Question:We're going to be new owners but want to know pros and cons of getting a dog desexed in this later stage in life. The previous owner said the dog was sometimes "frisky" and desexing is both a health/comfort(for us- not frisky type people)/contraception thing.
Answers:
He may have ingrained frisky behaviors that will continue even after the fix. His hormone levels will drop, so the behavior will be reduced. He probably won't actually consumate after the hormone levels drop, but he may still hump if he has done much of that in the past. I would say the only downside would be a slightly longer recovery than a young dog would have. Training will resolve any dominance problems.
Other Answers:
A vet told me it is not a good idea to neuter a dog after 6 years old because they can get an infection at the surgery site easier. We had a 140 lb. great Dane whom we had neutered at 6 and he had complications. The testicle area got infected and larger than a grapefruit. We had to put a heating pad under him. He was miserable for about a week and a half. Also had to take antibiotics. This was over 10 years ago though and there may be different procedures now.
I believe if you get it done after they are pups it doesn't do much for their behavior. Check with your vet.
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