Ok I have a question for Everyone

[Kimmy85]

My question is about spaying/neutering your animals. All of mine are altered except for my chihuahua. He is two and is getting neutered at the end of March. My vet had wanted me to neuter him since he was 6 wks old. I told him when he is a little older I will. It's not because I wanted to breed him or show him. He's a runt and a horrible listener anyway;) But I have found...and don't laugh at me, that when you get them fixed too young they almost stay in that puppy stage. Has anyone else encountered this. I know it doesn't affect them either way if you get them fixed right away or wait a little while. I should mention to that I didn't intend to wait until he was 2 but he had some medical problems for a good while that included him having seizures and breathing problems. The vet and I agreed that it was best to wait until he was in the clear before he was put under any sedatives. So am I crazy? My maltese/poodle was neutered right away and he is a BABY!

[Jennicat]

I've never really noticed any of our neutered animals staying in a "puppy" or "kitten" stage. The dog wasn't done until she was 2 (we adopted her, they found her wandering the streets), and now 2 years later, she's still the biggest puppy that I know. The cat, on the other hand, was done at 5 months, about 10 years ago. I've never met a grumpier old man in my entire life, and my boyfriend says he's always been like that.

I think that the personality of the animal plays into it a whole lot. :)

[Kimmy85]

Yeah I think your right. I've never actually tested my theory out lol. It's just something I had noticed from all the dogs I had been around. So maybe I am crazy:eek:

:applause:

[FemaleCheetah]

I've also never encountered this, I have 1 spayed dog, and 2 neutered cats. My GSD mix is getting spayed soon and she is 1 years old. I've never had a dog spayed or a cat neutered at a young age. But one of my cats and my pit bull zoe are the biggest babies ever!

[lneill84]

My vet wants to wait to spay the puppy until she's about 8 months old, instead of 5-6 months, just because she's on the smaller side developmentally. I've never noticed dogs and cats staying in the baby stage though.

[maryjane238]

One of my girls seemed to calm down almost immediately after getting spayed. I waited until 10 months to get my male neutered just because he is a larger male and has hip dysplasia. He was bottle raised, though, and I don't think he's ever going to grow up. My newest addition was just spayed a few months back at 4 1/2 years of age. She has more energy than me and the other two dogs put together.

[Clover4]

You may be interested in the studies on plate growth effects that neutereng may have on young dogs.
clover4

[maryjane238]

i'm not sure if you were speaking to me but i'll answer anyway! =)
Ty has AWFUL hips. He's been on supplements most of his 2 years and still has trouble getting up after long periods of sitting/lying down sometimes. Both hips will probably have to be replaced eventually. (He's been x-rayed/evaluated by a surgeon.) In his case, I waited longer than I normally would have (usually I would neuter around 6-8 months) but, since I knew that his fate would pretty much be the same regardless, I (and his docs) felt in better to go ahead and neuter at 10 (might have been 11?) months. His hips are going to go either way so at least now I don't have to worry as much about prostate cancer! Ty was around 85% of his total body weight by 10 months.

[eviloxygen]

I believe its mostly the dogs personality not the age of spay/neuter. There has been multiple studies done on the age that is best. Many vets now spay at 2 months. Its going to vary from owner to owner and vet to vet. I dont think there is a "right" time to spay, it depends on the dog, his physical condition and a trusted vet.

[MTAussie]

I have to say that I have heard of that happening. I was just talking someone who breeds Labs and she said she usually waits until they are at least one before she spays or neuters. She thinks that it does affect them in a negative way, where they might still act like a puppy, or act confused. Like spayed dogs humping other dogs, people, etc. I have also heard the same from some Vets. But everyone has their own opinion. I wouldn't say every dog would be affected in a negative way. And it's definitely important if you decided to wait to spay or neuter that your dog doesn't end up pregnant or getting another pregnant.
So you aren't too far off, but it's all in opinion I think. :D

[maryjane238]

unless there is a health reason to wait, it is best to s/n as before the first heat cycle and before sexual maturity is reached. Around 6-8 months. In females, spaying before the first heat cycle significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancer. In males, the earlier they are neutered, the smaller the size of the prostate and, therefore, the smaller the risk of prostate cancer.
By the way, spayed/neutered (and intact) dogs usually hump to show dominance over the other dog, not for sexual reasons.

[Norman]

MaryJane beat me to it. I was advised to let Charlie have her first season "make sure the bits work" is what I was told as it is healthier for her. Thinking about it and getting further advice (not to mention seeing a bitch dripping due to being in heat in the vets one day - puddle everywhere she sat) we decided to spay at 6 months prior to her first season.

Why check the bits work if they are going to be removed??? As MaryJane said it reduces the chance of mammary cancer by up to 90% some studies show. All other reproductive cancers solved as organs removed. The clincher was this bitch at the vets. Everywhere the poor thing sat ended up with a little pool of blood. Not nice and I didn't want that in my house.

Charlie is 20 months now although is still techincally a puppy until 2 years she has calmed down and is more responsive -noticeably so after the op.

For health reasons and protecting against unwanted pregnancies I recommend spaying prior to first season.

[eviloxygen]

I agree, spaying prior to first heat is usually the best case. Why take a chance on pregnancy or cancer because you waited?? I would not be able to stand a bitch in heat anyway, and its just a lot more work in the long run. Its easier to get her spayed and have it over so to take no chances.