As a pet owner, there might come a time when you have to decide whether to neuter or spray your Bernedoodle. There are certain benefits to doing this; however, getting the timing right is quite important.

So when should you spray or neuter a bernedoodle? Read on to find out.

Key Takeaways

  • It’s generally recommended to neuter a Bernedoodle between 6 to 12 months old to allow proper growth and hormonal development.
  • Neutering offers multiple health benefits, including reduced risk of certain cancers and prostate issues in males, and prevents life-threatening infections like pyometra in females.
  • Neutering can decrease undesirable behaviors such as roaming, urine marking, and aggression, making Bernedoodles calmer and more manageable.
  • Neutering too early can lead to joint problems, increased cancer risks, and other health issues due to interrupted hormonal development.
  • Before neutering, a veterinary exam is essential, and following the vet’s pre-operative instructions, like fasting, ensures a safe procedure.
  • Post-surgery, it’s important to manage your Bernedoodle’s activity, monitor the incision site, and maintain a comfortable recovery environment.
A super cute bernedoodle pup

What is Neutering?

Neutering is the medical procedure that sterilizes a male Bernedoodle dog by removing his testicles. This procedure is also called castration.

For female dogs, the procedure is called spaying. This involves removing the ovaries and often the uterus as well.

When Should You Neuter a Bernedoodle?

Generally, it’s recommended to neuter a Bernedoodle between 6 to 12 months old.

This timing allows your dog to grow and experience hormonal changes, which is important for their development. Besides that, neutering at this age can help prevent certain unwanted behaviors and health issues that may arise later in life.

Benefits of Neutering or Spraying Your Bernedoodle

Health Benefits

Neutering your Bernedoodle can provide several health benefits for both male and female dogs, and these include:

  • Reduced risk of testicular and mammary cancer – Intact dogs (unspayed/unneutered dogs) have a much higher risk of developing reproductive cancers later in life. Neutering eliminates hormones that fuel tumor growth.
  • Eliminates the possibility of pyometra – Pyometra is a life-threatening uterine infection that only occurs in unspayed females. Spaying removes the uterus and prevents pyometra.
  • May reduce prostate issues in males – Intact males have an increased risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. Neutering may reduce the likelihood of developing prostate problems.

Behavioral Benefits

If you’re planning on getting a bernedoodle or goldendoodle puppy, plan ahead for the spaying and neutering phase. Beyond health benefits, neutering your pooch can help:

  • Reduce roaming, mounting, and urine marking – Your dog will be more content to hang out at home with you rather than patrol the neighborhood for potential mates.
  • Decrease aggression – He may be less protective of his territory and less likely to get into scuffles with other males. Of course, neutering is not a cure-all for aggression in every case.
  • Eliminate heat cycles/mating behaviors – Your furry friend will no longer exhibit mating behaviors or have the urge to escape and find a mate when in heat. Her personality may become more even-tempered and consistent.

Risks of Early Neutering

Here’s why early neutering might not always be the best move for your pup:

  • Bone and joint development issues: Neutering too early can interfere with your bernedoodle’s growth cycle. It delays the closing of growth plates, which might lead to longer and more fragile bones, increasing the risk of joint problems later on, especially in larger breeds vulnerable to conditions like hip dysplasia.
  • Cancer risks: While you’d sidestep the risk of testicular cancer by removing the testicles early, it seems to increase the odds of other scary stuff like bone cancer and hemangiosarcoma, both of which are aggressive and often deadly.
  • A change in behavior: Early neutering can cut down on aggression and roaming, but it might also lead to increased fear, anxiety, and other behavioral quirks that could affect training and confidence.
  • Obesity: Dogs that are neutered early tend to have a higher risk of packing on extra pounds, which comes with its own batch of health issues like diabetes and heart disease. This is because their metabolism shifts, making weight management a bit trickier.
  • Hormonal development problems: Hormones do more than just fuel reproductive activities; they’re vital for overall growth and organ development. Removing them too early can have broad impacts on your dog’s health beyond just preventing reproduction.
Bernedoodle sitting on green grass wearing an orange bandana

Bernedoodle Traits

  • Affectionate, gentle, and goofy personality

  • Calm, docile energy

  • Excellent emotional support dogs

  • Good with children

  • Low-to-non shedding

  • For allergy-friendly needs, F1b puppies are optimal

  • Standard-sized need space to stretch

  • Mini or tiny sizes available for smaller spaces

Preparing for the Procedure

Before getting your Bernedoodle neutered or spayed, there are some important steps to take to ensure they are ready for surgery and the recovery process goes smoothly.

