The best age to neuter a dog depends on various factors such as the breed size, health, temperament, etc. Neutering some dogs early could make them prone to orthopedic injury/diseases.
We know it could be a tough decision for you, but we’ve written down everything you need to know to make an informed one. Keep reading!
To snip or not to snip? This could probably be one of the most difficult questions you would have to answer as a dog owner. Most of them, however, just look at the calendar and make the decision. It’s good that you came here looking for the right information before doing that. It’s actually an art to figure out the answer here as it is about finding the right moment before your dog starts serenading the neighborhood pooches with a one-dog rendition of Can’t Help Falling in Love.
Before we dive into the timing of neutering, here’s a very quick introduction to it –
Neutering is basically surgically removing a dog’s testicles, making them unable to reproduce. (In the case of female dogs, the ovaries are removed, and the process is called ‘spaying’)
Along with unwanted litter, it also prevents certain testosterone-driven behaviors like aggression, territory marking, etc. Some of you’ll even know this. But very few might know that it also lowers the chances of several medical issues like testicular cancer (obviously) and prostate problems and increases life expectancy by 1-5 years.
Let’s understand the benefits of neutering more -
Benefits of Neutering (1)
Health Benefits: As discussed above, it lowers the risk of testicular tumors, and prostate problems. It also reduces the risk of certain life-threatening infections.
Behavioral Benefits: Neutered dogs do not feel the need to roam to look for a female dog to mate. This means that they are much less likely to get into a territorial fight with other dogs or urinate inappropriately to mark a territory. Another benefit here is your dog is less likely to jump over the fence in search of a mate and end up in an accident.
Population Control: Lastly, no one likes unwanted pregnancies.
3. What’s the Best Age to Neuter? (2)
Breed: The reason why the breed of the dog matters when choosing the right age to neuter is because different breeds mature at different ages. Large breeds like the Great Dane, Newfoundland, etc., take more time to mature than medium-sized breeds like the Golden Retriever, Labrador, etc. The early years are the rebellious ones. During this time, dogs reach sexual maturity.
Health and Development: Neutering a dog before its growth plates close can cause the dog to be taller than expected, as neutering removes the hormones that signal the growth plates to close. Neutering too early can also increase the chances of certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism and urinary incontinence., in some dogs.
Temperament – Some dog owners wait for the dog to become more confident in case they are timid initially to avoid fear-related issues.
Recommended Ages for Neutering Based on Dog Size and Breed (3)
Small Breeds (under 20 pounds): 6-9 months, as they mature faster and do not face any growth-related risks of early neutering.
Medium Breeds (20-50 pounds): 6-12 months, depending on the maturity of the dog.
Large Breeds (50+ pounds): 12-18 months to allow for full musculoskeletal development.
While these are the usually recommended ages depending on the size of the dog, it is always better to consult your vet before making the decision, as there are other factors (mentioned above) to be considered.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Early vs. Late Neutering (4)
Early Neutering -
Pros: Reduced marking, aggression, and the risk of certain cancers.
Cons: Impacted bone and muscle development which can lead to joint issues like hip dysplasia.
Late Neutering -
Pros: Better physical development, especially in large breeds as they tend to mature late.
Cons: Increased tendency for behaviors like marking, aggression, etc. It may also increase the chances of complications during the surgery and delayed healing, especially if the dog has entered the senior phase.
Conclusion
When to neuter/spay your dog is a very important decision. While there are certain general recommendations based on the breed and size of the dog, the best age can vary from dog to dog depending on other factors, such as the health and behavior of the dog. Hence, it is always better to consult a vet before making the decision.
Now, we know how difficult the decision can be looking at the risks of early and late neutering. We do not want you to worry about the costs of neutering/spaying as well. Here’s how we can help –
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
Neutering a dog: Everything you need to know. (n.d.). Small Door Veterinary. https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/neutering-dogs-everything-you-need-to-know
Buzzards Bay Veterinary Associates. (2023, February 28). Choosing the best age to spay or neuter your dog. https://buzzardsbayvetassociates.com/blog/choosing-the-best-age-to-spay-or-neuter-your-dog
Pros and cons of spaying or neutering your dog or cat at an early age. (n.d.). Animal Humane Society. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/pros-and-cons-spaying-or-neutering-your-dog-or-cat-early-age
