when to neuter dog?

[primabella]

how old should a dog be before we get him neutered? (we'll be getting him at around 8 weeks old) thanks :D

[mugsy]

Our vet says 6 months, but a lot of places say as early as 8 weeks. Dr. B won't do it until 6 months because of developmental stuff...now what that stuff is I don't know, but I trust him implicitly.

[KYS]

I would check with your vet. :)

My vet likes to spay and neuter at 6 months of age also.
We neutered Rocky at 5 months because
he was getting an attitude.

[wolf_Q]

The humane society here said they'd do it at 4 months......I was going to do it at that age....do you think that's ok?

[Cincy'sMom]

There is some confusion as to how old my parents dog was when they got him (rescue dog) They thought he was 10 wks, but when he went ot he vet for his final puppy shots, which would have been at 4 mos, the vet said he had teeth he shouldn't get til he was 6 mos. So, long story short (too late!) he was neutured at either, since was neutered when they adopted him he was either 9wks or almost 3 mos. either way, they 3 mos later there have been no negative ramifications. As long as the dog is healthly, 4 mos should be fine, but it would be up to your vet. Ours won't do it before they are 6 mos.

[C.C.'s Mom]

Got Cookie neutered when she was 6 months, but I had to do a lot of begging and searching until I found a vet who would actually go along with it. Here it's normally first done after the dog has been at least once in season.

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

My vet told me it really depended on the size of the dog as well. Drake was 40lbs and 4 months old when he got neutered.

[turner]

I was told 5 mths by the SPCA where we got Deisel. And I called my vet and she said between 5-6mths is fine, no younger than 5mths though.

[pupper-lover]

It depends on the dog. Different breeds develop at different rates, but 4-6 months is a typical age for surgery . Generally speaking, when your dog loses its puppy teeth, it is time to get sprayed/neutered. Most dogs lose their front teeth at a "kindergarten" age, just like people. When they start losing their baby molars, they are around "junior-high" age (We all know what happens to kids and pups at this age ;)). Puberty is about to set in and it's time to spay/neuter.

For the best advice, ask your vet. He/she will be able to watch your pet's development and let you know when It's time.

[primabella]

okay, thanks everyone!:)

[lovemymaltese]

I have heard 6 months, it's best to do it sooner than later.

[manda99]

just got my american pit bull terrior neutered - 5.5 months, ~52 pounds

[wolf_Q]

There's a moble spay/neuter clinic here. The next one is on Aug. 30th. I could get Nebo done for $30, when everywhere else it is $55 and up. He'll be a bit over 3 months at the time. Do you think this will be ok?

I'm going to steal my friends cat, Milo, lol. He lives outside. He gets in fights all the time, and I've seen plenty of wild kittens. It's only $15 for him, hopefully she will agree with me and let me take him!

[lv4dogs]

My vet office won't do it until the pet is 6 months unless the animal is very well developed &/or having health or behavioral problems related to spaying/neutering. It is safe for younger dogs as long as they are healthy but because of developmental issues it is best to have it done around 6 months.

Most shelters do it when the pup is younger just to ensure it is spayed/neutered as it prevents more pups from entering the shelters.

As far as waiting until the first heat is actually more unhealthy for the dog as it has a greater chance of getting cancers in the mamory glands, uterus, overies and other reproductive parts, as well as pyometria (infected uterus which can be deadly & only cured by an emergency spay).