  • Schedule a pre-operative veterinary exam. Your vet will do a full physical exam and may recommend pre-operative bloodwork to check your dog’s organ function and rule out any issues that could complicate anesthesia. This is especially important for older dogs.
  • Follow any fasting instructions from your vet. You should usually withhold food after midnight the night before surgery. Water may be allowed up until the morning of the procedure. This prevents vomiting under anesthesia.
  • Make plans for post-op care and limiting activity. Your dog may be groggy and need extra attention for 24 hours after being neutered or spayed.
  • Be sure you understand all pre and post-op instructions from your veterinarian. Follow their guidance closely for the best surgical experience and recovery for your Bernedoodle.

Recovery and Aftercare

Tri-color Bernedoodle Puppy
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After your Bernedoodle’s neuter surgery, you’ll need to allow time for recovery and properly care for the incision site. Here’s what to expect:

  • The recovery period typically lasts 14-21 days. Your vet will likely prescribe pain medication and recommend restricting activity for this duration. Limit exercise, playtime, and walks during recovery.
  • Check the incision site twice daily for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or opening of the incision. Call your vet if you notice any issues.
  • You may need an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking or chewing at the site.
  • Keep the incision clean and dry, so avoid baths during recovery.
  • Your Bernedoodle may experience mild discomfort or pain after being neutered, and this is normal. Give prescribed pain medication as directed, and use ice packs on the incision area to reduce swelling.
  • Make sure to provide a comfortable, quiet area for rest and relaxation.

Long-Term Lifestyle Changes

Neutering your Bernedoodle is just one part of being a responsible pet owner. There are some important lifestyle and feeding guidelines to keep in mind after the procedure.

Importance of Regular Exercise

With neutering comes the tendency for weight gain, so it’s essential to maintain a regular exercise routine for your Bernedoodle. Take your dog on daily walks and make time for active play.

Avoid obesity by measuring their food and limiting treats. An overweight dog is at risk for many health issues, so staying active will keep your Bernedoodle fit and happy.

Ongoing Behavioral Training

While neutering may curb some undesirable behaviors, your Bernedoodle still requires ongoing training and socialization. Continue reinforcing commands and addressing any lingering bad habits post-neuter and socialize them often to minimize aggression.

Wrapping Up

Neutering or spraying your Bernedoodle may be a difficult decision, but at the end of the day, it is an important one. It’s important to talk to your vet about the best time to neuter or spay your pooch, as well as any other questions you may have.

If you’re considering getting a Bernedoodle, take a look at our available puppies. Our pups are well-socialized and come from purebred, healthy, and happy parents. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have about the breed or our breeding program.

Mini Bernedoodle

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Sources

  1. More Than Doodles. (n.d. What Is the Best Age to Neuter a Male Dog?. Retrieved from https://morethandoodles.com/what-is-the-best-age-to-neuter-a-male-dog/
  2. Whole Dog Journal. (20230. Best Age to Neuter a Male Dog. Retrieved from https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/best-age-to-neuter-a-male-dog/
  3. Know Your Doodles. (2021). When do Bernedoodles go into Heat and When Should you Spay/Neuter?. Retrieved from https://www.knowyourdoodles.com/when-do-bernedoodles-go-into-heat-and-when-should-you-spay-neuter/
  4. We Love Doodles. (2021). Spaying or Neutering Your Doodle: What You Need to Know! (2024). Retrieved from https://welovedoodles.com/spaying-or-neutering-your-doodle/