaviorally regardless of neutering status.

Basically I think everyone has to make the decision based on what works best in their own lives. In some cases it’s going to be earlier than others. Just don’t make the decision under pressure or out of fear that it has to be done right away or there’s irreversible damage. Whatever you decide will be the right thing for your Havanese.
 
#4 · (Edited)
The dog that we had previously to Skye had problems that I feel were related to early neuter. The worst of which was a ruptured CCL that research has shown a direct link to early neutering. IMHO if you feel you must neuter your dog, it should never be done before they reach sexual maturity.

https://healthyandhappydog.com/cranial-cruciate-ligament-tear/

Elizabeth posted while I was writing. I agree fully with all she said. I will also add that due do circumstances Skye's neuter has been put on hold and he is now 14 months old. He did go through a marking stage that lasted well less than a month and now only marks outside on a leash when I allow it. He had one little friend that he regularly tried (unsuccessfully) to hump. Other than that I can remember only a few short lived attempts to hump objects or humans. Those behaviors can be controlled.

.
 
#5 ·
I agree with both of you. I have an intact 4 year old girl (to talk about it from the female side) The idea that I could not keep her from becoming pregnant "by mistake" is ridiculous. I think she is old enough at this point that if she were not still showing, I'm not POSITIVE there are still benefits to keeping her intact. But from everything I've read and my vet agrees, the risks of allowing her to remain intact (and unbred) until she is at least 6 are minimal. At that point I will reassess, though from the research I have read, even up to 10 years of age, pyo (the biggest health risk for unspayed females) is extremely uncommon in Havanese. The problem is, that IF they get it, it is ALWAYS an emergency, high-risk spay, and extremely dangerous infection. Of course I want to avoid that for her!
 
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#6 ·
From everything I’ve read, the benefits of waiting, hormone development etc., far outweigh the minimal risk of not doing it. We lost our Cooper to cancer at a young age and I wonder if an early neuter could have contributed. Some of what I read suggests a connection of early neuter/spay to the large number of cancer cases in dogs. So after reading and our breeders suggestion, we decided to wait even though we got a little push back from a vet tech. Ollie will be 18 months in April so that’s when we’ll do it.
 
#7 ·
From everything I've read, the benefits of waiting, hormone development etc., far outweigh the minimal risk of not doing it. We lost our Cooper to cancer at a young age and I wonder if an early neuter could have contributed. Some of what I read suggests a connection of early neuter/spay to the large number of cancer cases in dogs. So after reading and our breeders suggestion, we decided to wait even though we got a little push back from a vet tech. Ollie will be 18 months in April so that's when we'll do it.
And while I don't like push back even from vets, push back from vet TECHS should not be tolerated. A vet TECH is NOT a veterinarian and should not be giving veterinary advice. I would complain to the vet in charge if a tech in my vet's office were handing out unsolicited advice on veterinary matters.
 
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#11 ·
We kindly let the tech know that while we appreciated her opinion, we'd talk to the vet and wait. She pushed a bit more and we let the vet know. It hasn't happened again.
Good!!!
 
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#14 ·
I’m neutering at 12 months. I have until 18 months as per the contract, but I’m about done with those horrormones. My vet keeps pushing me to do it now (including asking me twice when we were planning his dental surgery) and says that small breeds are done growing by 7 months. But it’s only a few months more, so I’d rather wait. I’ll probably book it for the day after his birthday. Getting neutered on his birthday just seems cruel.
 
#21 ·
I'll probably book it for the day after his birthday. Getting neutered on his birthday just seems cruel.
LOL!

Yeah, boys can be... trying!
 
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#15 ·
This is a question that should be discussed with your trusted Vet! Opinions on the Internet are nothing more than OPINIONS. There is no one right answer.

For the record, Ricky Ricardo was neutered at the age of 10 months on advice of his Vet. The Vet might have made a different recommendation for a different dog.

Ricky's Popi
 
#23 ·
Yeah, what she said!

I didn't want to quote your whole post Karen, but as you often do, you expressed my thoughts exactly but much more eloquently than I ever could.

Things are very slowly changing but for now we have to live with Vets that are throughly indoctrinated in the 6 month old neuter/spay, raw food is deadly, vaccinate with every vaccine out there with yearly boosters, Hill's Science Diet is the best thing going philosophy. Some, if not most of these are otherwise very competent doctors. Actually who can blame them when these same ideas have been drilled into them for eight years or more? The information is out there. You just have to be willing to expend the effort to look for actual research and statistics not just forum chatter.

Maybe because I concentrated on holistic/integrative Vets I have been able to find Vets who are willing to listen to my concerns and discuss Skye's care. Not just tell me what they are going to do. I have avoided Banfield and VCA like the plague so have never felt pushed into anything.

.
 
#24 ·
I completely agree with not blindly following internet advice, but I think the point of these forums and other online information is to provide a wide variety of perspectives that can potentially lead to a more educated and in depth discussion with the vet. Things change, new studies come out. I don’t believe my vet to know everything on some of these in depth topics regarding new research, especially if it’s breed specific, but I would hope that like a good doctor a good vet would listen! Or say, Let me confer with or refer you for a consultation with a specialist.
 
#25 ·
The breeder suggested letting my pup mature to past age 1 before neutering. She said it helps them grow properly. Then asked if I would take him to see her at 6 months and consider showing him.

My vet said they refer to wait until after 1 yo for neutering and spaying. I was asking our group because I have read a lot of conflict information in trying to research this topic. i do not like to follow blindly and all of you have some experience in this matter.

Thank you for your input. It is much appreciated.
 
#26 ·
The breeder suggested letting my pup mature to past age 1 before neutering. She said it helps them grow properly. Then asked if I would take him to see her at 6 months and consider showing him.

My vet said they refer to wait until after 1 yo for neutering and spaying. I was asking our group because I have read a lot of conflict information in trying to research this topic. i do not like to follow blindly and all of you have some experience in this matter.

Thank you for your input. It is much appreciated.
Love your vet!!! :)
 
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