At What Age Can A Dog Be Neutered Or Spayed?
All pet owners ask themselves: should all pets be spayed or neutered at the same age? Recent studies have revealed that choosing the right age for a dog to be neutered may not be that simple.
The Benefits of Neutering or Spaying a Dog
First, we must recognize that sterilization and castration are strongly associated with longer life expectancy. It is believed that, in sterilized females, life expectancy increases by 26% compared to females who did not undergo the procedure. In neutered males, life expectancy increases by 18% compared to their uncastrated pairs.
Life expectancy increases because gonadectomy substantially reduces the risk of death from various diseases (eg, some types of cancer, trauma, infections, etc.).
This benefit is greater than the associated risk of suffering from certain problems – other cancers and orthopedic problems – present in the gonadectomy dog population.
When to neuter a puppy?
Dogs are usually neutered as puppies, sometimes at two or three months of age, in animal shelter rescue situations. In this case, the objective is to control the growth of the dog population.
In this scenario, it is imperative that animals relocated through these organizations no longer contribute to the pet overpopulation. Once adopted, compliance with sterilization or castration commitments is only 40%. For this reason, neutering or neutering a puppy before adoption is reasonable.
It should be noted that this practice seeks population control and combats the problem of animal suffering and public health. There are still doubts about the safety and long-term effects of the procedure at an early age. This occurs despite the extensive literature on the subject, as some data are contradictory.
Is there an ideal age at which the dog should be neutered?
The age-related risks and benefits of gonadectomy are an area that continues to evolve. No doubt, as new information becomes available, current recommendations will be revised and re-evaluated.
- Small breed dogs weighing less than 22 kg of expected weight in adulthood: the recommendation is at six months of age for males and before the first heat – 5 or 6 months of age – for females.
- Large breed dogs, weighing more than 22 kg of expected weight in adulthood: the recommendation is less definitive.
For males neutered when they are older, the risk of some cancers and orthopedic problems is reduced. However, behavior problems may need to be addressed.
For females, sterilization in adulthood can reduce the risk of some cancers but increase the risk of others. It can also reduce the risk of some orthopedic problems.
The case of large breed dogs
A recent study on the association between gonadectomy age and performance, conducted with 450 dogs trained as work animals, determined the following ages as ideal for gonadectomy:
- Sheltered dog: before adoption (from 6 weeks of age).
- Small breed dog, male or female: before 5 months of age.
- Large breed dog, female: before 5 months of age.
- Large breed dog, male, free life: before 5 months of age
- Large breed dog, male, pet: From 7 to 11 months. Ideally, after closing the growth plates: 15-18 months
However, as with any other subject, there are exceptions to every rule. We recommend that you discuss all issues and concerns with your own veterinarian in order to make the best decision for you and your pet.
In summary, after reviewing all the pros and cons, the age at which a dog is typically neutered is between five and six months in most cases.
