Ahh, the cone of shame
Spaying and neutering pets in the household is a well-respected practice.
This reduces the chance of accidental breeding which could result in more dogs being placed in shelters.
It was recommended, up to recently, that your dog be spayed or neutered as soon as possible. This is usually around four to six month. Many shelters continue to do this today to avoid unwanted litters.
Research is beginning to suggest that it might be better to wait to have your dog spayed/neutered so they can grow and thrive.
Wait…
What happens if your dog is not fixed in time?
It all depends on the time your dog reaches sexual maturity. Your dog’s development could be affected by spaying or neutering before they reach that age. This can affect their cardiovascular, immune, and musculoskeletal systems.
Household pets have the same importance as any other animal in terms of proper development.
It is possible for your dog to develop joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia if it is not treated soon enough.
This may sound scary to you. But let me assure you…
Spaying or neutering your pet dog is a better option than the risk of having it done too soon. Even if your pup is already spayed/neutered, or you plan to do it earlier to avoid an oopsie later on, you are still doing the best thing for your dog.
All the information you need can help make the right decision for your dog.
Let’s discuss all the benefits of spaying or neutering your dog before we go into the ideal age.
There are many benefits to having your dog spayed or neutered
Spaying or neutering your dog is the best way to stop unwanted breeding.
Spaying and neutering your pet dog is a great way to prevent breeding.
Spaying a female dog will significantly reduce the likelihood of her developing mammary carcinoma, which is fatal in almost half of all dogs.
The same goes for males. Neutering your male dog will eliminate his chance of developing testicular cancer.
Behavior-wise, spaying and neutering are good options to avoid undesirable behaviors.
Females won’t experience heat cycles, and your dog won’t be affected by the howling, crying or other erratic behaviors that can accompany hormonal shifts.
This means that males won’t have the worry of their dog marking your house or wandering about looking for a mate.
Spaying and neutering can prevent infections such as uterine infection that can prove costly to treat.
It IS a good idea to have your dog spayed/neutered.
But when is the best time to do it? ?
The best age to spay or neuter your dog
The short answer to your question is that spaying or neutering your dog when they are physically mature is the best time.
I’m going to give the short answer, but it’s complicated because different breeds of dogs reach sexual maturity at different times.
Toy breeds and small dogs mature at an early age, usually around six to nine months. Because their bodies are maturing faster, smaller dogs are less likely than larger ones to experience the negative effects of early spaying and neutering.
Larger breeds tend to mature later so you might want to wait until they are older before spaying or neutering.
This is over a year old.
This is because large breeds of dogs don’t reach maturity until they are 16-18 months old.
It can be broken down for you
Small-breed dogs will have no problems getting spayed/neutered in a timely manner.
Spaying or neutering large-breed dogs too soon can pose serious risks. It’s better to wait until they are older (1+ years) before you do this.
It’s best to talk with your vet if you have any questions.
Let’s suppose you decide to wait until your dog is older before getting them spayed/neutered. What can you do to keep them safe?
A healthy dog requires your constant supervision.
Male dogs will often chase unspayed female dogs, even if they are miles away. You should keep your dog in check at all times to make sure that no stray dogs enter your yard. A fence is a great idea, and you can even take an umbrella with you on walks to keep away any male suitors.
Male dogs that are not neutered can be aggressive. Unneutered male dogs can be aggressive if they sense a female in heat. You can keep your dog safe by keeping them on a leash outside and watching out for any attempts to steal into the yard of a neighbor to mate with another male.
What about dogs with behavioral issues?
It is possible to reduce aggression by neutering your dog. There is truth to this (as I have just spoken about how forceful unneutered males can be).
If your little boy becomes more aggressive than usual, getting him neutered sooner might be the best option.
However, many male dogs can be kept intact with the right training and have great dispositions. Many behavior problems can be traced back to how you treat your dog. Do you have a strong training foundation and do you view your pup as the leader in the house?
Training your dog will help you establish a good relationship.
My Dog Calming Code will help you to build a solid foundation for training your dog for a lifetime.
Program
It focuses on the relationship between you and your dog.
You both leave with trust, friendship and, most importantly, an obedient pet that listens to you everywhere.
Remember, spaying or neutering your dog at the right time is best for you.
You might consider waiting until your larger breed matures to prevent any health problems.
Timing is everything: When should you spay or neuter your dog? The Online Dog Trainer.
