What Is the Best Age to Neuter or Spay Your Dog?
In the United States, it is now common to have all dogs and cats not meant for breeding purposes spayed (ovariohysterectomy) or neutered (castration). In fact, 78% of dog-owning households have spayed or neutered their canine companions according to the American Pet Products Association’s 2019-2020 National Pet Owners survey.
This near-routine practice was a result of veterinarians and the animal shelter community working together to reduce the number of unwanted animals that would be euthanized. Currently, Statista estimates that 6.5 million animals enter U.S. animal shelters each year. Of that number, it’s estimated that 1.5 million are euthanized. Although euthanasia has decreased over the last decade or so, there remains a very strong case for routine spay/neuter of pet cats and dogs.
Understanding the Basics
Often, the spay and neuter take place at a very young age for pets, at four to six months. However, studies have shown that this may not be the best age to spay or neuter your dog. The relationship between sex hormones and canine health was not well-considered and understood decades ago when the early spay/neuter campaigns were started. Today, we are discovering that possibly some of those decisions may have affected the health of some dogs.
Early spaying or neutering, typically performed between 8 and 16 weeks of age, has become increasingly common. Advocates of early spay/neuter argue that it can prevent unwanted litters and reduce the risk of certain health issues, such as mammary tumors or reproductive tract infections. Additionally, early spaying/neutering is often recommended for shelters and rescue organizations to prevent unplanned pregnancies and control overpopulation.
However, there are also concerns about the potential impact of early spaying/neutering on growth, musculoskeletal development, and behavior. Some studies suggest that early spaying/neutering may be associated with an increased risk of certain orthopedic conditions and behavioral problems.
Ultimately, the decision on the best age to spay or neuter your dog should be made in consultation with your veterinarian, taking into account factors such as your dog’s breed, size, health history, and lifestyle. Your veterinarian can provide personalized recommendations based on current research and best practices in veterinary medicine.