New Study Reveals Best Time to Spay or Neuter Your Dog: Breed-Specific Guidelines from UC Davis

The debate over when to spay or neuter your dog has long been a topic of discussion among dog owners and veterinarians. However, a new study from researchers at the University of California-Davis is shedding light on the issue with some fresh guidance.

Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, the study looked at the connection between neutering age and the risk of certain cancers and joint disorders across 40 popular dog breeds. The findings reveal that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as the optimal neutering age can vary significantly between breeds and by the dog’s sex.

For example, male German shorthaired pointers and female Newfoundlands faced higher risks of joint issues like hip dysplasia if neutered too young. Meanwhile, female Rhodesian ridgebacks were more prone to mast cell tumors with very early neutering before six months old.

The researchers recommend that owners work closely with their vet to make a personalized neutering decision based on their dog’s breed, sex, and living situation. Delaying neutering until a bit older may reduce future health risks for many breeds, but this must be balanced against other factors like preventing the birth of unwanted litters.

To arrive at their breed-specific neutering recommendations, the UC Davis team undertook a decade-long process that involved analyzing records from the university’s veterinary hospital. By scrutinizing the medical charts of over 1,200 dogs treated from 2000 through 2020, they were able to compare incidence rates of joint issues and cancers between neutered and intact dogs of different ages.

The researchers hope that this research will better inform owners and enable more personalized neutering decisions to maximize their beloved companions’ health and longevity. Professor Lynette Hart from the School of Veterinary Medicine emphasized the importance of considering the connections between early spay/neuter and potential health concerns, while Benjamin Hart, a distinguished professor emeritus at the School of Veterinary Medicine, highlighted the importance of giving pet owners the final decision-making role for the health and well-being of their animal.

Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the best time to spay or neuter your dog, emphasizing the importance of individualized decisions based on breed, sex, and other factors.