When Should You Spay or Neuter Your Dog?
In the vein of motherhood and how it relates to pets, when is the best time to be spaying/neutering your dog?
The debate is on, and in many cases it seems to be far better to wait, and NOT rush into this.
There are links to serious disease, including incontinence, cancer, bone and joint disorders (ie Cruciate Ligament Injury). This is happening as when remove the sex hormones early, it is affecting how your pet grows.
This can result in less developed muscles which can’t support the knee properly, leading to things such as an ACL injury.
If that (or something similar) is to ever happen to your pet, a good quality pain killer is really important to have on hand.
The cannabinoids are safe/effective for dogs and cats; they have been very beneficial for my own pets (and myself)
I was able to provide pain relief, without some of the less desirable side effects of the veterinary NSAIDs using CBD. Our CBD supplement for dogs and cats is here:
Neutering young dogs between 6 and 9 months of age is a common practice in the United States, which starkly contrasts with many European countries. For instance, in Norway, neutering a pet is illegal unless there is a valid medical reason. This divergence in practice has prompted veterinarians in the US to reassess the juvenile neuter approach, raising questions about the clinical effects of early-age neutering, its benefits, and potential downsides.
Emerging Concerns: Joint Disorders and Cancer Risks Linked to Early Neutering
Recent research, notably the study titled “Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence" by Drs. Benjamin and Lynette Hart at UC Davis, California, highlights significant concerns. The research suggests that early neutering may be linked to increased risks of debilitating joint disorders and some cancers, particularly in certain breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherd Dogs.
Key findings include:
- Neutering before the age of one year is associated with a higher risk of joint disorders such as hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tears, and elbow dysplasia—up to 2-4 times higher than in intact dogs.
- In female Golden Retrievers, there is an observed increase in cancer rates—also about 2-4 times higher than in intact females—regardless of the age at which they were spayed.
Guidelines and Personal Decisions on the Timing of Neutering
Based on these findings, the following guidelines are suggested:
- For male Golden Retrievers: Delay neutering until after the dog is more than a year old to mitigate the increased risks of joint disorders and cancers.
- For female Golden Retrievers: It’s advisable to leave the female intact or delay spaying until after one year of age while remaining vigilant for potential cancers.
What Should Pet Owners Do?
Given the clear association between early spay/neuter and increased risks of joint disorders and cancers, I recommend delaying the spay/neuter procedure for any dog to at least one year of age, preferably two. The sex hormones seem to play a crucial role in the development of many cancers, suggesting a delay in spay/neuter procedures could be beneficial.
As a prospective pet owner, I would personally wait to spay or neuter my next puppy until they are at least two years old to minimize these risks.
P.S. If you’re stuck for Mother’s Day ideas, spending some quality time with your Mom is always appreciated… .perhaps even a dog walk 🙂
P.P.S. So this is being discussed by MAINSTREAM Veterinarians… .this is now a thing
IF I were to have a puppy, I would wait until 2 years of age before SPAY or NEUTER
P.P.P.S. This has been given by thousands of dog and cat parents… . with some GREAT results for pain, inflammation and even immune support.
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