The benefits of early spay and neuter

Yes, we believe in early sterilization of puppies, because latest studies  show that it is completely safe and easier on the pup. Here is just one article written about the benefits of early spay/neuter.

 

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This is taken from an article called, “Early Sterilization Program,” By Dr. Dick Rosebrock

 

“Quietly over the past twenty-five to thirty years a few progressive animal shelters began various early sterilization programs with uniformly consistent success stories. If they are spayed or neutered before they leave the shelter … they cannot become contributors. Puppies and kittens are being neutered as young as six to eight weeks. The development of new anesthetics and surgical procedures has made these procedures as safe or safer than the commonly accepted time of six months. The younger patients recover faster and have fewer surgical and post-surgical complications than their older counterparts. There is very little to no body fat to contend with, the incision is smaller, surgery time is reduced and recovery time is very short.

The research available on the physical, behavioral, short and long-term effects of prepubescent neutering in dogs and cats shows no adverse results. Based on this information, the American Humane Association supports this practice as a feasible solution to decreasing pet overpopulation and the tragedy of resulting deaths. Early sterilization practices are also endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association and the California Veterinary Medical Association.”

On a personal note, I heartily endorse this program also. I have been actively participating in ESP since 1984 and have performed ESP on approximately 1000 animals. We have not noted any negative results, in fact, clients typically report these puppies and kittens are the “best we have ever had”. We have not lost a single animal because of this procedure! Seven of sixteen Irish Wolfhound puppies from our last litter and two of nine from the litter prior to that were neutered prior to placement in their new homes at ten weeks of age. The first litter is now twenty-eight months, the last litter is now eighteen months old, and no negative results have been reported.

People worry that this early procedure might stunt growth. In fact, research shows that the dogs will actually get a little larger. The reason for this is that the long bones tend to grow for a slightly longer period. Since this extra growth is not caused by more rapid growth, but instead by prolonged growth, the implication is that this might be a good thing in our giant breed. It is known that when growth proceeds slowly over a longer period, the bone density (strength) increases.”

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