Dog neutering and age

supermaiden

Hello, Just wondering if anyone knows what age is best not to have your dog neutered? I have a 9 year old and a 6-7year old. I am unsure of getting the 9 year old done for various reasons but just looking to see if the other would be ok at his age? Thanks!

undaunted

There is much debate about the pro's & cons of neutering very young (before sexual maturity) and in older dogs.

Many rescues do neuter dogs of this age & if in good health generally the chances are they will be fine with the operation. However you will probably be told that there are many health reasons for doing so other than preventing unwanted breeding & this is where the controversy lies. Many opinions are not supported by any significant scientific evidence & even vets disagree on the pro's & cons.

Pyometra may for example be prevented in the female or prostrate & testicular cancer problems in males but death from pyometra is in reality relatively rare & the prognosis for surgery in unneutered males should it later prove necessary usually good.

If your dogs are female & mammary tumours were to be your concern neutering them now will make little difference I'm afraid (needs to be done in the first season or two to offer any significant benefits in terms of possible mammary cancer prevention)

There are plenty of veterinary opinions showing the above disagreements available via google if you wish to do some research

What are your own reasons for considering neutering at this stage in life / concerns about doing so?

hethmar

Yes I wondered why now too

6 or 7 is not old, but your particular dog's health is what matters for any operation.

supermaiden

Thanks for the replies.

We are finding ourselves in more of a financial position to be able to afford to get the neutering done. Both of the dogs are males, I forgot to say that I think.
The oldest isnt so bad anymore, he is just a bit boisterous at times which I dont think will be solved at all with neutering but his behaviour has improved a lot in the last year, he only runs off if the youngest is with him otherwise he comes back.

The youngest is a little tinker. He will escape from his harness, run off and not come back when called which is dangerous obviously when near roads. He is also very um over-friendly with people, especially arms and legs. It hasnt been that big of a problem but now we have people visit more often and we are also expecting a baby so dont want him being like that with baby obviously lol. He is also aggressive at times with the older dog, little dog syndrome - thinks he is a great dane but hes a jack russell! :rotfl:
We also have some people who think nothing of walking their in season females in the local walking area which always has many dogs and we dont want our boys making pups!

hethmar

Are you in an area where you may get help with neutering