by kam
(canada)
hey again,
I am just wondering whether i should neuter my 14 week old male rottie?
I know it’s early now, so my question is… is neutering him (6 month) good or bad?
Hi Kam
Although there are some conflicting ideas about this, general opinion from veterinarians and other animal health professionals indicates that neutering (or spaying) a pup before 6 months of age is beneficial health-wise.
It protects them from a variety of reproductive order conditions. With a male it can also help reduce the chances of him ‘spraying or marking’ his territory by lifting his leg (your home furnishings and carpets will really appreciate this!). It can also reduce male-to-male aggression and the desire to wander off or chase after females in season.
I’d personally recommend having your pup neutered sometime before he reaches 6 months old. I’d also suggest discussing it all with your own veterinarian as individuals vets may prefer a certain time-frame or have other considerations.
Hope this helps, best of luck with your pup.
“There is insufficient evidence to make a blanket statement regarding the best age to spay or neuter most breeds,” he says. “It should be a decision an informed owner makes with his or her veterinarian.”
There is now overwhelming evidence that spay/ neuter increases your rotties risk of dying from bone cancer. 1 in 4 neutered Rotts will meet this end. Please dont even think about neutering your boy at this tender age. 1 Year is the minimum! 2 is better. The more time you give him to let him grow, the more life he will have to live. Early neuter/spay also increase the risk of deadly Hemangioscarcoma,Cruciate ligament injury, Thyroid problems, incontinence in females and obesity. Vets have a vested interest in spay/neuter and some will not paint the full picture.
There are diseases such as Pyometra, a dangerous uterine infection that an intact bitch can suffer from, but unlike bone cancer its survivable if treated early. There is also an increased risk of testicular cancer for males, but again, the risk of OS is bigger and badder.
Both my intact girls lived to be 13. I implore you to research this before making a decision.
Best wishes xx