ok somewhere ive heard that u can spay or neuter puppys before they hit pueberty
2006-08-17 10:43:06 · 9 answers · asked by shotty707 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
ok heres the deal, the vets always wait that long because puppies and kittens at 8 weeks are vulnerable to the anesthia used in the surgery but yes it is possible to spay and neuter both that early (humane society will sometimes do it) I had both my male cats neutered at 10 weeks, but I worked for the vet at the time so they did it for me, but it is usually better to wait till closer to the 6 month mark, but your better to do it sooner (female dogs can go into heat anytime after the 4 month mark-usually not till about 6 but anytime after 4, and they can get a pyometria (infected uterus) and male dogs can start marking (peing little bits everywhere) if you wait to long. If you were to choose to neuter early get a blood test on the animal to make sure it can handle the medication involved for the surgery
2006-08-17 11:04:22 · answer #1 · answered by Jen B 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes you can spay/neuter at 8 weeks, and yes it is safe.
Many vets will suggest waiting until 12-16 weeks so the puppy has a more mature immune system, as surgery is stressful to the body and can make a pup more succeptable to viruses.
IF you have an experienced vet with an experienced staff, there is no more risk of anesthesia than an older pet, just be sure to ask if they do a lot of pediatric surgeries.
I can tell you from personal experience that younger pups (3-4 months old) recover a lot faster than dogs who are older.
What is NOT true is:
1. You have to wait till 6 months old (by now your dog/cat can already be in heat, and risk pregnancy)
2. Leads to health problems (like what? it actually reduces the risk of mammary cancer by 95% is spayed before 1st heat- the risk increases with each heat cycle, why risk it)
3. Leads to urine leaking (while older spayed females can leak urine it has nothing to do with the age they are spayed, it has to do with lack of estrogen which happens any time a pet is spayed)
4. Leads to obesity (too much food and not enough exercise leads to obesity, feed your pet responsibly and they will no be over weight!)
5. Leads to behavior problems (if by "problem" you mean a pet that retains a lot of youthful personality, and generally more friendly around other dogs & people, I just dont see the issue)
6. Leads to improper maturing/development (the ONLY developmental problems, if you can even call them that is males wont learn to lift their leg, and the possibility of the dog being slightly larger as the growth plates will close a little later in life)
2006-08-17 12:54:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Okay- here's the deal- from someone inside the "Dog Fancy". I have exhibited dogs for several years. Some breeders will spay early because they have been burned by untrustworthy puppy buyers. Technically you can spay them- BUT you can end up having a dog with behavior problems, or worse a physical problem that causes the dog to be incontinent (leaks urine) for the rest of it's life and would need to be on medication for the condition. That is the main reason I personally would not spay or neuter that early. Plus, waiting until the dog is around age 2 will help the dog to mature at a normal rate.
2006-08-17 11:54:34 · answer #3 · answered by hba2cmom 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
My vet said between 4 months and 6 months is the best. I got a discount for doing it before 6 months old (before her first heat that usually takes place in the 6th month). I have heard of some vets doing it earlier than that, but I don't think that's too early for growing puppies. You want it done before 6 months! And most vets will do it as soon as the puppy has their rabies shot, which is done at 4 months old.
2006-08-17 13:55:00 · answer #4 · answered by niubutterfly 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
NO WAY!!! you have to wait till the puppy goes threw its puberty. I doubt you'll find anyone who will actually do it before hes 6 months. If its a behavioral problem, remember its a puppy! and they will be a puppy for 12-18 months.
Good luck
2006-08-17 10:57:09 · answer #5 · answered by Laura 1 · 1⤊ 4⤋
no you usually have to wait till their at least 6 months
2006-08-17 10:51:13 · answer #6 · answered by Mae 3 · 2⤊ 4⤋
hey stupid, u cant do that until there at least 6 months. i wait until mine was almost 2 yrs
2006-08-17 11:22:45 · answer #7 · answered by buddythedog 3 · 1⤊ 4⤋
No you can't - they have to be 6 months.
2006-08-17 11:10:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
YES!!!
DO IT!!!
2006-08-18 02:15:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