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Originally Posted by SoCalyorkiLvr 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 |
This same article says this:
For many years it was accepted that bitches should be spayed after their first season. It is now thought, however, that spaying them before this first season, at 4-5 months is simpler and causes no more side effects. In fact, the incidence of mammary (breast) cancer can be reduced
Seems like this is contradictory in itself, doesn't it? IMO, this article states that certain things like "pining when females are in heat," are good reasons to neuter. What male dog ISN'T going to do that?!?! It looks like they say, don't do it w/out a good reason, but to them, EVERY little thing is a good reason.