How old does a dog have to be before he can be neutered?

Question

I have a new puppy, and I need to get him fixed, but I don't know how long to wait. Can someone give me an idea?
Thanks

I'm definietly going to call the vet, but I can't call her now, because it's 12:16 in the morning. I'll see if she is open tomorrow, but my puppy is 8 weeks old.

Answer 1

It truely depends on when the dogs testicles drop. Each vet has their own preference on when they think it is best to do it but it usually depends on when the dog "drops"

Answer 2

Standard is about 4-6 months. Anytime you put a dog under anesthesia there are always risks involved so I really don't recommend it for a really young pups. A very young dog may not be able to cope with bacteria, infection, pain killers, etc... as well as a somewhat older puppy. Also depending on the breed, if they are prone to low blood sugar you definately don't want to do this until they put on a little weight. Its great you are getting your dog fixed though!

Answer 3

I just had my puppy dixed in October. They have to be at least 3 months, but most vets will say around 5 to 6 months. Depends on the breed.

Answer 4

Being 8 weeks - ASAP - the sooner you do it, the less time he has to get used to having them - He'll put on weight and lose motivation if you wait. Also the longer you ignore it, the more pain he will experience, from furthered cellular development, and hormonal dependence. If you are going to do it, Do it as soon as you can get him in to the Vet. To do it after he has "developed" is considered "mean." - good luck - and congratulations for being a part of ending over population in domesticated animals - which leads to the very sad disposal of the unwanted.

Answer 5

You need to wait until between 5-6 months old before neutering him. The vet will tell you their recommendations. Get his shots up to date before you neuter him.

Answer 6

My vet said 4 months. So I took my dog in the very day he was 4 months old. My vet does laser so it is easier on the dog. Find out if your vet does this. Or find one that does do laser surgery. Faster recovery and less blood loss.

Answer 7

== Age == is not the defining datum: WEIGHT is the Q.

any pup or kitten over 2#'s (that's two pounds) can be desexed - in F dogs, tho not cats, U also want to WAIT till at least 16 wks/4 mos age - F pups who are early-juvenile spays are more-likely to have urinary-incontinence problems as adults.

this doesn't apply to Male pups, Male kits, or Female kits - only F pups.

it's cuz the urinary-sphincter (the 'purse-string muscle' around the bladder-neck) in F dogs needs to mature a bit more, so even tho they're over 2#'s, waiting till 4 mos age minimum before spaying STILL gets the F dog that pre-estrus spay, saving her 99% of the odds for mammary-cancer, and still cuts her chances of pyometra enormously... but Does Not add to her chances of urinary-incontinence.

old dogs of either sex may have incontinence-issues... either urine or stool. if this occurs, the vet has meds that can help; low-dose hormones for F's, or phenylpropanolamine, can help 'dry up' urine-leakage in senior-dogs or young-adults.

Answer 8

My vet said 5 months, although I have heard of them being done alot younger. Go with the vet's recommendation. Enjoy your new friend!

Answer 9

I have two dogs, and we got them both fixed. They were 5 months. I hear anywhere from 4-6 months is good. Of course you can get them fixed anytime after that.

Answer 10

12 weeks