The Best Time To Neuter Your Dog: Different Perspectives

#1 Population Control

Those that recommend early neutering, are usually coming at the subject from the perspective of population control. 

And this is often the perspective of veterinarians, especially those that are involved with animal shelters and who see a lot of unwanted pregnancies in dogs. 

And it’s also usually the perspective of anyone involved in animal control, state legislation on dogs and so on, in the USA. 

Neutering before a dog is sexually mature is called Pediatric Neutering and is popular in several states.  You can read more about is in the article: What’s Involved In Neutering.

There are of course other ways to prevent unwanted pregnancy in dogs, such as keeping a female dog at home during her seasons. But neutering is undoubtedly the most certain. And might be the cheapest option if you don’t already have a secure yard to exercise your dog while she is in heat.

I say ‘might’ because spaying is not a cheap operation, and of course you may already have a secure, dog-proof, yard. 

#2 Sports And Joint Health

If you talk to those involved in animal sports, such as agility, working trials, or hunting dogs, you’ll find a different perspective. Including many who don’t believe in neutering dogs at all. 

And that’s partly because neutering influences the development of joints and can increase the risk of serious injuries such as cranial cruciate ligament tears. 

Some breeds of dog are more vulnerable to these injuries than others, and studies have shown that neutering significantly increases the risks in several breeds. 

You can find more information on these impact of neutering on joint health here: The Pros And Cons Of Neutering Your Labrador  You can also follow this link to read more about Cranial Cruciate Ligament disease  and follow a reader’s own experience of this disease in her dog.

# 3 Cancer Prevention 

Neutering will protect your dog against cancer – won’t it?  Well, twenty years ago, that was the standard advice being dished out by veterinarians everywhere. 

Unfortunately, we now know that it isn’t strictly true. 

Neutering does protect against some cancers. Including mammary cancer in female dogs, if the operation is carried out early enough. It has does not have the same effect if carried out in an older dog. 

It also protects against testicular cancer in male dogs. But testicular cancer is not that common. 

And it has now been shown that in several breeds, including Labradors, neutering leaves your dog more vulnerable to several other types of cancer. 

Thus potentially cancelling out the benefits of neutering in this respect.  

You can find more information on this topic here: The Pros And Cons Of Neutering Your Labrador

# 4 Aggression & Bad Habits

It’s not uncommon for people to turn to neutering for problem behaviors. Especially in male dogs.  

They hope that neutering will solve their issues with aggression, or humping, or roaming, or toileting accidents. 

But the outcome of neutering for these problems is mixed. And for aggression, neutering can actually make things worse. That’s because aggression is often linked to fear, and testosterone is a confidence boosting hormone. 

It’s true that male dogs are less likely to roam if neutered, but that may not be a factor for you if your premises are secure. 

If you are thinking about having your male dog neutered, you can read more about how neutering may or may not change your male dog’s behavior in this article: Should I Have My Labrador Castrated

#5 Convenience And Hygiene

When it comes to female dogs, by far and away the most common reason for neutering is that the dog owner does not want to deal with the inconvenience and potential worry of dealing with her twice yearly seasons. And this is often the perspective of pet dog owners.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this perspective, but I think it’s important to know why you are making this decision, and the potential impact of it on your dog. So that you can be sure you are doing the best thing for both of you. And not end up with regrets in the future. 

I hope the following articles will help put your mind at rest on some of these issues, and give you the facts and information you need to help with your decision:

• Managing A Female Dog During Her Season
• Should You Spay Your Dog: Pros And Cons

What Activities Do You Have Planned For Your Dog?

As you can see, the best time to neuter your dog will depend on your perspective. But in most cases a good time to neuter a female dog is after the first season and before the second. 

Vet’s like to carry out this operation mid-way between seasons as this is likely to have the best outcome for the dog. For male dogs the timing is less critical. 

In some cases, the best time to neuter a dog is actually never.  Especially when the dog is a male and you have secure premises. 

If you like to exercise your dog in public dog parks, don’t have a very secure backyard, and can’t afford to make your backyard secure, then neutering is a good choice. Both to reduce the risk of roaming, and to avoid unwanted puppies appearing on the scene. 

But if your dog is going to be jumping five-bar gates, powering across open countryside in pursuit of game or flying round an agility circuit, you need to be cautious about neutering. 

Talk to your vet, look up the risks of your breed being susceptible to CCL tears, and take those risks seriously. 

Surgery for these conditions is extremely expensive, massively inconvenient, and recovery times are long. It’s just a horrible experience for the dog and for your entire family.

What’s your perspective?

If your main concern is unwanted pregnancy and you do not have a secure property from which a dog in season cannot escape, then neutering as soon as possible is likely to be an option for you to consider. 

If you are hoping to compete with your dog in working trials, agility, or to train your dog as a hunting companion, then I would look carefully at the risks particularly with regard to your breed. Labradors are particularly susceptible to CCL tears.  And in my view no-one should be advising you to neuter your Lab, without highlighting these risks, if you are planning these kinds of activities in the future. 

If you have a nervous or anxious male dog, then neutering may make things worse. If you have a bold and confident boy, then neutering at your convenience should be fine. 

Either way, talk it through with your veterinarian. Be honest about any concerns you may have, and about your dog’s behavior and reasons for neutering. So that they can give you the best advice for your individual situation. 

Further Reading And Information

There are references to several older studies in the articles above. Some newer studies are listed below. 

• Possible Relationship between Long-Term Adverse Health Effects of Gonad-Removing Surgical Sterilization and Luteinizing Hormone in Dogs. Michelle Kuzler. Animals 2020
• Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for Mixed Breed Dogs of Five Weight Categories: Associated Joint Disorders and Cancers, Benjamin Hart et al, Front. Vet. Sci. July 2020
• Age of neutering contributes to risk of cruciate ligament rupture in Labrador Retrievers. Forge et al, Am Vet Med Assoc 2024