Neutering at 3yrs?!

Help! I am having an awful time trying to decide if i want to neuter my dog!:) He's 3 yrs old and 4 lbs. I'll also be getting his teeth cleaned while he will be under anesthesia cause they have to put him out to do that anyways. Will getting him fixed change his personality or weight?? He's perfect the way he is right now. He's fully housetrained, he's not aggressive. I was just reading on what kind of diseases they are safe from when you get it done. Any opinions?

Spay or neutering at any age helps to add an extra measure of protection to your pet. Of course now if your were talking about an elderly old gentleman of say 15 years or so then I'd think twice about it but at three, you are only giving him an even better outlook for a long healthy life.

Weight gain has nothing to do with neutering but rather with feeding habits. If he doesn't have a weight problem now and you don't change anything (amount of food or amount of activity) then he will stay the same.

Just my personal opinion but I've neuter or spayed as old as ten years. My retired breeding bitch was just spayed and she is seven, almost eight. No problems and now she is free to be a happy, run with the wind, puppy at heart.

Keep us posted on your decision and also on the surgery if you elect to have it done.

Mimi and the Herd

I got my male neutered in March and he was 2 in January. He weighs 4.5 lbs. He went through the surgery fine and was back to himself within the next few days. I think it was the best choice I ever made to get my babies fixed at the same time. Now they cuddle all the time and I know they will be healthier. Hope this helps you out! (:

Thanks so much! I made the appointment for Mon. at 7:30am. I'll be counting down the hours till I go pick him up. I'll let you know how it all goes. Poor thing doesn't even know what's going to be happening. I hope he does well afterwards. This should really prove if it doesn't change their temperament at all. At three years old I will know if something is different at all. Thanks again for the help!

I was told to watch what I feed my dog after he was neutered. I think some animals can gain weight. I think neutering was beneficial for us. He stopped marking his territory in the house but you probably don't have this issue.

Have you heard anything on your baby yet?

Sheila

Nik~

You *should* notice that he is calmer and less apt to mark his territory after a few weeks to a month. It does take a little time & most change gradually.

As for the surgery in itself, the male alteration is MUCH less invasive than the spay. Most males act fairly "normal" shortly after the anesthesia is completely out of the system. You still want to be VERY careful not to let him run/jump/play though.

What J says about feeding, I was told as well. Maintain a good level of exercise for him and cut his food intake back to prevent weight gain. My vet was telling me that (with my large breed dogs leastways) the female only requires 1/3 of her food intake anymore and the male will only require 1/4 of his food intake. Now, I cannot see those exact calculations working out for a chihuahua... most folks only feed their chi 1/4c per day - could you imagine?? That would be like a tablespoon of food per day. I do not see that being healthy or beneficial. You may wish to confer with your vet on this matter for more appropriate directions.

Update us once he's home, hope all went well.
:-)
Tina

Rocky's home now He seems to be in alot of pain though. The surgery was done yesterday, early afternoon and I picked him up at three. I know it's still early but he hasn't gone number two and hasn't gone either one today. He tries to walk and starts yelping and when I carry him and take him out he just stands there. I even place him in his favorite spots to use the resteroom and he wont move. I think it just hurts him too much. I know he must have to go. I wait patiently but he just stands there shaking uncontrollably. It breaks my heart I know he'll be fine though. He's still eating and drinking. I just wandered how long it takes for them to start feeling better and start walking around. It's been about 24 hrs now, so I'm hoping he'll start walking soon. Thanks, for all the concern. You know how chihuahua lovers feel about their pets He's like more of a child than a dog

Nik, don't worry too much yet--he didn't have much fluids in him before the surgery and I'm sure he hurts and we know these little babies get scared--he may start to milk this as he feels better--he's just confused give it some time and if you feel there's a problem just call the vet and talk to him--that's what he's paid for

Hugs
Sheila

Nik - I would call the vet in the a.m. if he's not showing any signs of improvement. They ARE drama queens and kings, for sure, but he should at least be walking about after 24 hrs, albeit if only a few steps here and there. Just make sure he stays drinking. Fluids are of the utmost importance, as is his blood-sugar. Do you have nutrical? If not a dab of karo or honey would suffice.
Hope you'll have a better update soon
smooches to the pooch