So Vegeta is getting neutered this Thursday and in one of my typical worried father moments I started to do a lot of research on it. From everything I've read and what people have said it's not so bad for the guys, it's a little more of a hassle with the gals. There were a few things I cam across that I was curious about and wanted you guys' opinions.

1) I came across an article that said neutered males (and maybe females as well?) tend to grow taller than non-neutered males. Something regarding their growth plate closing later than usual. Is this true?

2) I've also seen that they should be fed less since they have a lower metabolism?

3) Will neutering really effect his muscular growth? He won't be anything other than my best friend so I'm not worried about him being some brute of a dog, but I don't want him to not grow to full potential because I took the family jewels.

Thanks for any input! Also in your experiences how needed has the E-Collar been? I'm debating getting one but a couple of people I've talked to said their dogs never even tried for area.

With the E collar, it all depends on the individual dog. Lucian had a tendency to try and lick his incision. I would only put the collar on at night when he wasn't being supervised. I watched him during the day and promptly told him no if I seen him going to lick. He listened pretty well. I think he knew he'd get the cone if he didn't, lol.
The vet did tell me to cut down his food after the neuter, but I didn't. I figured if I noticed him getting chunky, I'd cut his food down. But he's still fit and trim now, and his neuter was about 4 months ago. It hasn't seemed to affect his growth at all either. He's 50lbs at nearly 10 months old. His growth has slowed, but I don't think that is from the neuter. It's just him tapering off. Good thing, or he'd be a monster puppy right now, lol.

Selena just got spayed 4 days ago and so far has been wonderful (bouncing off the walls already, ughlol)! She has not needed an E collar what so ever. My dogs in the past have needed them though so I can say it depends on the dog. Her vet did say to cut her food by 30% after surgery. I too and am not going to cut her back because one she doesn't even eat the recommended amount now and she is super super active so I guess that is personal preference. Good luck!!! I was a super freaked out mommy that called to check on her every couple hours lolol

It's a constant debate and you are going to find people on both sides. Hover, it really can affect growth plates on dogs, but in research it its less of a problem in medium sized breeds than large breeds.

It can affect muscles I can't go into depth right now because I can find any if my studies but when I do I will share.

I would wait. I neutered Cato at almost 10 months old ( I thought it was 8 but his paper work says otherwise ha). And he has been great.

I also tried to hold off a little bit, I spayed Yuki at 8 months just before her first heat and neutered Cloud at 8 months as well. Yuki is a very petite little thing approaching 10 months and still 36 pounds I believe, Cloud only gained 3 pounds after his neuter. Link was 46 pounds at 15 months old, and wasn't neutered when I got him. So I don't think it affects them to much unless its REALLY early like 3 or 4 months.

I know you're asking about a neuter, but I thought I'd give my experience with Pippa anyway. She was spayed a few days before I adopted her when she was 6 months and she weighed right around 30lbs at the time. Now she's almost a year and a half and hovers around 43 lbs. She's really filled out a lot.

I also would wait, but that is my personal preference. I will always wait to speuter my pets until after maturity or as long as a contract from a breeder will allow me to. The Standard Poodle breeder I am probably getting my next one from let's us wait until 8 months of age on boys, but only 6 months on girls. I don't really like that, so I am still searching for breeders. I got a little off topic, sorry!

I had Balon neutered at 6 months and he did just fine. He is about 60 lbs (he goes to vet tomorrow so I will know for sure then). He is taller then some huskies but I have seen taller. He is very healthy! I don't regret doing it when I did. I plan on having Loki's done when is is 6 months as well.

I agree with Megan that there is a constant debate on when to spay/neuter and I have read many papers on the topic including those from medical journals. Even the experts don't agree lol.

I would do what feels comfortable and right for your situation. My new little guy Loki seems to be very Alpha so he will be done at 6 months just to calm all that testosterone down lol.

Regarding an Ecollar I would get one, they aren't expensive and better safe then sorry. My female lab didn't touch her spay stitches at all, so when she needed surgery on her knee I didn't bother to get one. Fast forward to day 4 of recovery and I was driving back to the vet with her to have her knee restitched and to get an e collar. Yep the little bugger chewed out half her stitches!

Whatever you decide good luck and know you are doing a good thing by neutering him.