Dog Neutering: Dog Health Study Warns Owners Not to Neuter These Dog Breeds Too Early [Study]

Dog neutering is a popular practice among pet owners since it has been proven to decrease the risk of most common types of cancers among pet dogs, helping them to become healthier and live a longer life. Castration for male dogs, interchangeably called spaying (for female dogs), is typically done at an early phase of a pup's life, approximately between 4 months and 6 months after birth.

Neutering, which pertains to the surgical removal of a non-human animal's reproductive organ, benefits both biological sexes. Male animals have their testicles removed, as well as the ovaries and uterus of female animals. This procedure, which can also be applied to other pets like cats, evidently prevents them from reproducing or seek for a potential mating partner inside and outside the household.

However, empirical data over the past decade shows evidence that early dog neutering or spaying is dangerous for some dog breeds, including the golden retriever. This emerging evidence has been reinforced by a dog health study earlier this year, showing the health risks posed by early castration. With this, scientists have updated existing guidelines when it comes to neutering a pet dog.

Dog Health Study Findings

Based on the dog health study published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science on April 12, early neutering of dogs is related to joint disorders, cancers, and urinary incontinence. In the research paper, the authors focused on the following five dog breeds which can suffer from early castration or spaying before they are a year old:

• German Short/Wirehaired Pointer
• Mastiff
• Newfoundland
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Siberian husky

The April 2024 study published new guidelines about when it is best to neuter a dog. The paper is in addition to ongoing research that started in 2013, asserting the neutering golden retrievers prematurely can increase the risk of cancer development and some joint disorders.

Is Neutering Goods for Dogs?

Dog neutering, as a routine procedure, prevents unwanted pregnancies and illnesses related to pregnancy, as well as cancer in the testicles and ovaries experienced by mammals. According to charity organization The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), neutering can also improve a dog's unwanted behaviors such as nervousness and even foster weight management for the animals.

Dog spaying and castration is performed by a veterinarian. The PDSA states that dog neutering involves certain preparations such as the following below that a dog owner must carry out:

• Owners should starve their dog for 6 to 8 hours before they let their pet go under anaesthetic.
• Water intake for at least 2 to 3 hours before their dog goes in for their operation is still possible.
• Inform a veterinarian if there are any problems with the health of their dog.
• Ensure dogs are clean by at least giving them a bath the night before the operation.