[Dailydrool] Early spay neuter

[Riche Churchill]

Although I am against spaying and neutering before the age of 6 months, 
even that probably is too early, particularly for the large breeds. Just 
because a dog (or human) is capable of reproduction at a relatively 
early age, certainly does not mean they are fully mature. Both dogs and 
humans continue growing after the onset of puberty.

That being said, there are two big problems with not spaying before 
first heat. One is that there undoubtedly will be a lot of unwanted 
puppies "accidentally" produced, and two: most pounds, shelters and 
rescues will not adopt out without a spay-neuter contract that must be 
fulfilled within 30 days. They may have some leeway in the case of very 
young puppies (which many vets won't fix) but mostly not for those past 
4 months of age.

All of our dogs who were obtained as puppies were "fixed" at about 6 
months of age. All are now 7 to 15 years of age and have had no problems 
that could be linked to early alteration. Although I must admit one male 
terrier has never stopped thinking he's intact (but at least he's 
monogamous and showers all his attention on just one pretty little girl 
terrier -- he never even looks at the other girls).

Riche