When To Neuter A Yorkie Male To Minimize Health Risks

Neutering your male Yorkie solves a lot of problems.

But it can also create a few new ones.

Most importantly, if the procedure is performed at the wrong time, it can put your pup at risk for a number of future Yorkie health issues.

That is why it is vital to neuter your Yorkie at the correct age.

Keep reading to learn when to neuter a male Yorkie, plus everything else you need to know about the procedure. Do not neuter your Yorkie, until you have all of the pertinent info.

 

When To Neuter A Yorkie Male

You should neutering a male Yorkie before he turns one year old. It is usually done before they hit puberty, which is around 4 to 6 months old.

Before you neuter your male Yorkie, there are a number of other things you need to know and consider. We’ll cover it all in the rest of this brief article.

 

What Is Neutering Exactly?

Neutering is the procedure of de-sexing male animals of a species. Basically, the testicles are removed.

The process is executed by creating an opening in front of the Yorkie’s scrotum. The testicles are then cut out through the opening.

The blood vessels leading to the testicles are severed and bound. Generally speaking, this process is performed when they are about six months of age. This seems early, but male Yorkies reach maturity faster than their female counterparts.

 

Benefits Of Neutering

Neutering has a number of health benefits in terms of the future health of your Yorkshire Terrier. One obvious benefit is that the removal of testicles makes it impossible for the dog to ever get testicular cancer in the future.

Neutered dogs are also far less likely to have prostate issues, as well as perianal tumors. Behavioral problems related to hormonal imbalance will also improve significantly.

Neutering noticeably helps in the behavior aspect with your Yorkie. A neutered Yorkie is less likely to be aggressive with other male dogs. It also prevents the tendency to roam around searching for female dogs to mate.

However, neutering isn’t a miracle cure. Dog can still suffer from most of the same medical concerns. And neutering brings with it some additional risks.

 

Health Risks Of Neutering Yorkies

While there are definite benefits to neutering male dogs, there are also a number of health risks, though not all dogs have all of these risks, or at the same levels. And not all vets will disclose the associated health risks of neutering.

Whether your pup is at higher risk or lower risk of adverse effects or health issues, you need to know about them. So let’s take a look at the most important ones.

First of all, neutered dogs are three times as likely to suffer from hypothyroidism, which can lead to obesity.

This can occur when the dog’s endocrine system starts to function differently, and hormone levels are affected. The result is lower thyroid levels, which can lead to rapid weight gain and dog obesity.

Another possible risk is bone cancer. Dogs who were neutered at the wrong age, or where the procedure was not performed well, are at a higher risk of hip dysplasia.

This is a problem with the ligaments, and can lead to hind leg problems in Yorkies, and eventually even to bone cancer, which is also known as osteosarcoma.

It is important you know how to care for your pup after he has been neutered, too. You want to make sure you give him the best possible after care to avoid any issues. This article covers what to do after the procedure to help your Yorkie through his recovery period.

 

When To Neuter A Yorkie: Conclusion

Overall, there are a both advantages and disadvantages to neutering. Most dogs who are neutered too early are at a high risk of further health complications.

Therefore it is vital to have the procedure done at the right time. It is best to consult your vet if you are considering neutering your Yorkie puppy. They will be able to advise you on the best time to neuter your pup.