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August 07, 2009 08:04 PM

How long should you wait before having your dog "fixed"?

How long should you wait before having your dog "fixed"?
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August 07, 2009 08:45 PM
Looks like the AMVA feels like 6 months is about right, but each animal is unique, so you'll want to talk to the vet.

Check out the link for a whole Q&A - which was intersting even to people who already have their animals fixed!
Source(s):
http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/readytoadopt/neuter.asp



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Voted as best: coltech88, dbiddie, buddawiggi
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August 07, 2009 08:58 PM
Six months is the traditional view. The last decade there has been a shift to early spay/neuter. For female dogs and cats this can reduce the risk of mammary cancer and pyometra. Both diseases are expensive to treat and can be deadly.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=584

For male dogs and cats it eliminates the risk of testicular cancer. Neuticels are available for those pet owners who still want their male pets to appear intact after sterilization.

http://www.neuticles.com/index1.html

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August 07, 2009 08:09 PM
According to the American Humane Society, as early as six weeks of age. It might be worth mentioning that the procedure becomes more involved and potentially more expensive as the dog gets older.
Source(s):
http://www.americanhumane.org/protecting-animals/adoption-pet-care/care/spa...


Tags: spay, dog, neuter

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August 07, 2009 08:48 PM
Wow, that's crazy - I looked at both of our links and they say totally conflicting things...!!

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August 07, 2009 08:50 PM
In addition, if you reside in the City of Los Angeles or an unincorporated area of Los Angeles county, it must be done by 16 weeks of age. Free and low-cost spay/neuter services available.
http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/cms1_045463.asp
http://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2007/07-1212_ord_179615.pdf

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August 07, 2009 08:49 PM
It's best to have the procedure done while they are still puppies. Some may suggest that you let them have a litter first but I've heard two different stories regarding this from vets. Typically, it costs less and recovery is much quicker the younger the dog. Check up with the vet, if you don't have a regular one then I would call around and do some q@a. Some charge based on the pets weight. However, both of my dogs had the procedure before becoming full grown. If the dog is indoors, make sure to have it done before they are "in heat". Otherwise, invest in some doggy diapers. I hope all goes well and don't take your pet to a vet just because he/she is cheap. My friend had a bad experience and the vet would not give her dog pain meds, sounds silly but yes they can have pain medication. Wishing you and your pet the best of luck!

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Voted as best: jeansquared
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August 07, 2009 08:50 PM
I've usually seen people wait until about eight months of age. Do it as soon as you think your dog is ready, though, because you don't want any surprises.

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August 07, 2009 09:15 PM
My vet has always recommended six months of age. Remember that when the animal is fixed, it has an impact on what their final grown size will be. Too early and their size may be reduced.
Source(s):
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/spayneut.html


Tags: spay, dog, neuter

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Voted as best: aviat0r, jfs
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August 07, 2009 10:01 PM
I think we had ours done at 4 months old. I would just go with your vets recommendation.

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