What Is the Age to Neuter Dogs?
Neutering a male dog is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian to remove the reproductive organs. The surgery benefits the dog, and society, in many ways. Animal shelters and rescue groups are crowded due to pet over-population. A neutered male will not add to this problem by siring a litter. There are also behavioral benefits to neutering your dog at a young age.
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When To Neuter Your Dog
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According to the ASPCA, you should ideally neuter your dog before he reaches sexual maturity at six months of age.
Early Age Neutering
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Most animal rescue shelters will neuter a puppy before it is adopted. This surgery can be performed when the dog is as young as eight weeks. Veterinary practices all over the country are also beginning to offer neutering for puppies younger than six months.
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Side-Effects of Neutering
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Contrary to popular belief, neutering does not make a male dog fat or lazy. It does not change its personality in any manner, nor does it stunt its growth. In fact, males neutered before puberty tend to grow larger than males that are not.
Benefits
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Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the risks of prostrate and anal cancers. It makes male dogs less likely to mark their territory, to roam free looking for females, and it helps to decrease aggression.
Risks of Surgery
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As with all surgical procedures, there are some risks associated with anesthesia and recovery. For this reason, veterinarians recommend blood work and a thorough examination before performing the surgery. Overall, however, the risks are minor, and complications are rare.
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References
- Photo Credit puppy image by Karol Grzegorek from Fotolia.com
