Risks/Benefits of Early Spay/Neuter - Don't be fooled by your vet! - Page 1

http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf

There's a lot of misinformation and propoganda out there that just ain't true. This paper is the final word on the subject, and I think EVERYONE needs to read it!

Don't let your vet railroad you into a pediatric spay/neuter!  There ARE risks!

http://www.caninesports.com/SpayNeuter.html

Interesting, thought-provoking article.  Most vets are not going to put that much work into learning the specifics of each and every breed of dog, plus each breed's subcategories (males, females, age groups, etc)  So the blanket spay and neuter follows, with its risks and benefits.

Sadly, I think there are too many pet owners who are better off spaying and neutering their pets early, due to the over population issues, but if a person is a responsible dog owner, I don't see a good reason to let your vet make that choice for you.  I strongly believe in informing yourself on every facet of a recommended medical procedure, whether it be for your dog or your own person.  I don't believe in blindly following simply because the doctor says this is what you should do.  Dogs should have the advantages afforded them in maturity by their own physiology, in my opinion.  This little Border mix pup we brought home a few weeks ago is going to get the advantages of maturing before we spay her, for sure. 

Crys

Bullcorn:  All  it takes is being intelligent about your animal where wrong breeding comes into play. God gave us reproductive organs , and if you are not smart enough to keep two dogs apart, then you don't need them.

Plain and simple.  Only severe health issues need address the spay, neuter issue, and not until the pup is over a year old.

Hundreds of owners of gsd , have 2, 3, 6 , 8 , 9  pairs of germans shepherds and never have wrong matings.

People want an excuse to blame their ignorance or their neglect in proper measures , so they can have more free time to play their games of life.  A dog is first in your life or family and his or her care should come first if you want  to not breed or have puppies..It is a very simple task.

I guess we go tape our kids mouth if they talk back for 15 yrs till they become an adult, or we put blindfolds on their eyes to keep them from watching tv or reading porn.??

Easy way out.   Same with spay or neuter, It is an easy way out so YOU don't have to worry about it or put up with the nuisance.  

If dog has health issues or severe health problem, then you spay or neuter for those reasons.

YRT, right on!

I am sick to death of all of those "oops" litters out there, more often than not from people referring to themselves as 'reputable breeders' or 'guardians of the breed'. Gag me! Dog X mates with Bitch Y and the best the 'breeder' can come up with is "he's a very drivey dog" or, my favourite, "I didn't know she was in heat, she just had a litter".

Ignorance and neglect, you said it! Or money.

Wow!  Awesome article.  Makes me even happier I held out against my husband and the vet about spaying our girl.  My husband has done some research and now agrees with us but the vet is more afraid of oops litters and pooh poohs the notion that the risks outweigh the benefits of early spay.  Too bad.  Not sure when we will spay her but I know it won't be before she is 2 years.  Now I'm waffling, maybe I'll wait until she turns 3.  Thanks for sharing this info.

Deb

<<Bullcorn:  All  it takes is being intelligent about your animal where wrong breeding comes into play. >>

But people aren't, are they?  CrysBuck25 is right: the world is too full of stupid, careless people, and I think the other reason is that lots of people never come back after that first check-up.  They just don't bother with shots or wellness checks - there's no way they're coming back 6 months down the road, especially when even the breed boards bash veterinarians as rip-offs morning, noon, and night, right?  Sure, we all know people who have multiple dogs and never have accidental litters, but go check out the msg.boards for vet techs and pre-vet students.  They are chock-full of clients with accidental litters.  Example: grown, married men & women who say things like "No, she can't possibly be pregnant, my only other dog is her brother" or "He can't possibly be the father, he's only 1yo."

A lot of people tried to convince me to have my female fixed before her first heat cycle.  I was given some good information to read and decided on waiting.  She will be 2 in May and I'm thinking her health is better off if she is left intact.

Teri

Thanks Chris,

I have been fighting this battle for years, and been met with befuddled looks from puppy owners and vets alike. Sadly the vets are indoctrinated into the belief system of the "pet control" crowd which means that they try to sterilize as many as possible as early as possible. Jonah

Our local animal shelter is keen on spay/neuter at super young ages.  What are your thoughts on that?