I don’t neuter[1]castrate is the gender-specific term for males my male dogs without an explicit medical reason. I do neuter[2]spay is the gender-specific term for females my females at 6-9 years of age. My neutering protocol takes discipline, record keeping, extra work/time in dog management, and requisite housing facilities. I understand that not all dog owners can/will do the same. But, we can all educate ourselves without too much trouble. Contrary to antiquated but commonly held belief, rarely does neutering correct training or behavioral uses. Early neutering does however cause sundry health issues.
Here’s an article:
“I would urge all pet owners to seek out vasectomy or ovary sparing spay for their dogs, if at all possible. If this is not possible, please wait until after sexual puberty to neuter your dogs. For bitches, wait at least two months after a heat cycle, and at least one month before the next cycle is expected. This will ensure that the procedure is performed during the diestrus period, when hormonal influence is the lowest.”
S.F. Chapman DVM, MRCVS, VetMFHom
Please weigh your decision carefully, and consider the long term health of your dog.
