A lot of confusion remains about spaying or neutering dogs. There is even conflicting evidence about whether it should be done at all. Timing of gonadectomy surgery is not one size fits all. Counseling with pet owners is an important component of decision making.
There is no single or definitive source of information on effects of gonadectomy for each breed, and most current articles have some bias. Current evidence should be evaluated, and the positives and negatives should be considered for each patient and owner before a recommendation is made.”- Karen M. Tobias, DVM, MS, DACVS
Source: Clinician’s Brief, January/February 2022. Link. Multiple factors, including breed and age of the dog and inclinations and needs of the owner, should be considered when determining whether to perform gonadectomy, as well as the appropriate timing. Whether a dog is neutered or left intact, owners should be informed of common breed and sex conditions, and the dog should be examined for those conditions on subsequent physical examinations.
INSIGHTS: Tobias offers her own opinion about timing, “Dogs should be allowed to reach musculoskeletal maturity (i.e., be fully grown, with a fully functional urethral sphincter) before being neutered. Breed type and temperament should also be considered.”