When Should A Golden Retriever Be Neutered?
Neutering your dog is a great idea if you do not plan on breeding them. A neutered dog will help control the dog population, especially if your dog is around female dogs in heat.
What most people don’t realize about neutering your golden retriever too soon is that it can inhibit proper growth. Your golden retriever has to grow and produce the right hormones for a healthy long life.
When you neuter too early these hormones are not produced. It can cause your golden retriever to have health issues into adulthood. Problems such as hip dysplasia can occur when dogs don’t have enough sex hormones.
Hip dysplasia occurs when the thigh bone and pelvis don’t align properly. This causes the gate of the dog to be off, leading to joint problems. Golden retrievers who are neutered too early are five times as likely to get hip dysplasia.
Your dog can also be at higher risk of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is when your dog develops an under-active thyroid. The under-active thyroid causes your dog to have slower than normal healing and body functions. If left untreated, an under-active thyroid will cause your dog to gain weight and develop skin issues.
If your dog is overweight it can lead to a whole list of issues such as diabetes, walking irregularities, inability to run and play, and much more. You want to always keep your golden retriever at a healthy weight.
Best Age For Neutering Your Golden Retriever
If you do choose to neuter your male golden retriever, the best age is between 12 months and 24 months. Your dog is still young enough during these years to be healthy for the anesthesia needed for the surgery.
Neutering a dog during its elder years may lead to further complications. They may not be able to handle surgery or need extra time for recovery.
Why To Neuter Your Golden Retriever
Most dog owners will neuter their dogs just because it is what they know. But it is not a requirement of being a dog owner. Even if you choose not to breed your dog, you don’t need to neuter unless you want to. There are a few reasons to consider neutering your male golden retriever.
Aggression
If your male golden retriever shows signs of aggression, neutering him can lessen his aggressiveness. Neutering will lower his testosterone levels which is typically the cause of an over-aggressive male.
Pet Population
If you have female dogs that are not spayed, it may be best to get your male neutered. Any time your female goes into heat your male will know and try to mate. If you do not have time or room for a litter of puppies you should try to eliminate the possibility of making a new litter.