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Originally Posted by diva pup Quote Kim"We are the only country who does this. In many countries around the world, it is the opposite, and it is uncommon to neuter a pet unless there is a justifiable reason that is in the best interests of THAT dog, not the pet over population problem. I feel that this is a better policy for the individual dogs."
Kim, I am curious as to which countries you are referring to and where you obtained this information. |
It was in an article I read earlier in the week that I just searched for again and did not find but I will keep looking. I did find this article from a British veterinarian organization that states the following:
Dogs need not be castrated routinely unless particular problems are encounted such as vagrancy, over-sexed behaviour, or pining when bitches nearby are on heat. They may be castrated at any age and it is always best to discuss your reasons with the vet or Penny Jackson, our behavioural counsellor.http://www.millhousevets.co.uk/faq/dogne.htm
This proves that Britain is one of the countries.
This same article says the optimum time to spay is 6 weeks after the first heat:
The ideal time time to spay is 6 weeks after the first season ends. A recent large survey of spayed bitches, showed that spaying after the first season caused a lower incidence of incontinence, particularly in certain breeds (eg Old English Sheepdog, Golden Retrievers and Gordon Setters). The incidence of mammary tumours is reduced by spaying before the second season