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:
- Cardiac tumors
- Bone cancers
- Prostate cancer
- Abnormal bone growth and development
- ACL ruptures
- Hip dysplasia
- Urinary incontinence
- Hypothyroidism
- Behavioral issues such as noise phobias, fearful behavior, and aggression
There are many studies that show this. If you go to youtube and type in “Spay and neuter – Dr Judy Morgan”, there is a great video on it. You can also 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.
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.
You do have another option though. Vets can do vasectomies on males or ovary sparing spays on females meaning they can still get the hormones but there is no risk of unwanted puppies. Please consider this if you cant wait till 18 months to get your dog spayed/neutered.