What is the Best Age to Neuter or Spay your Dog?

In general, in small breed dogs (less than 50 pounds), we recommend spaying around 6 months. In large breed dogs (greater than 50 pounds), we recommend waiting until after skeletal maturity but before the second heat cycle (usually 12-15 months) in spayed female dogs or anytime after skeletal maturity in male dogs.

Studies have shown that large dogs spayed before 6 months of age experience some higher risk of orthopedic problems and certain cancers and that risk is statistically reduced at 12 months of age.

Does Spaying or Neutering Stunt Growth?

Having your dog spayed or neutered early will not stunt your puppy’s growth, but it can affect large-breed dogs’ joints. Studies show that early spay/neuter can affect their growth plate, delaying its closure which can cause a dog to grow taller than they should have.

What are the downsides of neutering/spaying a dog?

When a dog’s testicles or ovaries have been removed, the production of hormones is interrupted. Neutered dogs may be at risk of weight gain as they do not utilize their calories as effectively. Early spaying can increase the risk of hemangiosarcoma, mast cell cancer, lymphoma, and bladder cancer; higher incidence of hip dysplasia in dogs spayed or neutered at six months of age; significantly higher prevalence of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury; and a heightened risk for urinary incontinence.

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As part of the battle against pet overpopulation, it used to be common practice to spay and neuter young pets as soon as it was safe to do so, and sterilization is still routinely performed on shelter puppies and kittens. When it comes to privately-owned pets in secure homes, here are AAHA’s most recent recommendations.

According to the AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines, small-breed dogs (under 45 pounds projected adult body weight) should be neutered at six months of age or spayed prior to the first heat (five to six months).

Large-breed dogs (over 45 pounds projected adult body weight) should be neutered after growth stops, which usually is between 9 and 15 months of age.

The decision on when to spay a large-breed female dog is based on many factors—your veterinarian can help narrow down the recommended window of 5 to 15 months depending on your dog’s disease risk and lifestyle.

So all of that being said… the best advice is to do your research. Talk to your vet and make an educated choice for you and your dog.

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