If you’re a pup parent who’s planning to have your dog spayed or neutered — often referred to as “neutered” for both — you may have lots of questions.
For years, it’s been common to neuter dogs before they turn one year old — that is, before they mature. But in the past 20 years, research has shown that early neutering can increase the risk of joint disorders in certain breeds — especially the larger and heavier ones. Early neutering can also increase the risk of some cancers in some breeds. The risks of early neutering can even vary between males and females of the same breed.
Neutering age guidelines by sex and breed have recently been updated, so talk to your veterinarian about what’s best for your canine companion.