IMO, it is not appropriate to neuter an animal routinely because "it is the thing to do" and you are right to be concerned and to ask the questions you are asking.

While it is the "protocol" in this country to criticize those who do not neuter their pets, I feel that responsible pet owners should always do what is in the best interest of their dog and not just what "popular protocol" demands. He is your dog and you have every right to make the decision that is right for him and you should not be made to feel guilty for doing so. It is up to every responsible pet owner to weigh the pros and cons in their situation and see if the benefits of this surgery outweigh the risks.

The most frequent "guilt trip" imposed by the general population on people to encourage them to neuter is the over population of dogs and the dogs in the shelters, etc. IMO there are not many yorkies who add to this problem. They are usually small house dogs who are well supervised and not allowed to be outside alone and not allowed to roam the neighborhood looking for females in heat. I think most responsible yorkie owners can prevent unwanted pregnancies w/o too much effort.

The other fallacy of this argument is that animals are killed everyday for human consumption and most people don't feel bad about that. I mean we eat cattle and chickens and pigs (some say pigs are more human like than dogs) and no one except the vegetarians and vegans really give it much thought, right?

There are also alternatives to a full neuter...you can ask the vet to do a vasectomy which is so much less invasive and leaves the dog with the hormones that he needs to live a heart healthy life.

There are other threads on here about this that you can research and I would suggest that you contact a homeopathic vet in your area or one who is in another area who does phone consultations, and they can help answer any of the medical questions for you. There is evidence that there are some cancers that are MORE prevalent in neutered dogs than in intact dogs and the fact is that testicular cancer is actually quite rare in dogs and when they do get it, the "cure: at that time is to neuter. But why neuter because he "might" get testicular cancer? It doesn't make sense given the rareness of the disease and the easy cure in most of the cases?

Again, I applaud you for your concern and for doing your research before deciding what is best for your dog.

If you do decide to neuter, I agree with livingdustmops and I think 5 months is way too young and I am surprised that your vet recommended this. Most vets understand the risk of putting these small breed dogs under too often and they will wait until the adult teeth are in before neutering so that they can pull any remaining baby teeth at the same time. I would say 7 to 8 months is better. :thumbup:

Good luck and feel free to PM me if I can help you further or refer you to a homeopathic vet to talk to. :)

Don't be scared! There are many health benefits involved in fixing your dog. Just know that you are doing the right thing for your pup. I, myself, am having Chewy fixed this Friday. He was supposed to be snipped in November but I had to cancel his appt. He is 11 months but I say better late than never!

i was worried before bunjee's neutering too and was really nervous the day of. but he did great! you'd never know he just went under and operation with the way he acted. i had him neutered at the ripe old age of 4 months and 5 days. he weighed 5 lbs at the time.

not only will there be health benefits from the neutering, there's plenty of behavioral benefits that'll help him stay safe and happy. overall i think there's more pro's than con's with neutering. but ultimately you should do whatever you are comfortable with after consulting with your vet.

Hello Mommy2B and All,

About neutering males and spaying females, I cannot honestly say I am very educated on those subjects. However, I know by word of my vet, that it reduces alot of health risks later on in life. I also understand the over population of dogs, and how neutering and spaying will reduce this or atleast help the situation. However, I personally see nothing wrong with leaving your dog as is, without alteration, if the dog does not have another to mate with. I also see nothing wrong with a pet owner deciding to breed. Everyone has the choice to do with their dogs in the best way they see fit. To me, as long as a dog is healthy, then they are happy (I edited this because I wrote if they are healthy, then they are healthy... :) ). So Mommy2B, just think about it thoroughly before you make your choice. That is all. Thanks

For the most any surgery is a risk, but if you trust your vet and have confidence in them it should be fine. I had mine first male done after I found out he only had one testicle ( didn't know then to check......duh )and he came through with flying colors. But honestly I would wait till he is 6 months old.

The newer gas is sevoflurane its suppose to be even safer than isoflurane. I know this cause we went to vet last sat and got some blood work. I am goin have Hayley spayed by laser also its suppose to be a lot less bleeding and pain than triditional way. Vet told me also that they heal a lot faster. I am sure they do this for neutering also. Hope this helps ya

You have had a lot of excellent advise, and neutering is definitely the way to go.

Mine will be neutered in another month or two. I suppose I'll worry, but there are no ifs, ands, or buts --- he is going to be neutered. It's just a rule at my house. (I am spayed!!!!!!)

***** I have had almost every animal I have ever owned spayed or neutered and have never had a bad experience.

Carol Jean

Update on Buster...
 

Hi Everyone:)
Happy Valentines day!!! I want to say THANK YOU for all of the wonderful advice you have posted.
I have decided not to nuter him ..just yet. I spoke with my vet and he was very understanding and helpful.
Somewhere down the road when I learn more about breeding, I would like to have a few pups from him. My parents are looking into getting a female and we would love nothing more then to have little Busters ((or Buster-ets..lol)) running around our house! And when that time come...beleive me there will be 100 more posts from me to make sure I know everything I need to know so that we do it the right/healthy way :)

Thanks again!!
Love
Tiffany and Buster

i have a 8 month old male, weighs 2.8 lbs. Got him neutered last week. He was potty trained pretty well, now that's all gone out the window!!!! If it were possible.... I would put the nuts back on. LOL We are not feeding him any differently and he is up to 3.5 lbs. I am sooo angry!!!! Is this normal? Will he loose the extra? Any suggestions?

Is he marking or actually peeing in odd places?
Does he seem to be able to hold it?

Altering can cause a set back in potty training, but it should be okay.
If you think he is having trouble holding it or going where he would never go (couch or whatever), then checking for a UTI would be a good idea.

I was very nervous as well. I put it off instead of having it done right at 6months old. But then Paker started marking so I booked it. He was 9 months I believe. I called to find out what anesthetic they used, and my vet was very reassuring, talked me thru everything...I still bawled like a baby when I dropped him off tho lol. That first night I felt so bad, he cried all night (and me too lol) but the next morning he was up and running around like normal!
I wish I hadn't have held off tho, he was already in the "habit" of marking so it didn't help with that.

We use potty pads..... he just pees and poops when and where he wants. When I see his "accident," he runs and hides without me saying a word.He knows better and yet its like he's mad at me and showing me "I'll do what i want." I'm about ready to pay someone to potty train him, but my luck....... after they got paid, he'd start again.

It's the best thing for him. He'll be fine...I had my two fixed at 6mo....boy and girl. When I took them home we had a nice quiet night, they rested and I hand fed them chicken.