Getting a Dog Neutered?

Question

How old is too late to get a dog neutered?

Answer 1

No such thing as a dog being too old! We recently neutered an 11 year old GS.

My professional advice would be to have a Pre-Anesthetic Mini Screening (blood work) done prior to the surgery. The Mini Screening focuses on the main organs affected by the anesthetic (kidneys and liver) to ensure he can handle the anesthesia due to age.

I wish you luck!

Answer 2

In theory, no dog is too old. Some dogs have reasons for not being neutered such as very small dogs, dogs with heart problems, or dogs that a vet does not think can handle the trauma of surgery or the act of going under anesthesia.

Talk to your vet. They will be able to tell you if they recommend neutering your dog or not.

Answer 3

Never, unless he's old and debilitated and unsuitable for an anaesthetic.

It's usually done from 5 months of age. Be aware that after about 18 months - 2 years of age, neutering is unlikely to have any effect on the behaviour of male dogs, as things like territoriality and sexual mounting may have become learned behaviours by this stage i.e no longer anything to do with hormones.

It's never too late to try to save your dog from prostate and testicular cancer. I assume you're talking about a male - if you're talking about a female then neutering is even more vital - never too late to whip that uterus out before it becomes a pyometra!!

Chalice

Answer 4

I've had neutered dogs and unneutered dogs. I've had dogs neutered at an early age and those who were done as adults. The WORST issues I've ever had was with a dog who was neutered at 5 months. He was AWFUL when b*tches were in season... broke out of crates, chewed through walls, climbed fences-- he tied a couple of my b*tches. Despite massive socialization he was also VERY dog aggressive. He was the only dog I've ever had to correct more than once for marking in the house. --- the only issue he didn't have that tradtionally is "fixed" by neutering is wandering. The health issues are valid. However, there are also health issues that are heightened by neutering too early, especially in a large breed dog. Generally speaking, I believe most of the "issues" people have with intact dogs have more to do with the owner, and occassionally that individual dog, than the do with anything else. My dogs don't wander because I don't let them My dogs are not dog aggressive because I won't tolerate it. My dogs don't mark in the house because I won't tolerate it. I have intact males who I run together when I have b*tches in season. While this may not be possible for every dog, mine know that any squabbling will lead to bad things for them... so they just don't do it. Edit: Humping is an issue with the owner, dominance... and ALLOWING it. I've NEVER had a dog (male or female) who humped.

Answer 5

Unless your dog is a senior citizen, it's not too late! The only reason senior dogs cannot be neutered is because they may not handle the surgery/recovery so well. Some senior dogs can, some can't! It depends!

Answer 6

As long as the anesthesia isn't a concern, age shouldn't be an issue. Rescue groups neuter adult (and senior) animals all the time. Just make sure your vet knows of any underlying health issues your dog may have that would make any surgery more risky.

Answer 7

Its never too late, it depends on the condition and health of a dog.
If theres been any previous emergencies, surgeries or use for anesthesia. The more times a dog goes under anesthesia the more dangerous it becomes.

Answer 8

When they become seniors (usually 8yrs). If the vet is willing to neuter them then they are still young enough.

Answer 9

It's never too late. I've had it done on senior dogs with no problems.

Answer 10

It's never too late ;) Unless he's really old and might not make it through the surgery.