What age should you Desex a male Labrador?
Traditionally, the recommendation was for dogs to be desexed between five and six months of age. In more recent years and based on scientific evidence, the RSPCA and many veterinarians are recommending that dogs be desexed before they reach puberty, which for some dogs can be as early as four months.
Is 4 too old to neuter a dog?
Technically a dog can be neutered at any age. For example, if your dog has a grade 4 heart murmur, doctors are less likely to be swayed into neutering your dog as it requires your pet to go under anesthesia. However, your dog at 4 years old is probably still young enough to be neutered safely if he is healthy.
How can I tell if my labrador retriever is too big?
It is really important that you keep your Labrador’s weight appropriate for his height and build, rather than following guidelines on food packets or in books too closely. The best way to tell is by eye and touch. Have a look at your dog and compare him with the picture below of a healthy Labrador. Look at your dog from the side.
When is the best time to DESEX a Labrador Retriever?
Late desexing Neutering at 12 months is recommended for breeds prone to hip dysplasia and cruciate disease (though the newer data suggests that 6 months is OK for male Labradors and even giant breeds). Later desexing may also be helpful for females with urinary incontinence.
Which is heavier a male Labrador or a female Labrador Retriever?
Male Labs usually being around 5 to 10 lbs heavier than their female counterparts. If you are still unsure whether your Lab is the right weight for his or her build having given her a thorough check yourself as described above, then the best thing to do is to pop down to your local veterinarian.
Is it a problem for Labrador Retrievers to gain weight?
Obesity is a huge problem in domestic dogs both in the UK and USA. And ever more countries are joining this unhappy group. What is more, Labradors are particularly likely to gain too much weight. Canine obesity comes with a raft of accompanying health problems, just as it does in people.
Late desexing Neutering at 12 months is recommended for breeds prone to hip dysplasia and cruciate disease (though the newer data suggests that 6 months is OK for male Labradors and even giant breeds). Later desexing may also be helpful for females with urinary incontinence.
Is it too late to DESEX a male dog?
Many owners of male dogs who opt for late desexing find problem behaviours develop that can be quite hard to manage. To these owners, we say: go as far as you can but don’t feel guilty to give up early. Bad habits can be very hard to stop once they start, and the evidence isn’t ironclad.
What happens to a female dog when she is desexed?
Desexing female dogs prevents them from coming into heat and thus unwanted pregnancies. Whilst a neutered dog is unable to sire puppies and is less prone to roaming.
Is there an alternative to desexing for male dogs?
For dog owners wanting to preserve female hormones through life, Ovary Sparing Spay is another alternative. Follow the link to learn more or read about the choices available for dog desexing here. Many owners of male dogs who opt for late desexing find problem behaviours develop that can be quite hard to manage.