Experiences on when to neuter

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Dec 15th, 2022 3:02 pm

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Dec 8th, 2022 9:44 pm

Kaitlyn [OP]: Deal Guru; May 6, 2005; 11516 posts; 1487 upvotes; GVR

Dec 8th, 2022 9:44 pm

Experiences on when to neuter

Experiences with best time to neuter? My Brittany Spaniel pup is 8 months old, 37lbs, and I 100% intend to neuter just not sure when? I know at least a couple littermates have already spayed+neutered but I think that was mostly related to daycare requirements (which may also be an issue on my horizon?)

His limbs are quite long I expect him to still fill out but feel like he’s otherwise just about done growing to his full size?

I’m not seeing any marking behaviour. And he lifts his leg to pee on post at home but basically never lifts his leg on walks

Over last couple weeks he definitely wants to hump me a lot more - and is showing… excitement… during this time. I know it’s not always sexual but feel he does get plenty of daily mental+physical exercise. He gets into a “zone” where it’s like he doesn’t hear/listen to me at all and just very focused on his need to hump.

Not noticed any adverse behaviours around other dogs - either from him or towards him.

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Dec 9th, 2022 2:20 am

kittypink: Deal Addict; Jul 4, 2009; 1615 posts; 1001 upvotes; Windsor, ON area

Dec 9th, 2022 2:20 am

In my experience and research, the best time to neuter/spay is when the dog is fully grown. For a Brittany spaniel, I think it’s 12 to 16 months.

There’s many benefits to waiting, such as the dog having proper bone density. Dogs fixed too early tends to have bones and growth plates not fully developed. For females spayed too early, some will experience problems with bladder control.

There are also benefits to having the dog fixed early, first thing that comes to mind is ovarian and testicular cancer, but it’s such a small percentage that when I looked into it, I still think it’s better to wait a little.

So, if it was me, I would probably have him fixed at a little over a year.

I have a mini poodle and she was 15 months when I had her spayed.

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Dec 9th, 2022 4:18 pm

Kaitlyn [OP]: Deal Guru; May 6, 2005; 11516 posts; 1487 upvotes; GVR

Dec 9th, 2022 4:18 pm

kittypink wrote: ↑ In my experience and research, the best time to neuter/spay is when the dog is fully grown. For a Brittany spaniel, I think it’s 12 to 16 months.

There’s many benefits to waiting, such as the dog having proper bone density. Dogs fixed too early tends to have bones and growth plates not fully developed. For females spayed too early, some will experience problems with bladder control.

There are also benefits to having the dog fixed early, first thing that comes to mind is ovarian and testicular cancer, but it’s such a small percentage that when I looked into it, I still think it’s better to wait a little.

So, if it was me, I would probably have him fixed at a little over a year.

I have a mini poodle and she was 15 months when I had her spayed.

Yeah as my adventure buddy, I mostly want to ensure he’s fully grown (outside of health/behavioural issues etc popping up) but if I’m not mistake the only way to know that is to do X-rays, otherwise you’re just guesstimating

Dec 10th, 2022 1:02 pm

ROYinTO: Deal Fanatic; Dec 12, 2009; 5563 posts; 3055 upvotes; Toronto

Dec 10th, 2022 1:02 pm

We are in the spay/neuter later camp.
Alternatives are vasectomy or ovary sparing spay.
You may have to hunt for a vet that regularly does these.

Dec 11th, 2022 12:32 am

oilerfan89: Sr. Member; Sep 15, 2017; 901 posts; 1112 upvotes

Dec 11th, 2022 12:32 am

No point neutering a male. To each their own.

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Dec 11th, 2022 2:13 am

kittypink: Deal Addict; Jul 4, 2009; 1615 posts; 1001 upvotes; Windsor, ON area

Dec 11th, 2022 2:13 am

Many reasons to neuter a male.

Most important reason in my opinion is the comfort and happiness of the animal. Having a sex drive and not being able to do anything about it sounds like torture.

Also, neutering helps lessens the anxiety of dogs wanting to wander to look for females in heat.

Testicular cancer is also a reason. Intact males have a much higher chances.

I see more pros to neutering than cons.

The cons that I am aware of is neutered//spayed animals tend to gain weight, but that can be controlled through diet and exercise.

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Dec 11th, 2022 1:20 pm

oilerfan89: Sr. Member; Sep 15, 2017; 901 posts; 1112 upvotes

Dec 11th, 2022 1:20 pm

Sure sure, risk urinary incontinence, messing up hormones, maturation. Increased risk of osteosarcoma, hypothyroidism, cognitive impairments, and increased risk to vaccine reactions.

Also as per the AKC "Neutering also does not prevent prostate cancer. “As a matter of fact,” Dr. Hart told me, based on available data, “prostate cancer in males is more common in neutered than intact dogs.”"

I've never had a problem with any males and roaming or sexual urges, but I also have well trained dogs that aren't allowed to "wander".

Sounds like your biggest issue is building a fence and obedience.

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Dec 11th, 2022 7:10 pm

Hood_Rep: Deal Addict; Oct 21, 2006; 1146 posts; 654 upvotes

Dec 11th, 2022 7:10 pm

kittypink wrote: ↑ Many reasons to neuter a male.

Most important reason in my opinion is the comfort and happiness of the animal. Having a sex drive and not being able to do anything about it sounds like torture.

Also, neutering helps lessens the anxiety of dogs wanting to wander to look for females in heat.

Testicular cancer is also a reason. Intact males have a much higher chances.

I see more pros to neutering than cons.

The cons that I am aware of is neutered//spayed animals tend to gain weight, but that can be controlled through diet and exercise.

all BS ^^^

+1

Dec 15th, 2022 3:02 pm

Gqsmooth: Jr. Member; Jun 14, 2022; 125 posts; 138 upvotes

Dec 15th, 2022 3:02 pm

kittypink wrote: ↑ Many reasons to neuter a male.

Most important reason in my opinion is the comfort and happiness of the animal. Having a sex drive and not being able to do anything about it sounds like torture.

Also, neutering helps lessens the anxiety of dogs wanting to wander to look for females in heat.

Testicular cancer is also a reason. Intact males have a much higher chances.

I see more pros to neutering than cons.

The cons that I am aware of is neutered//spayed animals tend to gain weight, but that can be controlled through diet and exercise.

Aggression issues is a big one as well, especially in bully breeds.

+1

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