What Age To Neuter / Spay My Dog?

Deciding when to neuter / spay your dog (hereinafter referred to as "neuter") is one of the most important health decisions that you will make as a pet owner. For decades, veterinarians recommended neutering dogs early, often around 6 months of age, to help prevent unwanted litters and reduce certain behavioural issues. However, recent scientific research suggests that the best age to neuter is not one-size-fits-all and depends on your dog’s breed, sex, and health risks.

Why Timing Matters For Spay / Neutering?

The latest study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science and reported by the American Kennel Club (AKC) shows that the age at which dogs are neutered can influence their long-term health, especially risks of:

• Joint disorders (like hip/elbow dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament tears).

• Certain cancers (like mast cell tumours or lymphosarcoma).

• Other conditions (such as urinary incontinence in some females and other hormone related imbalances. Some may result in nuisance behaviour) .

  
  

In short, early neutering can disrupt the normal hormonal influences that contribute to otherwise normal development, which may in turn increase disease risk in adulthood

What This Means For Dog Owners?

• Smaller breeds often reach physical maturity sooner than larger breeds, so while they can be neutered as early as 6 months, waiting until 12 months or older is typically reasonable.

  
  

• Large and giant breeds may benefit from waiting even longer (sometimes up to 2 years) before neutering to reduce joint and cancer risks.

  
  

• Individual risks vary. Some dogs develop behavioural problems or reproductive diseases (like pyometra in females) if left intact too long, so neutering decisions should be personalized with your veterinarian.

  
  

• Male vs Female Differences. The study found made the distinction between male and female individuals of the same breed which resulted in different recommendations for male vs female. (See table below).

  
  

  

  Suggested Neutering Age Guidelines for 40 Breeds from Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Practical Steps for Dog Owners

• Consult your veterinarian early: Discuss your dog’s breed, size, and health history to create a neutering plan.

• Monitor your dog’s growth and development: Large breeds grow at different rates, so timing should align with physical maturity.

• Consider behaviour and environment: If your dog shows early signs of unwanted behaviours or lives in a high-risk environment, earlier neutering might be better.

• Stay informed about new research: Veterinary guidelines evolve as new studies emerge, so keep up to date.

  
  

What to Expect During and After Neutering

Neutering is a common surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia. Recovery usually takes about 10 to 14 days. During this time:

• Keep your dog calm and restrict vigorous activity.

• Monitor the incision site for signs of infection.

• Follow your vet’s instructions for pain management and care.

  
  

Proper post-operative care helps ensure a smooth recovery and reduces complications.

Summary of Key Points

• The best age to neuter your dog depends on breed size, health, and lifestyle.

• Small breeds can often be neutered between 6 and 9 months.

• Large and giant breeds benefit from waiting until after 12 -24 months to reduce joint and cancer risks.

• Early neutering can help control behaviour and prevent unwanted litters but may increase some health risks.

• Work closely with your veterinarian to decide the best timing for your dog.