Alice Los Angeles, California 9/8/2012 12:56:40 AM I have small breed dogs and I would never spay/neuter them before the age of 2. They don't reach their full size until 8 to 9 months of age, and then they start to body-up until about 2 years of age. Why put a halt to that process? Disrupting their growth cycle by cutting of their hormones is just wrong. What's wrong with you people? Of course, the dog owner must be responsible and not allow their dog(s) to breed indiscriminately. All of mine have been s/n with the exception of a 5 year old female who will likely be spayed this year. Her mother, a show champion, was spayed at 7 when she developed pyo, emergency surgery. As I don't plan to breed my last intact girl, spaying at 5 is something I'm ok with.Folks -- do NOT spay/neuter before at least 1 year, unless you know you're not responsible enough to keep an eye on your dog so an unwanted breeding doesn't occur.
Elaine Keller, Texas 9/7/2012 1:56:18 PM This is completely outdated information and irresponsibly presented! Large and giant breed dogs are at a high risk of orthopedic problems such as hip dysplaysia if spayed (or neutered) prior to growth platelets closing. Additionally spaying a female can lead to increased risk of urinary incontinence later in life. Risks exist on both sides of the spay/neuter decision, and this article could have presented a pro spay discussion in a more modern light.It is also objectionable to put an animal under surgery right after it has had vaccinations, as the body is processing an immune response - something a sedated dog should have to deal with. Again, the convenience of the owner shouldn't be put ahead of the dog's well-being. I would like to see the name of the author of this article, but you neglected to list this as well.I'm not impressed with this article. Get better facts, more updated information, and someone to take responsibility for putting it out there! GRRR!