What Is the Best Age to Neuter a Male Dog?
Neutering your male dog has many health benefits. The procedure also helps to control pet homelessness. Working with our veterinarian in Tucson can help you determine what is best for your pet.
Benefits of Neutering
Neutering your male dog can help prevent prostate problems and testicular cancer. It may also make your male dog less likely to run away from home. Non-neutered males will do anything to find a mate, and if they escape, they will gladly risk fights with other animals or injury in traffic. A neutered male may also be better behaved. He won’t be marking his territory or mounting inanimate objects, people, or other dogs. Neutering early on can also solve certain aggression problems. It’s also cost-effective, as the cost of the procedure is much cheaper than having to care for a whole litter of puppies.
When to Neuter
The traditional age for neutering is six to nine months. However, puppies as young as eight weeks can be neutered as long as there aren’t other health problems. An adult dog can be neutered at any time but there is a larger risk of complications. Older dogs, dogs that have health problems, and dogs that are overweight, all face a greater risk of complications.
Caring for Your Pet After the Neuter Procedure
Our veterinary clinic will provide pre-surgical advice that should be followed. Your dog will need adequate nutrition and your veterinarian may not want you to withhold food. You should also follow the post-operative instructions. There can be some discomfort after surgery but our vet can also help you with measures to control the pain. To provide a comfortable recovery, you should have your pet be in a quiet place away from other animals. You may need to prevent your dog from jumping and running for two weeks. You may also need to prevent licking, which can cause infection. Monitor the incision daily to make sure it’s healing correctly.
Visit Our Veterinarian
To learn more about neutering your dog in Tucson, AZ, call Twin Peaks Veterinary Center at (520) 413-9422 or request an appointment online today.