When Should I Spay or Neuter My Dog?
Spaying or neutering your dog before they are fully developed is a dangerous, outdated, and uniquely American belief that hopefully dissipates as veterinarians and the public become more educated on this topic.
Unfortunately, most average primary care vets are not up to date on this research and may suggest to neuter or spay your dog before they are done developing to “reduce the chance of cancer.” The research they are citing is not relevant research for dogs who are getting spayed or neutered once they are fully developed. There is a very, very low risk of cancer developing in the reproductive organs before your dog is 1.5-2 years old, when it is developmentally appropriate to remove them.
However, there is ample research that an early spay or neuter has negative long term effects on the body. From lameness, cancer, digestive issues, and so much more, it is clear how important it is for our dogs to fully develop before they have organs producing vital developmental hormones removed from their bodies.
If you are a responsible dog owner there should be little to no chance your dog will accidentally reproduce with another dog. In most other developed countries it is commonplace to not neuter or spay and instead be responsible when and who the dogs are interacting with.
When it is time to spay or neuter your dog consider asking for an Ovary-Sparing Spay for females and a Vasectomy for males. Both of these procedures reduce the chance of long term health concerns associated with sterilization.
The following is a collection of research studies on the harmful effects of an early spay/neuter.
Hart BL, Hart LA, Thingpen AP, Willits NH. (2020) “Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence” Frontiers: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00388/full
Zink C, Delgado MM, Stella, JL. (2023) “Vasectomy and ovary-sparing spay in dogs: comparison of health and behavior outcomes with gonadectomized and sexually intact dogs” AVMA Publications: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/261/3/javma.22.08.0382.xml?tab_body=abstract
Van Hagen MA, Ducro BJ, van den Broek J, Knol BW. (2005) “Incidence, risk factors, and heritability estimates of hind limb lameness caused by hip dysplasia in a birth cohort of boxers” National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15757132/
Hart BL, Hart LA, Thigpen AP, Willits NH, (2014) “Long-Term Health Effects of Neutering Dogs: Comparison of Labrador Retrievers with Golden Retrievers” National Library of Medicine: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4096726/
Cooley DM, Beranek BC, Schlittler DL, Glickman NW, Glickman LT, Waters D. (2019) “Endogenous Gonadal Hormone Exposure and Bone Sarcoma Risk” National Library of Medicine: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6863800/
Vidoni B, Sommerfeld-Stur I, Eisenmenger E. (2005) “Diagnostic and Genetic Aspects of Patellar Luxation in Small and Miniature Breed Dogs in Austria” Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287313647_Diagnostic_and_genetic_aspects_of_patellar_luxation_in_small_and_miniature_breed_dogs_in_Austria
Hess RS, Kass PH, Shofer FS, Can Winkle TJ, Washabau RJ, (1999) “Evaluation of Risk Factors for Fatal Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs” National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9887939/
Slauterbeck JR, Pankratz K, Xu KT, Bozeman SC, Hardy DM. (2004) “ Canine ovariohysterectomy and orchiectomy increase the prevalence of ACL injury” National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15577502/
Whitehair JG, Vasseur PB, Willits NH. (1993) “Epidemiology of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs” National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8226247/
Duerr FM, Duncan CG, Savicky RS, Park RD, Egger EL, Palmer RH. (2007) “Risk Factors for excessive tibial plateau angle in large-breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease” National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18052804/