Appropriate Age/Time To Neuter

[stale]

as a thought, i'm sure there's any number of owner's on the list like me, with a rescue/spca dog. now, as a general rule (may differ by area) these dogs can not go home until they are spayed/castrated.

so, with no input from me, Oz was a catrati at an unknown age. (we're guessing he's just past 1 year, from his size, proportions and behaviour - he could be as young as 10-11 months, as old as 15, no real way to tell...)

besides, anyone who is not a breeder/shower has no reason to not alter their dogs, IM(ns)HO. really, if you're not showing in a field that requires you to be intact, and aren't holding on for breeding, then the responsible act is for you to alter your animal. at 6 months or 1.5 years, makes no major difference - i'd rather see a six month old altered than a 1 year old as a sire/dam....

could just me me though...

peace, eh?

stale

[kclinch]

I find it very interesting that in Europe they seldom ever spay/neuter their dogs, unless it is a medical necessity(IE, Pyo, testicular cancer, etc)

[skigod377]

Originally Posted by kclinch

I find it very interesting that in Europe they seldom ever spay/neuter their dogs, unless it is a medical necessity(IE, Pyo, testicular cancer, etc)

Uh, Im in Europe and spaying and neutering is even more common here than in the states. They are much more responsible about pet ownership here, too, thats for sure.

[kclinch]

Originally Posted by skigod377

Uh, Im in Europe and spaying and neutering is even more common here than in the states. They are much more responsible about pet ownership here, too, thats for sure.

Really? In all my travels to Europe in the last year, I think I saw one dog that was neutered. I was there for about 3 months total.

I agree, that people are more responsible in Europe(IE, You don't seem to have the issues with strays that we have, etc..).

However, again, I seldom see dogs "speutered", for that matter, much of the time, dogs are off leash, but well mannered!

[skigod377]

Originally Posted by kclinch

Really? In all my travels to Europe in the last year, I think I saw one dog that was neutered. I was there for about 3 months total.

I agree, that people are more responsible in Europe(IE, You don't seem to have the issues with strays that we have, etc..).

However, again, I seldom see dogs "speutered", for that matter, much of the time, dogs are off leash, but well mannered!

Yup. I have lived here in Germany for the past 7 years. I was just talking to my downstairs neighbor (A German lady) about this very subject. She was going to offer to adopt a beagle that this couple was selling (Divorce) but they wanted $400. She was not fixed. The couple sold her to another military family that will probably just use her for breeding. Alot of American families see a dog as a paycheck, but not the Germans. They buy or adopt them, train them (Obiedience school is required by law) and have them fixed. I have not seen a dog or cat sold by a breeder here that did not come with a contract stating that they cannot breed them, must offer them back to the seller 1st if they decide to sell them, and must have them fixed, among other stipulations. The stray facilities all fix their dogs and cats too, since they have a no kill policy Germany-wide.

[Shane]

I was thinking the same. I was in Heidelberg for two years and the only intact dogs I saw there were show dogs.

[petes67bird]

Castrating a male dog has nothing to do with population. Male dogs are not the ones who actually have babies. Female dogs should be spayed to prevent overpopulation. If a female dog isnt spayed the chances for mammary cancer are high. Neutering a male dog increases their risk of prostate cancer. Almost all dogs who have prostate cancer are neutered and not intact. Please view the enclosed as evidence. link.Castration of Male Dogs

[petes67bird]

For those who dont want to click:



NEUTERING MALE AND FEMALE DOGS


There is some confusion in the minds of the public today regarding recommendations for neutering. In the bitch, or female dog, it is true that there is a genuine statistical advantage for bitches spayed before they come in heat for the first time, as regards the possibility of developing mammary cancer later in life.

While the breeder doesn't often see mammary cancer in their older bitches which remain un-spayed, this may be a reflection of a protective effect from nursing puppies. Certainly not all intact bitches develop mammary cancer. Certainly all bitches spayed before 6 months of age are not protected from getting mammary cancer. But there is a statistically significant advantage to this procedure in bitches which are not part of a breeding program.

The situation in dogs (male dogs), is not equivalent. It is no longer medically justifiable to castrate dogs for prevention of cancer. The overwhelming mass of data to the contrary can no longer be ignored, and publications are out there so that no veterinarian can use the excuse of ignorance. Castration predisposes to highly malignant prostatic cancer. Nearly all dogs afflicted with this nasty tumor are neutered individuals. Testicular cancers are very rare and almost always benign. Perianal adenoma can be treated by castration if and when it arises. It too is benign although messy.

I have always held that male-to-male dog-to-dog aggression is the only justification for castration. Many owners wish to castrate their male puppies thinking that all sorts of behavioral problems will be solved. Such as roaming. Most of these behaviors can only be altered by husbandry and training. Others are convinced that by castrating their dog, they will be doing the right thing regarding 'population control' - the fact is, males do not have puppies, females do. Castration is the search for the "quick fix" for people who don't wish to invest the time and effort necessary to care for their dogs properly. And, it may help; if not, the obesity which develops may achieve the desired effect.

