NEUTERING MY DOG

Am I ready? Is Jaxson ready? Today our Doodle Doc is neutering my dog! And while I know this is a common practice for male dogs, I can’t help but feel like…

DSCN1804

As I write this – my baby doodle Jax, who seems to have grown up so super doodle fast…

DSCN2132

…is in the middle of his procedure.

OMDoodle – where did the time go?…

ttt

While I adore the Goldendoodle breed, and I think Jaxson is absodoodletutely the cutest little guy ever – I’ve never entertained the idea of using him for reproduction #studmuffin

This procedure is certainly an individual pet parent decision, one that should be discussed with ones favorite vet.

There are advantages to neutering male dogs. It reduces:

  • the risk of hormone-related diseases
  • testicular cancer (the 2nd most common cancer in  intact dogs
  • sexual urges which usually decreases roaming behaviors
  • certain types of aggression

Most of the perceived disadvantages are false. Like the popular one about your dog becoming fat, lazy and useless. Simply not true. Remember – obesity is the result of overfeeding and not exercising enough. #slimdoggy.com

And neutering doesn’t cause a change in personality, guarding instincts, intelligence, playfulness or affection.

Most veterinarians recommend neutering at around six months of age. While neutering at an earlier age does not appear to be detrimental, your veterinarian may have a different opinion.

In larger breed dogs, Doodle Doc prefers to wait (if possible) until the 7th or 8th month. Jax will be 8 months old on the 31st of August.

I didn’t know there are now alternatives to surgery. Apparently there have been recent advances in non-surgical neutering. These involve injections of a compound directly into the testicle. One would (and should) discuss this procedure with their veterinarian.

The other day, Harley took the time to have a lengthy discussion with Jax in the backyard about “what to expect.” …

54

Jax strutted into the Animal Hospital early this morning with not a care in the world. Harley and I will try not to worry and find something to entertain ourselves for the rest of the day.

I understand that Jax needs plenty of rest for the next few days. No worries there –  he’s a professional at that task…

IMG_7238

If you follow the boys on FaceBook #comeonover stop by later. We will share post-op photos and updates later this evening and throughout the weekend.

*information shared in this post is based on material written by Ernest Ward, DVM

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND AND BE KIND TO SOMEONE

Signature

30 Comments
  • Earl Lover
    August 21, 2015

    I got Earl neutered because he was a family dog first, and he kept *you know* on everything and everyone… Ethel was spayed as well, because she’s going to be an agility competitor, and her seasons would prevent her from doing so.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 24, 2015

      No signs from Jax at all – I just knew it would be the best thing for us all. His health, my sanity, and I wasn’t sure as he got older what life would be like with Harley “fixed” and trying to maintain the Alpha male role. Happy with my decision, and can’t wait for the rest of the week to be over LOL

  • Pedro & Alessandra
    August 21, 2015

    Sending healing thoughts, loving paws and LOTS of sympathy to Jax!

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 24, 2015

      HA! Thanks Pedro – Jax has yet to give any signs of any knowledge about anything. I guess that’s the best answer to my prayers. He’s not the least bit fazed…

  • Sand Spring Chesapeakes
    August 21, 2015

    they grow up so fast. hope he has a speedy recovery. Thank for being responsible and neutering Jax.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 24, 2015

      I am still spinning at how fast he’s growing up. Seems like yesterday he was just a mere thought and look at us now…

  • DZ Dogs
    August 21, 2015

    He’ll do great!

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 24, 2015

      Thanks DZ – he pulled through like a champ!

  • Rich Henriques
    August 21, 2015

    Our Goldendoodle was neutered yesterday.We picked Teddy up this morning and he was full of. XXxX and vinegar. Didn’t seem to bother his appetite and we are busy keeping his. Collar adjusted. We hope the next days pass quickly.
    He was 6.5 months old. We picked him out at Dr Kelly’s 1 Apr and he has kept us jumping ever since.
    Best do you and your Doodles.
    Rich

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 24, 2015

      I got Jax from her in the spring too! #smallworld I didn’t receive a collar – my vet told me to come back for one if I needed it. I didn’t use one for Harley and so far – Jax has been doing well without one.

