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What’s the reason given for waiting till they’ve finished growing? I’ve also heard that but not heard why
AlexD-
What’s the reason given for waiting till they’ve finished growing? I’ve also heard that but not heard why
Just googled it and this is the clearest concise summary I can find:
Having your dog spayed or neutered early will not stunt your puppy’s growth, but it might affect the joints of large breed dogs. Studies show that early spay/neuter does affect the growth plate, delaying its closure and causing dogs to grow taller than they should have. This can predispose the dog to later joint problems.
Stonehedge
We had Otto done at 12 months and our Vet was of the opinion that it was a bit too late too.
A majority of vets think 6 to 12 months is the sweet spot for most breeds but there are an increasing numebr of vets and an even larger number of dog owners who have the opinion that you need to wait until the dog has finished growing. There are some large breeds where there is consensus on this but the most common opinion is still 6 to 12 months. Vets seem pretty much in total agreement that a bitch should not be spayed until she has had her first season.
Our vet is of the strong opinion that there is little or no evidence to support later neutering, with the exception of some very large breeds. As I said, there are some who disagree with this but I trust our vet.
Anecdotally I don't know anybody who wishes they hadn't neutered at < 12 months but I know at least half a dozen people who regret waiting until 18 months due to learned behavoural problems. Whether these behavoural problems (roaming, fighting etc) are down to late neutering or just shit training is anybody's guess.