I dropped Titan at the vet this morning to be neutered. Most clinics won't do this for a pup younger than 6 months, but studies suggest that the only "negative" side effect of the pediatric procedure is that dogs tend to grow up leggy. At TDBCR we've had a firm policy of sterilizing all foster pups at 8 weeks for several years without any complications, so I feel confident in this decision. As a working dog Titan (a) needs to keep his mind on his job and (b) cannot be allowed to see goats as an outlet for his sexual energy. The sooner those hormones are out of his system, the better.
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One of my favorite Far Side cartoons!
I find it amazing how this little cartoon has worked its way into near-ubiquitous understanding. If I said "I'm taking Titan to get tutored" I bet that 75% of folks would know what I meant.
Agree! That cartoon is a classic!
Most vets will neuter a make as soon as there are testicles in the sac. As long as the animal is strong enough to stand the anesthetic (usually over 5 pounds or so) it can be done.
A friend of mine was unable to get her cats spayed before a couple of litters were born (grrrr!). She DID find excellent homes for some, and has kept all of the others. One female was deathly ill as a kit, and has never even gotten to 5 pounds after more than 7 years. But then again, she's also too small to go into heat! And now all those cats are indoor only, and all except her are fixed, so no worries!
But people still think an animal MUST "have a litter" or even "have one heat" before being fixed! I just don't understand!
I always fixed my 'walking' pets as soon as possible, to prevent the leg lifting, aggression, and unwanted litters that can occur!
We've always had the rescue pups done at 8 weeks, so I was surprised that so many vets were unwilling to take the 45-pound Titan at 14 weeks.
Glad we got him done, anyhow. He is a great dog, but going through that stage where he pushes the boundaries to see if they will give. Much easier to deal with when there's no hormones involved.
We are huge spay/neuter supporters, happy to know that none of our pets have contributed to overpopulation (in our care, at least...both female cats had litters before we got them).
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