With large breeds, early castration often results in an animal with an insufficient breadth of chest for orthopedic health. Seeing the number of giant breeds that I do, I am very aware of the tragic effects of castration on young males. The narrow chests which result are inadequate to support the weight that so many neutered animals, male or female, put on. These dogs then have to develop a 'toe-out' stance, with valgus deformity of the carpus, in an attempt to broaden their base for weight bearing. Once you've seen the harm caused by this practice in person, you quickly change that 'knee-jerk' reaction so often seen, of 'neuter everything that breathes'. If you do choose to castrate your male dog, by all means wait until he is at least one year old for small to medium size breeds, or at least 2 years old for giant breeds.

[skigod377]

Good info. Thanks for that.

[brunie's mom]

Originally Posted by petes67bird

Castrating a male dog has nothing to do with population. Male dogs are not the ones who actually have babies. Female dogs should be spayed to prevent overpopulation. If a female dog isnt spayed the chances for mammary cancer are high. Neutering a male dog increases their risk of prostate cancer. Almost all dogs who have prostate cancer are neutered and not intact. Please view the enclosed as evidence. link.Castration of Male Dogs

What nonsense!
Who the hell do you think impregnates the females??? It's male intact dogs.
Just because they do not have the puppies...it does not mean that male dog owners are not responsible.

As far as the article goes...it does not cover all things about leaving a male dog intact. I can find 5 articles written by vets that will say that it is healthier for them to be neutered....we can find any article on the net to argue any fact.
In nature dogs were meant to be breeding, when we take away that act...we (meaning dog owners) also can create problems. Almost every week we have someone here posting with an intact, male dog 5 years old, or older having prostate problems. The prostate enlarges, and often gets infected and the dog has a hard time urinating, or is urinating with blood...this is caused by testosterone. The only cure is neutering.

Many people buy their dogs from COE breeders and must have the dog neutered by a certain age...that's part of the contract.

Unless you are showing or working, or the dog is being bred....most pet owners do not need to leave their dogs intact. I have a feeling it's a male thing....the owner's have no problems having the female spayed....but OMG don't touch the boys.

Gina

[petes67bird]

Originally Posted by brunie's mom

What nonsense!
Who the hell do you think impregnates the females??? It's male intact dogs.
Just because they do not have the puppies...it does not mean that male dog owners are not responsible.

As far as the article goes...it does not cover all things about leaving a male dog intact. I can find 5 articles written by vets that will say that it is healthier for them to be neutered....we can find any article on the net to argue any fact.
In nature dogs were meant to be breeding, when we take away that act...we (meaning dog owners) also can create problems. Almost every week we have someone here posting with an intact, male dog 5 years old, or older having prostate problems. The prostate enlarges, and often gets infected and the dog has a hard time urinating, or is urinating with blood...this is caused by testosterone. The only cure is neutering.

Many people buy their dogs from COE breeders and must have the dog neutered by a certain age...that's part of the contract.

Unless you are showing or working, or the dog is being bred....most pet owners do not need to leave their dogs intact. I have a feeling it's a male thing....the owner's have no problems having the female spayed....but OMG don't touch the boys.

Gina

Hi Gina thanks for your reply. You have helped me numerous times with answering questions regarding rocky. I just wanted to let you know I did not mean that having a male means you have no responsibility. Having any type of animal is accompanied with responsibilities. I think the neutering issue is a matter of opinion and can be turned into an argument pro and con with any viewpoint that we agree with. It is the same thing with almost any issue such as smoking in public places, or feeding a raw diet to your dog etc... I was just letting people know my beliefs and the information that I believe to be correct and posting a vets response for some validity. I think when it comes to neutering, you should read as much info as you can regarding the topic and make your own decision. This is the same as circumcision for your children, it depends on what you deem to be the correct practice according to your beliefs. This is a topic that people will never agree upon. Other than that, everyone have a great Easter weekend and keep up the great work of helping others.

[MEGF]

What Does Byb Mean Regarding Breeders?

[brunie's mom]

Originally Posted by MEGF

What Does Byb Mean Regarding Breeders?

Back Yard Breeder. Someone that breeds without getting any titles on their dogs or doing any health certifications...often people that get a male and a female and think it's a great idea for them to have puppies. Or some one that thinks that their lovely pet dog should be bred with the neighbors dog.
Most often BYB's place ads in the papers or online, to sell their puppies.

Gina

[damp]

Originally Posted by stale

anyone who is not a breeder/shower has no reason to not alter their dogs, IM(ns)HO. really, if you're not showing in a field that requires you to be intact, and aren't holding on for breeding, then the responsible act is for you to alter your animal. at 6 months or 1.5 years, makes no major difference - i'd rather see a six month old altered than a 1 year old as a sire/dam....

stale

So are you saying I am not a responsible owner, because my 8 years old dog is intact?????


IMHO... you got it all wrong!
Responsibility is the same, no matter if your dog is intact or not! Period!

[kclinch]

http://www.akcchf.org/pdfs/newsletters/spring_2008.pdf

AKC's Canine Health Foundation has a timely article on what ages to spay/neuter.