A lot of vets still recommend blanket neutering/spaying of very young dogs and cats. Sometimes even at few months of age.
Today we know this is a very bad idea and in this video dr. Becker explains why.
In short sexual hormones play very important role in growth and proper development of the body and sterilizing prepubescent animals is usually recipe for disaster.
https://youtu.be/enPCZA1WFKY
However due to unique canine reproductive physiology and histology it may not be such a good idea to leave bitches that will not be used for breeding intact. It is much safer to neuter them after they have completed development which is usually at 2 years of age in larger breeds or after the 2nd cycle - more or less.
On this page - _http://rufflyspeaking.net/breeding-frequency-and-bitch-age/
there is a nice essay which explains why should female dogs be neutered if they are not going to be allowed to have puppies.
When it comes to males, I personally do not recommend neutering at all. It seems testosterone keeps the body more agile and resilient and there is no medical reason to neuter male dogs. People often resort to castration in the attempt to resolve behavioral problems but one survey has showed that dogs can become even more aggressive after testosterone is removed as this hormone also gives confidence.
When it comes to cats, especially the ones that live indoors neutering is necessity. Cats who dont have access to mating will be extremely unhappy due to very strong mating urges and instincts. Preferably the owners should wait until they reach at least 1.5 year of age but this may not be so easy as males very often start with urine spraying as soon as they hit puberty which may be as early as 4-5 months of age.
Today we know this is a very bad idea and in this video dr. Becker explains why.
In short sexual hormones play very important role in growth and proper development of the body and sterilizing prepubescent animals is usually recipe for disaster.
https://youtu.be/enPCZA1WFKY
However due to unique canine reproductive physiology and histology it may not be such a good idea to leave bitches that will not be used for breeding intact. It is much safer to neuter them after they have completed development which is usually at 2 years of age in larger breeds or after the 2nd cycle - more or less.
On this page - _http://rufflyspeaking.net/breeding-frequency-and-bitch-age/
there is a nice essay which explains why should female dogs be neutered if they are not going to be allowed to have puppies.
When it comes to males, I personally do not recommend neutering at all. It seems testosterone keeps the body more agile and resilient and there is no medical reason to neuter male dogs. People often resort to castration in the attempt to resolve behavioral problems but one survey has showed that dogs can become even more aggressive after testosterone is removed as this hormone also gives confidence.
When it comes to cats, especially the ones that live indoors neutering is necessity. Cats who dont have access to mating will be extremely unhappy due to very strong mating urges and instincts. Preferably the owners should wait until they reach at least 1.5 year of age but this may not be so easy as males very often start with urine spraying as soon as they hit puberty which may be as early as 4-5 months of age.