What age can you castrate?

[Farma]

Hey guys, just wondering what age is it advisable to castrate, we are getting very very opposing answers!
Dog is a jrt btw, thanks x

 

[burge]

My old boy (JRT) was castrated at 6 months old as we also had his sister (llitter mate) and didn't want to risk her coming in to season while he still had his bits. The vet didn't really want to do him so early and told us that the 'little' bitches do not normally come into season until they are 9 months to a year old. I was adamant as they could not be kept seperately during a season so they did him. Good job too as the 'little' bitch came into season 2 weeks after!!! He lived to the ripe old age of 15 when his liver finally packed in but up to then was healthy and happy all his life.

 

[Farma]

Thanks burge, what age did they want you to wait until ideally?

 

[Foxhunter49]

A lot depends on the size of the dog. Smaller dogs mature earlier so they can be done at about 1 year. Bigger dogs (and bitches) it is best to leave them until they are fully grown as neutering can make them grow bigger.

Many rescues do them at weeks old which I think is wrong.

 

[CAYLA]

Small (6 months and on (growth is almost over at 6 months) medium breeds 9 months on (growth for a medium breed should peak at the nine month mark)

Large breeds 12 to 14 months (not much growth left at 12 and peak at 14 month) Giant (14 months on)

Reasons/fors

Bitches should have least possible seasons to prevent mammary cancers later in life, and lessen the risk of pyo.
Dogs being castrated obs irradicates testicular cancer and cuts the risk when done younger of other related cancers/perineal/prostate cancers/growths for a few.

IMO only

 

[Bedlam]

I was 18 when I first assisted at a bullock castration. I think you ought to be a vet or a doctor before you castrate most things, so I would think perhaps a minimum age of 23 to allow for a 5 year training after A levels?

 

[Cinnamontoast]

I was 18 when I first assisted at a bullock castration. I think you ought to be a vet or a doctor before you castrate most things, so I would think perhaps a minimum age of 23 to allow for a 5 year training after A levels?

PMSL! I've had just enough alcohol to find that hugely amusing!

(I won't rant about reading up on the pros/cons of neutering)

 

[MurphysMinder]

LOL Bedlam, I haven't had any alcohol (yet) and found that funny. However should point out that you are slightly out with your age, daughter has just qualified as a vet and she is 22.

 

[s4sugar]

Another consideration for smaller breeds/younger castration is how the dog urinates.
Dogs castrated before establishing leg lifting may never do so and these dogs spend their lives peeing up their front legs.
I would say 8 months as a minimum for even a JRT sized dog.