For years now, veterinary dogma has held that pooches should be neutered at 6 months of age. But it’s more complicated than that. The American Veterinary Medical Association now says that there is no single recommendation that applies to all dogs.

Research over the past decade has shown that early neutering may be linked to the risk of joint problems, obesity — even cancer — especially in large breeds. Loss of reproductive hormones may also impact growth, musculature and a dog’s memory. Fortunately, most of these risks subside if a dog is neutered when older.

That’s a good thing, because neutering at the right time reduces the incidence of other cancers and potentially life-threatening infections of the uterus. In fact, studies have concluded that neutered dogs live longer. Like so many things, it’s all about the timing.