Neutering Question

[Canesmom]

If you have looked in the Picture This section, you'll see that we just added a new dog to our home. He is an intact possible pitbull mix. The people that we got him from have no idea how old he is but say that he can't be over 1 1/2. I want to get him neutered ASAP but is there a certain age that it's not good for them? Another (quiet graphic) question...........if he were only 1 1/2 wouldn't his balls be pretty small? I ask because his are REALLY saggy and wrinkled! I know I probably sound like a total idiot but I thought if he were younger that they would be...........NEVERMIND. Seriously though, I want to do what's best for him. Thanks.

[hokisteph5]

I'm not sure of the answer to the second question so I'll leave that one to others. When it comes to the first one, though, there doesn't seem to be an age that's too late. Due to ignorance and no advocating for it by my vet, my late beagle wasn't neutered until he was over three years old. He did just fine and I often wished he had been neutered sooner.

[spidey]

I wouldn't neuter a dog before 2 years in most cases, and there is no age that is "too late" - if the dog can handle the anaesthetic, it can handle the surgery. But if there's any chance of him escaping, or if you don't feel you can manage an intact dog responsibly, please neuter him right away.

[brunie's mom]

I would go ahead and have this dog neutered. No need leaving this rescue Pit mix intact. Since you do not know his age (he could be more than 1 and half)...there is no need to wait.

I guess it does depend on the breed and the age of the dog. Most pups do not have saggy, wrinkled testicles ...usually older dogs do.
I think any rescues, or shelter dogs should be neutered/spayed when adopted.

Gina

[Canesmom]

Thanks so much for the replies. He has an appointment next week for a check-up so I'll set up an appt. for that as well.