Castration

[tamsinkb]

Apologies if tgis has been done before....but what is the typical age for a male puppy to be able to be castrated. I have a 20 week old Cocker who is starting to get a bit 'frisky' and I have no intention of breeding from him, i think it would be best to have him done sooner rather that later. Aslo are there any advantages/ disadvantages of early castration? many thanks for your help.

 

[rosebud]

The vets will say the eariler the better around 6 months mark
My puppy was book in to be done at 6 months, but then i canceled it due to what me mother in law said (quote) to get a puppy done at such a young age is not right and the reason they get a bit frisky is becouse they are not sure on their own gender at that age, i felt guilty and didnt want to fall out with the in-laws so im waiting till he is 18 months...

 

[CAYLA]

I do mine between 6 months and a year provided the testicles have dropped, it's owner choice really, our vets will advice from 6 months on, we have done then earlier at owner request for the same reasons u describe

, there are 3 million for and against's...well maybe 2

Main advantages is prevention of testicular cancers and reduction of others cancers, also in general can make for a more bidable pet, can lessen dominant and aggressive tendancies.
The arguments against castrating to young is the risk of others cancers (bone), and interference in the growth plates, again generally effecting larger breeds, however bone cancers are very common in large un-neutered breeds also.
The debate is never ending, all mine are done, all 7 million of them

If you are worried he is too young, ask for a chemical castration and neuter him a little later.

 

[Blue-bear]

I have a lab and the vets originally said they wouldnt do him till 1yr old but have said now the very very earliest will be 9 months