
What to expect during an exam
- Increases life expectancy: Sterilized dogs and cats, on average, live longer than their unspayed or unneutered counterparts.
- Reduces cancer risk in females: Spaying eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers and drastically reduces the risk of mammary (breast) tumors, especially if performed before the first heat cycle. It also prevents potentially fatal uterine infections like pyometra.
- Reduces cancer risk in males: Neutering completely eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and lowers the incidence of prostate problems.
- Decreases injury risk: By reducing the urge to roam, spaying and neutering lower the chances of your pet getting into fights with other animals or being hit by a car.
What are the recommended ages for spaying or neutering dogs and cats?
For cats: Optimal timing of spaying or neutering by 5 months of age, before they reach sexual maturity.
General guidelines for dogs
- For dogs: The ideal age is more complex and depends on factors like size, breed, and gender.
- Small and medium breeds: These dogs are often spayed or neutered around 6 months of age. This timing offers a balance of health and behavioral benefits.
- Large and giant breeds: These dogs may benefit from waiting longer to allow for full bone and joint development. Recommendations range from 12 to 18 months or even later. This delay may reduce the risk of orthopedic problems like hip dysplasia and certain joint injuries.
Gender differences: For large-breed dogs, the timing can differ by sex, with recent studies exploring the unique risks and benefits.
- Male dogs: Some large-breed males may benefit from waiting until after puberty (often between 1 and 2 years) to help prevent joint issues.
- Female dogs: Spaying before the first heat cycle (usually before 7 months) significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancer, even for large breeds. However, this must be weighed against potential orthopedic risks for certain large breeds.
