neutering question

[Mesquite]

Here's the catch on waiting to have your boy neutered - most doggy day cares and kennels won't take an un-neutered male. My local pet store that does doggy day care requires that the dog be at least six months of age and neutered. Another kennel that I've been looking at (in preparation for our annual vacation) requires neutering by 8 months of age. Consequently Jake will be getting nipped before he's a year old.

[dsch]

I posted a neuter question on the medical forum as I had questions as well. I have read that if neutered too early it actually causes the dog to grow bigger than is natural for that particular dog. Testosterone signals the growth plates to close so when interfered with prematurely the growth plates continue to grow longer than normal and can cause skeletal issues later. Some finding suggest this might cause issues later with hip dysplasia, etc.

So I'm confused when to neuter as well. Sure don't want him to begin marking though! I think I'll try to wait as long as possible.

[HostelDog]

http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongT...uterInDogs.pdf

I found this really interesting article regarding spaying and neutering. I think it is definitely worth a read as it discusses the pros and cons of neutering and spaying, backed up with scientific evidence.

Considering the question regarding effects on growth, I found this article, but it is biased towards not neutering and is targeted towards 'canine athletes'.

Canine Sports Productions: Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete

[Daisy Doodle]

Is there any comparable benefit to waiting beyond six months to spay a female?

[Caney Creek]

Originally Posted by Daisy Doodle

Is there any comparable benefit to waiting beyond six months to spay a female?

Yes, I believe so. I found a lot of interesting information in the following article. Many of the health risks however pertain to different ages, for example some health issues are associated with spaying/neutering very early (2 months old) as compared to spaying/neutering at 6 months; some health risks pertain to spaying/neutering at 6 months compared to 1 year; and some health risks are suggested to increase with spaying/neutering no matter what age the surgery is performed. Take what you want from it and if you care to investigate the topic further there are sources referenced at the bottom of the page.

Canine Sports Productions: Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete