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Wait as long (up to 2 years) as you can. Early neutering could lead to ortho issues as well.
There’s a long term UC Davis vet school study of large breeds getting neutered before and after maturing to full size. The study recommended waiting until at least a year old, preferably two. Citing up to a 25% (IIRC) increased chance of joint issues if done prior to a year old. We waited until around 14 months for our shepherd.
Trust your vet, they are the expert
I've been in dog business over 50yrs. Neutered dogs live longer and are healthier. There are a few fields of thought on waiting as stated but the science is limited and percentage of vets agree to neuter over non neuter as the healthiest course. Labs do gain weight, more so after neuter and aging, but this is true of most breeds so just keep an eye on it, feed appropriate portions and healthy snacks. Thank you for caring about your pup enough to ask.
Well put!
I think anywhere between 1-2 years is great. I would not go earlier.
Bowl Leader
Also …where’s Max? Let’s meet him
This ^
By all means, get Max neutered. Esp since he's a lab - not neutering him can really increase risks of certain cancers and orthopedic conditions.
Pro
We have a golden retriever and we waited to have him neutered due to all the things we read about neutering too young- bone development, orthopedic issues in later life - arthritis, etc. We too waited until age 2.
Team neuter. Don’t contribute to the overpopulation problem in shelters. They just need seconds to tie if he comes across a bitch in heat
Bowl Leader
I’m not sure I follow the argument of house pets contributing to overpopulation. If they go to day care a lot and have open playtime with other non-neutered pets then maybe? Sitters usually supervise and manage these things very carefully …
Bowl Leader
There are pros and cons for sure. I never neutered my dogs because the vet told me to wait until they were fully developed, ie 18+ months. Then when they were that age I didn’t want them to undergo surgery because it’s risky for brachycephalic or smooshy-faced dogs.
In retrospect, the reasons to do it are: cheaper rabies reg tags, cheaper and more boarding /pet sitting options, the humping (though friends with neutered dogs still have lots of humping). Another friend that has 4 large male dogs had to neuter them for behavioral reasons (aggression). There is also a lower risk of prostate cancer as they age.
So my best advice is to wait until his bones are fully developed and then have it done.
Hmm, trust your vet, who went to school an extra 4 years to learn about treating and caring for domesticated animals or rely on total strangers' opinions?
Tough call!
Don't do it he will be fine work with him they are great loyal dogs
Talk to your vet about your concerns, but mainly about whether your dog is still too young for this. Ask your vet if it is a good idea to wait a few more months. The question is not *if* but *when* to neuter.
I’d say trust the experts v. anonymous internet randos. But if you keep Max intact, please put underwears on him. 😃
Source: me, whose neighbor owns two non/neutered Great Danes and who gets an eyeful of giant dog plums erry dang day.
Definitely neuter, but as we had black labs growing up you might want to get him a friend unless you have lots of time to spend with him on your hands. Is your lab for general pet? Hunting? Until neutered he'll want to be busy with training, playing, and tons of energy.