When should I have my puppy neutered?

Dear Dr. John, We have two male Retrievers, a pup approaching nine months, and an older dog age seven. We never had our older dog neutered and we are now considering what benefit, if any, will there be to neutering the puppy.

Our vet has advised us to consider doing so. Our breeder suggested that we neuter after some more time passes so that the growth plates can close thereby preventing things like hip dysplasia and ACL issues. What do you suggest for your clients? What are the pros and cons to neutering our pup? D.



C. Dear D.C.

, The debate as to when to spay and neuter dogs continues. The answer is highly dependent on where the veterinarian went to school and the science one chooses to believe. Many advocate for both spaying and neutering to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to minimize the number of unwanted dogs being euthanized.

With all respect to many knowledgeable breeders, I would trust what your veterinarian says. My recommendation for the timing of these procedures differs by the sex of the dog. Breed is also a factor in that small dog breeds mature more quickly than large breeds that can benefit from delaying the surgeries until the growth plates fully mature.

There is a significant health benefit to spaying a female dog before the first heat cycle as it is reported to reduce the chance of breast cancer later in life. My typical recommendation is to spay female dogs before their first heat, typically around 6-7 months. In male dogs, neutering can reduce aggression, wanderlust, and both prostatic and perineal issues later in life.

I often also neuter male dogs at around the same age. When it comes to large and giant breeds, I discuss the options with the owner since neutering a little later when growth plates are matured helps to prevent some of the associated orthopedic issues while the benefits of reducing prostatic and perineal issues still hold. I would still consider neutering your older dog to prevent potential issues later.

Work with your veterinarian and make your decision. Dr. John de Jong is President of the World Veterinary Association.

He owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic and can be reached at 781-899-9994..