What age to nueter (approx)

Caro · Dec 22, 2009

Justicemom said:
Some are now suggesting that if your dog is going to do agility or obedience that you should wait until 12-14months until the growth plates are closed or they will get tall and increase risk of cruciate injuries.

We had a lot of local breeders and a vet at an agility comp on the weekend and they said in males the earlier they are desexed the taller they will grow (as opposed to filling out they will grow up). Whereas females are likely to be smaller if they are spayed earlier. Does that sound right?

Justicemom · Dec 23, 2009

*Caro said:
We had a lot of local breeders and a vet at an agility comp on the weekend and they said in males the earlier they are desexed the taller they will grow (as opposed to filling out they will grow up). Whereas females are likely to be smaller if they are spayed earlier. Does that sound right?

Actually estrogen aids in closing the growth plates so a spayed female will be taller as well.

Brighid's Mom · Dec 23, 2009

I wouldn't have imagined that there were so many considerations. My vet advised to Neuter betweeen 7 and 9 months. Unlike for our female where the Vet advised an earlier Spay at between 5 and 6 months. I didn't know to ask or consider the impact on growth or factoring it into future sports (but at the time we didn't know that we would fall in love with Agility). Faegan will be 7 months soon so I'll have to make some specific inquiries before settling in on a date. Thanks for the helpful information.

The Quahog · Dec 23, 2009

Brighid's Mom said:
I wouldn't have imagined that there were so many considerations. My vet advised to Neuter betweeen 7 and 9 months. Unlike for our female where the Vet advised an earlier Spay at between 5 and 6 months.

I'm with your veterinarian, though 9-12 months would also be a good recommendation.
It amazing how much controversy this apparently simple question generates, and all of the wild speculation in favor of various ages.
I was visiting a Lab board recently, and they were quite insistent not before 12-14 months, with 18 months being recommended. And don't even get started about the discussion over there about the 'recessed vulva' situation.....
- -Dr. Mac

take4roll10 · Dec 24, 2009

Justicemom said:
Actually estrogen aids in closing the growth plates so a spayed female will be taller as well.

I just spayed Bailey. She will be 7 months on Saturday. Even though Bailey is past her big growth spurts, does this mean Bailey now has a greater chance of getting a little taller? Right now she is only 12 3/4 inches.

Justicemom · Dec 24, 2009

take4roll10 said:
I just spayed Bailey. She will be 7 months on Saturday. Even though Bailey is past her big growth spurts, does this mean Bailey now has a greater chance of getting a little taller? Right now she is only 12 3/4 inches.

Since the major growth spurts were done it probably won't make that much difference. The big differences are seen in dogs spayed or neutered at 3-4 months.

take4roll10 · Dec 24, 2009

gotcha! Thanks! I think she can make it to 13 inches. I'm keeping my fingers crossed

SheltieGuy · Dec 29, 2009

My Humble Opinion

I have done some research on when is the best age to get my boy Snickers snipped. I have learned that you should NOT get this done until at least one year of age and even better at 2 years. His "snipped" parts need to provide the body with the proper hormones for him to grow fully and be healthy. (which makes sense to me .... you wouldn't have your newborn son's manhood taken away at 10 weeks.. right?).
Once again this is my opinion. IF anyone sees any flaws in my thinking please let me know. I just want what is best for my puppy. ( as we all do)

Smudge · Dec 30, 2009

SheltieGuy said:
I have done some research on when is the best age to get my boy Snickers snipped. I have learned that you should NOT get this done until at least one year of age and even better at 2 years. His "snipped" parts need to provide the body with the proper hormones for him to grow fully and be healthy. (which makes sense to me .... you wouldn't have your newborn son's manhood taken away at 10 weeks.. right?).
Once again this is my opinion. IF anyone sees any flaws in my thinking please let me know. I just want what is best for my puppy. ( as we all do)

If found out Smudge had red mange when he was about 4 months old. The vet wanted him neutered THAT DAY because of how the stress level causes red mange to break out. I'm not saying that's a good age for every dog, but sometimes there are medical reasons why it is done early. :yes:

BarbV · Dec 30, 2009

SheltieGuy said:
I have done some research on when is the best age to get my boy Snickers snipped. I have learned that you should NOT get this done until at least one year of age and even better at 2 years. His "snipped" parts need to provide the body with the proper hormones for him to grow fully and be healthy. (which makes sense to me .... you wouldn't have your newborn son's manhood taken away at 10 weeks.. right?).
Once again this is my opinion. IF anyone sees any flaws in my thinking please let me know. I just want what is best for my puppy. ( as we all do)

Um, well, I don't think I would want my son to be "gelded" EVER! And I'm sure he has an opinion on the subject as well!

But seriously, I had always heard to wait it out until at least over 1 year. I last to about 11.5 months, but I had two unneutered males of the same age that needed some calming down. btw - didn't make an ounce of difference! They are still crazy!