What time is a good time to neuter

[rmarshall]

My Rottie is 13 weeks. The Vet asked if I wanted to get him neutered during his next visit in 3 weeks. That would make him 16 weeks!!!! I want my boy to at least know he had them, before he loses them . Any hoo, when is a good time? 16 weeks seems too young

[chuck2969]

This has been discussed many times on this forum. Search the archives for past threads. Personally, I think any vet that would neuter a rottweiler (or any large breed dog) at 16 weeks does not have the dogs best interest at heart. I would find a new vet. This article might help.www.showdogsupersite.com/kenlclub/breedvet/castrationindogs.html

[brunie's mom]

Please do not have your pup neutered at his young age.
It's been discussed here many times about the health benefits of waiting till the pup is mature to neuter.

Try to wait at least till 12 months of age or older...their major growth is done and they have had the benefits of the hormones.

Get the puppy into obedience classes and keep taking them for a few years...this will help much more than having a pup neutered so young.

Gina

[rmarshall]

Thanks for the advice. I will wait. He does not have behavior problems. I just thought it was strange for them to want to neuter a dog so young. 6-12 mos seems to be the concensus after doing research. I guess 12 mos would be better. By the way, do you think that they wanted to do this for convienence or they are just clueless

[brunie's mom]

I think some vet's are clueless, and some vet's do what many customers want.
I think there is new information out there and some vets are not following it.

About 30 years ago...females were spayed about 6 months of age and males neutered around 9-12 months ( when puberty was kicking in)...then things changed and shelters were overflowing with dogs and cats...and the vets started doing pediatric spays/neuters. Pups and kittens as young as 8 weeks.

Many vets started neutering and spaying earlier in their own practices. Now things have changed again...studies have been done to show that the hormones help protect pups while they are growing .

Glad that you are waiting till later to neuter. Your pup is young now...around 9 months the hormones start kicking in and he may do a bit of testing. Just keep up with the training.

Gina