When should you neuter a Boston Terrier? Some dog owners choose to wait until their pups are about 8 weeks old.
While this is perfectly fine, it’s important to understand your responsibilities as a dog owner in the community.
While neutering your dog is a safe procedure, many veterinarians discourage early surgery. However, you should consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure.
The study found that spaying your dog reduces its risk of developing cancer and joint disorders.
Females were not significantly more likely to develop these disorders than males. Males did, however, have significant increases in cancer and joint disorders.
That’s why it’s best to neuter your Boston terrier at the recommended age, or even earlier. A new puppy is a good time to discuss the optimal age to neuter.
When Should You Neuter a Boston Terrier?
Heart Failure
While some Boston terriers can be unmutilated, the majority of deaths in older Bostons are from heart failure.
Most heart problems in dogs occur because the heart valves are weakened and leak blood around them.
You can detect signs of heart valve disease by hearing a murmur and observing outward signs of the disease.
Your pet will need to undergo yearly heart tests to monitor the condition of their heart.
In general, males should be neutered at least six months of age. Females should wait until they’re at least two years old.
A recent study found that male neutering before six months is associated with increased cancer risk.
However, spaying a female at a later age does not increase the risk of developing cancer. Regardless of how old your dog is, you should keep a close eye on her.
A Boston terrier’s eyes are very prominent, so make sure to wipe them frequently with a clean, warm cloth.
If you’re unsure about when to neuter your dog, you should ask your vet for recommendations.
If you are unsure, you can also ask your veterinarian to recommend a clinic that specializes in neutering Boston terriers.
The cost of this surgery will depend on the age of your dog, but it will be well worth the procedure.
While male Boston terriers may be more likely to develop aggression, the decision to neuter your pet is ultimately a personal one.
It is always best to consult with your veterinarian if you have a purebred dog. It is important to talk to the breeder about your dog’s age, sex, and health history before making a decision.
For example, if you are thinking of neutering your male, be aware that spaying her before puberty is likely to result in excessive bleeding, which can cause problems.
Aggressive Behaviour
Another reason to neuter your Boston terrier is to prevent it from developing sexually.
Male Boston terriers exhibit aggressive behavior, known as ‘humping’. Oftentimes, male Boston terriers show interest in other male dogs around the age of six to seven months, while females may begin showing interest in females earlier.
At six months old, it’s a good idea to have your dog neutered, so it won’t surprise you later on when your dog starts to show signs of sexual interest.
There are a variety of health risks associated with undergoing neutering a Boston terrier.
Some dogs are more susceptible to cancer than others, and the age at which you have your dog neutered will have an impact on the health of your pet.
A neutered male Boston terrier has a higher risk of developing cancer than a female.
In addition, neutering a female Boston terrier before a year is associated with an increased risk of osteosarcoma and cardiac hemangiosarcoma.
Data Research For Neutered Dogs
While the study population for this small breed is limited, it does show that it’s beneficial for dogs.
In this population of 432 dogs, there are no cancers or joint disorders among neutered males. Only 3 percent of intact females have cancer.
Moreover, neutering a female reduces the chances of cancer in your pet. And there’s no proven correlation between a neutered male and cancer in your pet.
Companion Dog
A Boston Terrier can be a great pet for the family. Although a Boston is known as a companion dog, he can be stubborn and prone to mischief.
Despite this, he’s a true social butterfly and loves people. If you’re looking for a dog to bring home, look for a reputable breeder.
In most cases, these breeders will have a waiting list for litters and will not rehome puppies until they’re 12 weeks old.
Meet Rose Camilla, an expert in the Terrier dog breed and an active writer and publisher. Camilla has been working with Terriers for over 12 years and her passion for them has only grown stronger with time. She has dedicated her life to understanding, training, and writing about Terriers.