Is 12 too old to have my dog neutered?

Of course it is better to neuter a dog when he is young but that really has to do with anesthetic risks. Often times we get owners who never neutered the dogs and then as the dog gets old they get worried…and worried they should be. Male dogs are at great risk for developing prostate or testicular cancer and that is one of the main reason it is important to neuter a dog.

A lot of people think that it is cruel and you are taking away his manhood but this is not true. Besides, at this age in life all of his habits (good and bad) are set in and things are not going to change. Neutering a pet is a good, healthy thing to do. Also, if can help prolong his life. The only major issue is that since he is old he has a higher risk with the anesthetic. Just make sure that if you do have him under for surgery perform lab work prior, have him on I’ve fluids and make sure that you vet has a good monitoring system for their sedated pets (O2, CO2, pulse, BP). Every dog has a risk but if you follow the above things these will minimize his risk as much as possible.