Here’s a guide for people wondering when to spay a Cockapoo. If you are a new dog owner, neutering a Cockapoo can be a significant decision. It is an extensive surgical procedure that requires careful thought and consideration about the proper timing and how to care for your pet afterward. Let’s look at the best time to neuter a Cockapoo if this procedure is the best choice for your animal, and the costs associated with this medical procedure.
Before you scroll down this guide, “When to Neuter a Cockapoo,” you can check out these related content from our team at We Love Doodles: Can a Neutered Dog Still Mate and Common Signs Your Dog Needs to Be Neutered.
When to Neuter Cockapoo Dogs
The decision when to neuter a Cockapoo is an individual one. But, of course, each Cockapoo is unique and therefore has its own needs. However, many studies conclude that smaller dog breeds, like Cockapoos, can benefit from undergoing the neutering procedure earlier than large breed dogs. As a result, many dog owners will neuter their Cockapoos around the six to nine-month age bracket.
Several factors can contribute to when it is best to neuter your pet. These elements include:
- Age of sexual maturity
- Current behavior and health
- Where you got the dog from
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Cockapoo’s Age of Sexual Maturity
While many professional veterinarians profess that a dog should not undergo neutering until they reach the age of sexual maturity, each dog breed is different. Surprisingly, small breed dogs will reach sexual maturity sooner than larger breeds. This can result in your Cockapoo undergoing sterilization surgery sooner than other dogs.
However, waiting until they mature is not a hard rule. Some dog owners prefer to complete the procedure before their pet is fully grown. Therefore, some Cockapoos can undergo neutering as early as three or four months old.
Related: How Big Do Cockapoos Get?
Current Behavior and Health of a Cockapoo
Your pet’s current behavior and health can play a factor in when to neuter a Cockapoo dog. For example, some opinions regarding removing the testes from a male Cockapoo will decrease the hormone testosterone, which can minimize aggressive behaviors or animals who do not follow directions.
While neutering is not a fool-proof way to get your dog to behave the way you want, it can help calm them down slightly. In addition, some owners may find that their pet is less likely to try mounting other animals or people after they undergo the neutering procedure.
If you have any health concerns regarding your pet, talk to your veterinarian. Often, neutered Cockapoos have less chance of testicular or prostate cancer, which can be fatal to this small dog breed. Typically, the sooner your dog has the procedure, the better it will be, making the six-month mark an average age to neuter Cockapoos.
Related: Do Cockapoos Shed Hair and Dander?
Learn Where Your Cockapoo Came From
For some dog owners, where you got your new pet from will have some bearing on when you will neuter it. For example, suppose you adopted your Cockapoo from a shelter or rescue agency. In that case, they will often come to you already sterilized or under the commitment to fix them within a short time frame.
However, if you choose a reputable breeder for your new pet, you may be under a contractual agreement to ensure it undergoes neutering at a specific time in its life. This stipulation is standard for many professional breeders. If you are unsure when you are obligated to fix the dog you purchased from a breeder, ask them directly or refer to your paperwork.
Related: Types of Cockapoo Colors.
Should You Neuter Your Cockapoo?
If and when to neuter a Cockapoo is often a common question for new dog owners. Sterilizing your pet is a personal decision, and it may not be suitable for everyone.
Examining the pros and cons of the neutering procedure can help you decide if you should make this choice for your pet. However, the case for neutering your dog is strong, and the benefits are numerous.
Benefits of Neutering Your Cockapoo
The benefits of neutering your Cockapoo are many, much like other dog breeds. Even though these dogs are small, they can exhibit negative behaviors or medical problems like larger breeds, which you can minimize with neutering.
Some of the popular reasons dog owners neuter their dogs include:
- Minimizing aggressive and territorial behaviors
- It eliminates the chances of unwanted puppies
- Decreases the chances of testicular, prostate, and other cancers
- Extends its lifespan
- Can help calm hyperactivity
- Reduces the desire to mate
Although neutering is not a sure-fire fix for behavioral problems, many dog owners see positive changes in their pets after this sterilization procedure. So if you want to keep your Cockapoo healthy and happy for years to come, neutering them between six and 12 months is ideal.
Related: Are Cockapoos Hypoallergenic?
Disadvantages of Neutering Your Cockapoo
No medical procedure is 100% safe, unfortunately. Neutering an animal is major surgery and does require anesthesia for the process. Any time a dog needs anesthesia, there are inherent risks of complications and a slight possibility of death.
Additionally, the younger your Cockapoo is, the higher the chance could be for complications. However, if you have an older dog undergoing neutering, it too may carry more risks for potential problems. As a new dog owner, you must note that neutering your Cockapoo will not fix any problems instantly.
Some dogs may even appear more aggressive shortly after the procedure as their testosterone levels try to regulate. Therefore, patience is essential when helping your dog recover from this major surgery.
Related: How Long Do Cockapoos Live?
How Much Does it Cost For Neutering a Cockapoo?
The total cost of neutering a Cockapoo can vary significantly, depending on its age and where you live. For example, large urban centers may have several professional veterinarian clinics with easy access to supplies and resources, resulting in lower costs than a vet clinic in a remote rural town. Additionally, the age and size of your pet will also play a part in the total cost, although slight.
The anesthesia required for your pet and any medical supplies used in the procedure can be more for a larger pet due to their age or heavier. An animal with pre-existing health conditions complicating the procedure will directly affect the price, making it higher than average.
However, when spaying a female Cockapoo, neutering a male is notably less expensive. New dog owners can expect to pay anywhere between $50 to $250. Because of this variance, you should talk to your veterinarian to determine precisely how much your dog’s neutering procedure will cost and what it entails.
Aside from the total cost of neutering your Cockapoo, dog owners should also remember that their beloved pet will need time to recover properly. Therefore, choosing the best time to neuter your dog will also require you to select a date when you can help your dog rest and recover at home without stress.
Related: When to Neuter a Bernedoodle and When to Neuter a Goldendoodle.
Conclusion For “When to Neuter a Cockapoo”
If you need to know when to neuter a Cockapoo dog, the answer will depend on its age, the animal’s location, and its current health and behavior. Typically, Cockapoos can undergo the neutering procedure anytime after four months of age up to one year old or older. Talk to your local veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about neutering your Cockapoo.
They can discuss any health risks or benefits the procedure will have on your pet. Having all the facts is best when deciding on any major surgical procedure for your best friend. It is up to you as a responsible dog owner to make the right decisions for your pet. You will be glad that you did the research and made the best choice for your Cockapoo.
If you find this guide, “When to Neuter a Cockapoo,” helpful, you can check out our other content:
- When to Put Down a Diabetic Dog?
- When to Put Down a Dog With Degenerative Myelopathy?
- When to Euthanize a Dog with Kidney Failure?
For more information on neutering your companion, you can learn more about the process by watching “Dog Neuter Explained by a Vet” down below:
Dr. Carla Rodrigues is the owner of the veterinarian clinic Pawsitive Healing based in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from Montclair State University with a Biology degree and did her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Ross University. Dr. Carla Rodrigues completed her clinical at the University of Minnesota and began practicing in California and North Carolina before founding her own clinic.
Dr. Rodrigues specializes in canine rehabilitation and wants to help all pets recover whether they are a puppy or a senior dog! She practices neurologic recovery, arthritis recovery, and does orthopedic surgery. When Dr. Rodrigues isn’t working or traveling, she spends time with her two loyal rescue dogs, Stella and Jackson.
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