Whether you have a brand-new puppy or an older dog, you may find yourself wondering when the best time is to have him neutered. Neutering at the right time can make many positive impacts on a dog’s life, but does it always have to be done at the exact time, or can it happen earlier or later?
In this article, we will go over the best times to have your dog neutered in Chicago, IL as well as what might happen if you chose to have him neutered early or late. With this information, you can determine whether or not you want to have your dog neutered now or wait a while longer.
Early Dog Neutering
Many veterinarians have no problem with neutering dogs earlier than the recommended time frame, as long as the puppy is a healthy one and the owner has no problem with it. If the owner suggests it, vets will usually go forward with neutering from as early as two months of age. In many cases, this is a good idea, since puppies may start maturing very quickly after they reach this point and behavioral issues may come to light quickly, too.
Neutering your dog early does not have any harmful side effects. Some pet owners mistakenly believe neutering too early will cause a dog to become overweight. This is not true; dogs may be more content staying at home than trying to run away when they are neutered from an early age, but this has nothing to do with their weight. If you still ensure your dog gets enough exercise as he grows up, there is no reason to believe he will become overweight just from being neutered.
Additionally, some dog owners believe it is healthier to let dogs mate at least once before having them neutered (or spayed). This is also not true; it can sometimes be more detrimental to a dog’s health to let him mate once before having him neutered. In other cases, there is simply no change for the better or worse.
On Time Dog Neutering in Chicago, IL
The key time frame to talk to your vet about neutering your dog is while he is still a puppy somewhere between six and nine months of age. At this time, puppies are old enough to undergo a simple surgical procedure like this one safely but are not yet old enough to be going through behavioral changes related to hormones.
Your vet may not neuter your dog at the same time as he receives vaccinations, for safety and health purposes. Some vets, however, feel there is no reason to wait between vaccination and neutering appointments. If you have any questions about this, be sure to speak to your veterinarian at South Loop Animal Hospital for more information.
There is no need to worry about neutering at this age causing any health or wellbeing issues for your pet. Your vet will tell you if there are any issues you need to be aware of, but if your puppy has not been very sick by this point, there should be no problems. Some puppies with birth defects may need to wait a while longer before they can be safely neutered, however, but again your vet will give you all the information you need to know about this.
Late Dog Neutering
There is no reason why an older dog cannot be neutered, and many rescues neuter older dogs as soon as they arrive and before they are adopted out to new homes. Older dogs may already have some behavioral and temperament issues that cannot be solved by neutering, however, and they may also continue to mark their territory after they have been neutered. Additionally, older dogs may be more prone to chewing on their stitches than puppies, and they may be more difficult to keep still while they recover.
Despite these slight inconveniences, however, most older dogs go through neutering procedures with no trouble at all. Some older dogs who are overweight or who suffer from chronic health conditions may not be good candidates for neutering, though. These dogs generally have too many underlying health concerns to make anesthesia a safe choice, and they may also run more risks of infection and other problems that can arise due to surgery. As with any procedures concerning your pet, your veterinarian remains one of your best sources of information for helping you choose whether or not to neuter your dog.
Talk with Your Vet About Dog Neutering in Chicago, IL
For the most part, there is never a wrong time to neuter your dog. Although there is a better time in your dog’s life, there is no reason why he can’t be neutered at any point as long as his other health conditions meet the requirements.
If you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s capability to be neutered, you can always call (312) 753-5551 and talk with your vet at South Loop Animal Hospital for more information. Some dogs may not be good candidates, but overall, most dogs should have no trouble with this procedure.
