Is an Early Spay Risky?

With millions of unwanted pets euthanized each year by animal shelters across the country, spaying and neutering pets is considered the most responsible choice for owners to make. The question of when to spay a pet has become a hot topic among owners and vets.

  1. Definition

    • Early spay is the process of removing a cat or dog's reproductive organs when the animal is still sexually immature.

    History

    • Traditionally, vets have waited until 6 months of age to spay and neuter pets. In the 1970s, the ASPCA and shelters around the country began performing the surgery on young puppies and kittens. Currently, the ASPCA recommends spaying at 6 to 8 weeks of age as long as the pet weighs 2 pounds or more.

    Benefits

    • Aside from protecting against unwanted litters, spaying and neutering protects the animal from health issues, including cancers and urinary infections. Problem behaviors, such as fighting and marking territory are also reduced in spayed and neutered animals.

    Concerns

    • Some common concerns about early spaying of pets is that they will become overweight, inactive or develop urinary tract disease. The safety of surgery in young animals has also been questioned.

    Evidence

    • According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), early spaying and neutering is safe and may make recovery easier on the animal compared to animals spayed after sexual maturity has been reached. No negative effects have been found from early spaying.