Some retrospective studies have recently been published that show very early sterilization may delay closure of growth plates in big bones, meaning the animal gets a little bigger or longer. In some breeds, like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, this may lead to hip or joint issues.

What happens if I spay my dog too early?

Early spaying or neutering can lead to a dog's bones growing for a longer period than they would have without that alteration. In some cases, this seems to lead to abnormal bone growth that can actually change a dog's proportions, potentially leading to discomfort if those changes are extreme enough.

What is the earliest a female dog can be spayed?

In general, for small breed dogs (less than 50 pounds) we recommend spaying around 6 months. In large breed dogs (greater than 50 pounds) we recommend waiting until after skeletal maturity but before the second heat cycle (usually 12-15 months) in spaying female dogs or any time after skeletal maturity in male dogs.

Is 4 months too early to spay a dog?

Often, the spay and neuter take place at a very young age for pets, at four to six months.

Does spaying too early stunt growth?

Having your dog spayed or neutered early will not stunt your puppy's growth, but it might affect the joints of large breed dogs. Studies show that early spay/neuter does affect the growth plate, delaying its closure and causing dogs to grow taller than they should have.

The Truth About Spaying and Neutering Cats: A Complete Guide

What is the minimum age for spay?

The optimal age to spay/neuter a cat is before it reaches 5 months of age. For owned cats, the optimal age would be 4 to 5 months; for cats in shelters, the optimal age could be as early as 8 weeks.

Do female dogs get bigger after being spayed?

It is a possibility. Their metabolism can be affected once we remove those hormones. You'd have to work with your vet and look at your animal to see if you need to adjust their diet or their exercise level if they do start to gain a little weight.

Is it better to spay early or later?

In more recent years shelter and animal rescue groups have advocated for early-age, 6 months of age and even younger, spay and neuter with the goal of preventing unwanted litters. As an added incentive the surgery is quicker and less complicated prior to sexual maturity in these immature puppies.

What happens if you spay a dog at 5 months?

It's ideal to get a female spayed before their first heat cycle, which happens around 5 to 6 months of age. Spaying/neutering has several advantages for pets and their owners. In females, it lowers the risk of reproductive cancer, mammary cancer, and pyometra (uterine infection).

Should you let a female dog go into heat before spaying?

Q: Should I let my dog have a heat before I spay her? A: Medically, it's better to spay your dog before their first heat. It greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors. People who wait to spay their dogs until after their second heat greatly increase the risk of mammary tumors in their pets.

What is the best age to spay a dog by breed?

In general, in small breed dogs (less than 50 pounds) we recommend spaying around 6 months. In large breed dogs (greater than 50 pounds) we recommend waiting until after skeletal maturity but before the second heat cycle(usually 12-15 months) in spaying female dogs or anytime after skeletal maturity in male dogs.

Will spaying calm a female dog?

Spaying can frequently make a female dog calmer, but it doesn't work the same for every dog. This procedure can help reduce hormonal issues, prevent unplanned pregnancies, and lower the chances of health problems that can affect your dog's behavior.

What age do female dogs go into heat?

On average, puberty (or sexual maturity) is reached at about six months of age, but this can vary by breed. Smaller breeds tend to have their first estrous cycle at an earlier age, while large and giant breeds may not come into heat for the first time until they reach eighteen months to two years of age.

What is the best time to spay a female dog?

For females, most veterinarians also recommend waiting two to three months after a heat cycle to spay a female dog because this allows the mammary tissue and uterine vessels to shrink. Waiting those couple of months helps decrease the surgical risk for your pet and your veterinarian's stress level during the surgery.

Does early spaying cause hip dysplasia?

In both breeds neutering (or spaying) before 6 months of age significantly increased the occurrence of joint disorders, including hip dysplasia, especially in the golden retrievers.

Can spaying a dog too early cause aggression?

The study concludes: “The overall trend seen in all these behavioral data was that the earlier the dog was neutered [or spayed], the more negative the effect on the behavior.” Specifically, the study found: Spayed females are more aggressive.

Is 6 months too early to spay?

Owned female dogs should be spayed before they are 5 months old. Owned small, medium and large breed male dogs should be neutered before they are 5 months old. Owned giant breed male dogs who are house pets should be neutered after growth stops, between 12 to 15 months of age due to orthopedic concerns.

Is a female dog ever too old to spay?

Is it Too Late to Spay or Neuter My Dog? If you have had a pet for a long time and have not had them spayed or neutered, you may wonder if it is too late. However, many vets have performed the procedure on many senior pets safely.

What are the benefits of delayed spaying?

Research has shown that early spaying and neutering can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as osteosarcoma and transitional cell carcinoma. By delaying sterilization, dogs can maintain their natural hormonal balance, which may help protect against these types of cancer.

What are the side effects of spaying a female dog too early?

Dogs spayed before five months of age may slightly more likely to develop hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture. Spayed dogs have an increased risk of developing hypothyroidism. Dogs may experience changes in metabolism and appetite after spaying.

What are the cons of early spay?

Some retrospective studies have recently been published that show very early sterilization may delay closure of growth plates in big bones, meaning the animal gets a little bigger or longer. In some breeds, like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, this may lead to hip or joint issues.

What is the earliest to spay a puppy?

Dogs: According to the AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines, small-breed dogs (under 45 pounds projected adult body weight) should be neutered at six months of age or spayed prior to the first heat (five to six months).

Do female dogs get calmer after spaying?

While spaying can contribute to a calmer demeanor in some female dogs, it may not address behavioral issues unrelated to reproductive hormones, such as aggression or separation anxiety. The recovery period after spaying typically lasts 10 to 14 days, during which diligent care is necessary to prevent complications.

Are female dogs more affectionate after spaying?

After spaying, female dogs will be calmer and less aggressive because their hormone levels are decreased. They may also become more attached or friendly towards their owners. However, the overall personality of your dog should remain the same.

Why do spayed female dogs still hump?

But why do female dogs hump? Despite a popular myth, dogs don't hump to establish social dominance. Instead, the behavior can arise from feelings of stress or anxiety, a surge in hormones, or because it's a learned behavior (a behavior continued from previous, rewarded experiences).

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