  • Emma
    August 21, 2015

    You will make it through, Jax. Be glad you are a boy as getting spayed is much worse but also something that usually should be done. Those days of quiet time will be over before you know it too!

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 24, 2015

      I hear you Emma – I understand the recovery time for females is a little longer and you are in a lot more discomfort as well. THANK THE DOODLE this only has to happen once in a lifetime.

  • Jenna,Mark “HuskyCrazed” Drady
    August 21, 2015

    Oh boy I know how you feel! My boy Koda was just neutered a few weeks ago too.
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 24, 2015

      Then you truly feel my pain Jenna! I think the worst (for me) is behind me. I will keep a watchful eye on him the rest of the week, but by the weekend, I will release the “Cracken” to run havoc and mayhem here in Doodleville.

  • Two French Bulldogs
    August 21, 2015

    Some buddy stole my stuff 2 years ago
    Edward (& Lily)

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 24, 2015

      Edward, I’m not sure Jax even knew he had “stuff” LOL

  • jan
    August 21, 2015

    Neutering is almost universal now and it does prevent oops! litters from happening.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 24, 2015

      Jan to be honest, a part of me (just a tiny part) day dreamed for a minute or two (not long) about a bunch of little Jax’s running around. I got over it quickly!

  • Jan K
    August 21, 2015

    We hope all went well, and Jax will have a speedy recovery! I always find that “keeping them quiet” time challenging, after the first night!

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 24, 2015

      Jan, Friday and Saturday were the worst. I cannot tell you how tired I was trying to entertain a puppy “quietly” LOL

  • Pamela
    August 21, 2015

    By now I guess your fuzzy guy is home with you.

    Hope all went well and Jax isn’t fussing with his stitches too much.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 24, 2015

      Fuzzy guy is home with us – and he’s not fussing at all. Jax has got one great disposition. He doesn’t complain at all ever! He’s taking it easy and trying to adjust to no ball, no outside and worst of all no Finley!

  • Monika
    August 21, 2015

    It’s totally the responsible thing to do, both from a health perspective as well as population control. I think neutered pups make better companions as well. Hope all went well and Jax is relaxing comfortably at home under mom’s watchful eye. 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 24, 2015

      Hey Monika – how are you? Yes, I agree with you. Thanks for your well wishes, JAx is actually doing splendid. He’s allowed to use the stairs more freely, but I haven’t started playing ball with him yet. Waiting for later on in the week for that!

  • Elaine
    August 24, 2015

    I hope Jax is making a full recovery and feeling like himself again. I didn’t realize there were alternatives like the injection, very interesting!

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 24, 2015

      Hey Elaine the injections caught me by surprise also. I thought I would mention it in case someone wanted to look into it further. Another alternative / option is always good –

  • Bellamy
    April 20, 2017

    Neutering goldens to early causes ligament issues CCL tears and blood- vessel born carcinomas. We are in the dark ages with neutering it’s being other countries don’t use this prop process they do ovary spearing space and vasectomies. My 11-year-old died a horrible death he had all three things. Due to neutering at six months do the research it’s out there and the increase is 70%

    • Cathy Bennett
      April 20, 2017

      There are risks with any / all procedures. I am so sorry to hear about your dog. I’ve done the research, talked extensively to my vet (whom doesn’t approve neutering earlier than 6 months) and felt comfortable with the decision. Jaxson is thriving and doing fine! Thanks so much for stopping by, please come visit again soon!

  • Erika
    February 6, 2020

    My dog Griffin is ten months old and is getting neutered next week. I’m very nervous as he is like my child. He is a great companion and I’m having mixed emotions as to wether I should do it or not. He gets busy with the pillows on my couch and that’s about the only problem I have had with him.
    Should I go through with it?

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 17, 2020

      Hello Erika – neutering your dog is something that I find both pet parent and vet collaborate with and decide the correct time for the puppy. Many vet’s have different views about age – and many come to the correct age based on size of dogs. That said, how is Griffin doing (love that name!)? PS: humping pillows is pretty common behavior too! Thanks so much for stopping by, please come back again soon.