29/07/2025
Why we ask owners wait a minimum of 2 years before altering their dog. Older is better when they’re open to the responsibility of an intact dog, but this is the minimum for the long term wellbeing of our dogs.
⏳🧬 Why Timing Matters: What the Research Really Says About Early Spay & Neuter✂️
As loving pet parents, we all want to do what’s best for our dogs — and that includes making the right decision around spay and neuter.
For years, early des*xing (before dogs reach s*xual maturity) has been widely promoted as standard practice — often as early as 8–16 weeks in rescues or before a first season in females. But emerging research over the past decade is prompting a much-needed rethink.
Here’s what the science is showing us.
⏱️ What Does “Early” Really Mean?
“Early spay/neuter” typically refers to des*xing before the dog is hormonally or skeletally mature. That means:
🔹 Females: Spayed before their first season — often under 12 months
🔹 Males: Neutered before 12–18 months, depending on breed size
But these are the very life stages when s*x hormones like oestrogen and testosterone are doing critical work — not just for reproduction, but for bone growth, immune development, mental resilience, and long-term disease prevention.
🔍 So, What Did the Research Actually Find?
Several large-scale, peer-reviewed studies have shown links between early des*xing and increased risk of:
🦴 Joint disease and poor skeletal development
• Early des*xing delays growth plate closure, increasing the risk of hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cruciate ligament tears — especially in medium to large breeds.
• One UC Davis study (Hart et al., 2020) found that neutering male Golden Retrievers before 6 months tripled their risk of joint disorders.
🧬 Increased cancer risk
• Early neutering has been associated with a higher incidence of certain cancers, including hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and osteosarcoma.
• Vizsla-specific research (Zink et al., 2014) showed that spayed females were 9x more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma than intact females.
🧠 Behavioural and cognitive changes
• Early spay/neuter has been linked to increased risks of fear, reactivity, and noise sensitivity, especially in females spayed before maturity.
• This may be due to the loss of s*x hormones that influence brain development and emotional resilience.
🦠 Immune dysregulation and chronic disease
• Early removal of s*x hormones affects the endocrine system and may play a role in autoimmune disease risk, urinary incontinence (especially in females), and even cognitive decline in older dogs.
📚 Just a Handful of the Studies Behind These Findings:
• Hart, B.L. et al. (2020) – UC Davis 35 breed study
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00388
• Torres de la Riva et al. (2013) – Golden Retrievers
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055937
• Zink et al. (2014) – Vizsla Health Study
• Root Kustritz (2007) – Review of gonadectomy timing
DOI: 10.2460/javma.231.11.1665
• O’Neill et al. (2021) – UK VetCompass longevity data
DOI: 10.1136/vr.105828
And many more studies continue to support a breed-specific, age-appropriate approach to des*xing.
💡 So What Are the Options?
We understand there are situations where spay/neuter is necessary — for example, in rescue dogs or to prevent accidental litters. But there are options that preserve your dog’s hormones longer while still preventing pregnancy:
✅ Chemical castration (Suprelorin) – a reversible implant that allows males to mature before permanent castration
✅ Ovary-sparing spay (OSS) – removes the uterus but preserves the ovaries and natural hormones
✅ Vasectomy – blocks s***m without removing testosterone-producing te**es
These approaches can allow dogs to develop normally before decisions that affect their lifetime health are made.
💊 What If My Dog Was Already Des*xed Young?
If your dog was spayed or neutered early — don’t panic. You didn’t do anything wrong. You made the best decision you could with the information you had.
But there are things we can do now to support their health:
🌿 Consider discussing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with a reproductive or integrative vet
🐕 Support their joints, hormones and immunity with:
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Bone broth & collagen
• Antioxidant-rich foods
• Endocrine support supplements
We’re happy to recommend brands we trust.
🐾 Final Thoughts
This isn’t about creating fear or guilt — it’s about equipping you with science-led knowledge so you can make informed choices for your dog.
As we learn more about how vital natural hormones are to your dog’s long-term health, it’s clear that when we spay or neuter matters just as much as whether we do.
❤️ At Poochie Park & Pantry, we’re here to support you with holistic, evidence-led information — no judgment, just help.
Have questions or want to explore safer options for your pup? Just reach out — we’re happy to chat.
