Dog owners have differing opinions on whether the dog should be neutered or not. Neutering is often the option of responsible dog owners that are aware of the tragic plight of stray dogs – of the animals considered as man’s best friends that have to be put to sleep for being homeless. Dog lovers would not hesitate to support the program of minimizing the number of homeless dogs.

Neutering, a surgical procedure that is done on a dog to remove the testicles has the prime purpose of preventing reproduction. But aside from this purpose, neutering is done to give the dog a healthier, a happier and a longer life. Healthier – because a neutered dog will not be open to the risk of testicle cancer. Neutering controls the hormone level of a dog thus bad behavior that is associated with the dog’s mood swings is as well controlled. The inclination to roam is lessened with neutering thus accidents that can result to the death of the pet is avoided.

However, dog owners have many reservations on the right time to neuter the dog . Neutering a dog is surrounded by many myths. Many owners believe that if the dog is neutered at an early age the physical development as well as the personality of the dog will be affected.

The playful and affectionate nature are some of the reasons why most people would choose to have a dog for a pet thus many owners would not dare neuter the dog at an early age because of the belief that the procedure will make the pet less playful and affectionate. Dog experts assert that these notions regarding neutering are untrue. The dog’s personality and physical development will not be affected if the dog is neutered before it has attained puberty. So what is the right age to neuter the pet?

A dog can be neutered any time but ideally the procedure should be done before puberty. Considering the age of the pet would be rather hard if it was adopted from a shelter or if the dog that was adopted was a stray. The neutering procedure can be done on a dog at any age providing the testicles have descended but as the primary reason for neutering is to prevent reproduction, it would be best if the dog is neutered before it has attained sexual maturity. Dog experts generally recommend neutering at 6 months of age especially for small breeds that reach puberty early. Large breeds take longer to attain maturity thus German Shepherds, Great Danes and other large breeds can be neutered at about 1 year of age.

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