The American College of Theriogenologists (ACT), a certifying body of veterinarians who specialize in reproductive issues, recommends neutering male Irish Wolfhounds at the age of three months. The advantages of neutering Irish wolves are many, and include longer-term health benefits and prevention of undesirable behavioural traits. However, there is no recommended age for spaying female Irish wolves. While it is recommended to spay a female wolfhound prior to the first heat, some breeders recommend a veterinary visit before the dog is a year old. This will prevent the risk of mammary tumors in the pup.
Common signs of illness
While it is important to discuss this with your veterinarian, you should consider some common signs of illness in your Irish wolfhound. A dog might exhibit several symptoms that may indicate an illness or a minor ailment. In some cases, abnormal symptoms could be a sign of a more serious condition, while others may be a temporary symptom. In such cases, it is best to seek veterinary help.
Best time to spay or neuter
Although there is no definitive answer, the best time to spay or neuter an Irish wolfhound is when the pet reaches sexual maturity and closed its growth plates. The average veterinarian recommends spaying your Irish wolfhound at six months of age, while most IW breeders recommend waiting until the dog is 18-24 months. In the meantime, it is safe to delay surgery until the pup reaches the age of one to two years.
