Benefits of spay/neutering?

[Lora]

This is VERY interesting.... thoughts?

http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/longt...uterindogs.pdf

[Swissy Mom]

Cash's breeder and I actually had a long conversation about this when we picked him up. She has seen (and agrees with) much of what is said in that report. Anecdotally, we kept Shiva, our husky, intact until he was 7 1/2 when his prostate began to enlarge and he was the healthiest dog I've ever had. I would prefer to keep Cash intact as long as possible, because I do believe there are big health benefits especially for males. Obviously, behavioral issues must play a role in the decision as well. Shiva was like most intact males in that he was not super keen on other intact males, but he wouldn't go out of his way to pick a fight either. So, with a little management on our part he was not difficult to keep intact. If we had dominanace, agression or marking issues I would definitely have to consider the whole picture.

[Moni]

Orthopedic issues is one of the main reasons both my boys will not be neutered until they are at least 2 years old, if not longer. This will go for any future dogs and is one of the first things I discuss with a breeder so that we are both on the same page. As for girls, I'm not sure if I will ever have another female, but if so I will consider holding off on spaying her.

[mezmerelda]

Interesting thing our vet said regarding the spay of a female - it may only reduce the risk of breast cancer if the fam has a history of the disease. Otherwise, notsomuch, actually. I can't go through all the article right now, but I'll be honest. If we didn't have an intact male joining our house hold (although he would have been able to "do anything" for a bit), I'm not sure we would have spayed Indy. There is no way would have bred her, either, although the fear of accidental breeding was the main concern. We have to neuter Ozzy by 24 months per the contract...

[Dan Simon]

We could always say we neutered him....then, if caught out, be all "Oops -- it must not have taken."

[RockyMountainDobies]

Before we moved out of Florida in 2009, we discussed neutering Max with our amazing holistic vet there, he said if we were not having any aggression issues it was healthier for Max to stay intact. Lola on the other hand was spayed at 6 months because I was so worried about an accidental breeding with her brother. Looking back we probably should have waited until her first heat cycle, but I was a much less experienced dog owner at the time and going on the advice of our then vet who was a big proponent of Hills and was very conventional in his practice.

[ALDOGMOM]

I don't like balls or blood - so all of my pets will be altered.

[Moni]

I don't like balls or blood - so all of my pets will be altered.

LOL

I don't like looking at them either, that's why I will have fluffy BOY dogs from now on.

[Itsapyr]

I just think dogs will be dogs will be dogs and no one can guarantee their dogs won't get out for a little hanky panky. Nature is a much stronger drive than any fence or leash for that matter.