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Thursday, 16 August 2012

At what age can a dog be neutered

By Jerry Welsh


Dogs owners find it difficult to decide whether to have the dog neutered or not. The most common reason for neutering the dog is to reduce the number of unwanted homeless dogs that have to be put to sleep every year. The owner with no plans of breeding would make sure that the pet is neutered so as not to add to the stray dogs problem.

To prevent reproduction, the testicles are surgically removed. The procuedure though is not done solely for the prevention of reproduction as experts attest that this surgical procedure give the canine a healthier, happier and longer life. Healthier - because a neutered dog will not be open to the risk of testicle cancer. The hormone level of a castrated dog is controlled thus bad behavior that is associated with mood swings will be controlled as well. Castration is said to give the pet a longer life as aside from minimizing the risks for some health concerns, castrated pets have no inclination to roam thus accidents that can lead to the death of the pet is avoided.

However, owners have many reservations on the right time to neuter the dog . There are many beliefs about neutering the pet. Many owners believe that if the canine is castrated at an early age the physical development as well as the personality of the pet will be affected.

There is also a notion that if castration is done before puberty the dog will not make an outstanding companion as the playful and affectionate nature will be obliterated. Experts refute the veracity of these beliefs. The dog's personality and physical development will not be affected if it is castrated before it has attained puberty. When is the right time to have the pet neutered?

Except for newborn puppies, dogs can be neutered anytime. Considering the age of the pet would be rather hard if it was adopted from a shelter or if the canine that was adopted was a stray. The neutering procedure can be done at any age providing the testicles have descended but as the primary reason for neutering is to prevent reproduction, it would be best if it is neutered before it has attained sexual maturity. A Shih Tzu or any other toy breeds can be neutered at six months as these breed gain sexual maturity early. Large breeds are best neutered at about 1 year of age as these canines take longer to attain sexual maturity.




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