Here at Kazuri, we recommend delaying spaying and neutering till 18 months (or till your dog’s growth plates are closed which can be determined through an x-ray).
Allowing your dog to grow to full maturity, will allow him or her to be healthier socially, mentally and physically. Studies have concluded that neutering before puberty increases a dog’s risk of:
- Behavioral issues such as noise phobias, fearful behavior, and aggression
- Cardiac tumors
- Bone cancers
- Prostate cancer
- Abnormal bone growth and development
- ACL ruptures
- Hip dysplasia
- Urinary incontinence
- Hypothyroidism
There are many studies that show this. You can visit Reproductive Specialist Dr Marty Greer’s website https://www.smallanimalclinic.com/ and she has a whole section dedicated to articles about spaying and neutering so you can research yourself. There is evidence that talks about dogs living longer when spaying/neutering is delayed and things like that.
Dr Judy Morgan talks about it in this video here:
If you feel like you cant keep your male from wandering or your girl from getting pregnant, then please know that we will support you in getting them spayed / neutered early – as I certainly an not an advocate for unwanted pregnancies and adding to the pet population without meaning to.
You do have another option though if you need to spay or neuter earlier than desired. Vets can do vasectomies on males or ovary sparing spays on females meaning they can still get the hormones they need, but there is no risk of unwanted puppies. Please consider this if you cant wait till 18 months to get your dog spayed/neutered.