Question about spaying/neutering - Page 1

I'm going to have Lily (6 mos old GSD) spayed. I'm seeking opinions on what age I should have it done. Of course, I've discussed this with my veterinarian. But, due to past experiences, I'm wanting a more personal type of viewpoint on the issue. I DO know that I'm waiting until she is at least 12 months old.
My other female GSD was spayed before she was 12 months old and developed urinary incontinence soon after. One of my male GSDs was neutered at 6 months old and had to be euthanized this past January at 5 1/2 years old, due to osteosarcoma. In my opinion, it was due to having them both altered under a year old. But, not positive that's the reason for either of their health issues. In short, what age is considered the "norm/safe" (for users of this forum) to have a dog spayed if they are never to be used in a breeding program? Also, curious about the same as far as neutering a male GSD.

I know that opinions have changed about spay and neuter these days. But most of the studies have been done with cancer riddled breeds. Like rottweilers and goldens. So i don't think it's really a fair sampling.
But i my self prefer to wait until a dog is older before i spay or neuter. My exception has been my boxer, who was born with a split pallet and monocryptorchid. And the dog i have taken for rescue. Which are fixed regardless of their age or background. I think if you can wait until she is a bit older then that is better. But you also have to be concerned with heats, pyos and accidental breeding. And if you compete with your female then it never fails that b!tch comes in heats just in time to mess up your show.  As for neuters, I'm not so much in a rush and my last dog got to keep his bits because he earned them, even though i never did breed him.
More important is your dogs genetic background. Is there a history of cancers? Has any other dogs suffered incontinence? Or any other health issues?
All important questions to ask with the spay questions.
Good luck and best wishes with your pups.
Fry

Kimberlysm,
 It's not a matter of waiting till your girl turns 12 months, it makes more sense that you spay her after her first
heat, then you know she has matured.
 I have a 12 1/2 yr old female I spayed at age 7 and her daughter that is now over ten years old and unspayed, both are in very good health!

As far as neutering a male dog.......why?  They don't go into heat and if you are a responsible dog owner then they are most likely walked on a leash or with you most of the time, I would say if your male runs free around the neighborhood, then get him fixed;)

Here is some food for thought!

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

http://www.caninesports.com/uploads/1/5/3/1/15319800/spay_neuter_considerations_2013.pdf


  Good luck with your decision!


 

i don't spay or neuter unless the dog has problems.  i hardly ever breed dogs anymore either.  i just
choose to leave them intact unless there is a need to alter them.  just my choice.  everyone has to
decide for themselves.  pjp

one other thing......i don't buy dogs from people who insist on spay/neuter contracts nor do i buy dogs on limited
registration.  (and i won't buy from people who whelp in kiddie pools)  most breeders have a long list of criteria
that a potential buyer has to meet and a long list of questions.........i have no problem with that, but they also
need to understand that i have my own list of criteria & questions.  :)   pjp

What's wrong with kiddy pools? I whelped a litter that way and it worked great until the pups got older.

This is one thing to consider. I took in a 10 yo last day shelter dog, unaltered male with prostate problems in part due to his not being neutered. I've had a hell of a time with that. It certainly has given me a different perspective on not neutering. Had he been neutered earlier in life then perhaps he wouldn't be going through what he is now, dribbling urine and having a hard time.

Barb