The Average Age to Spay a Puppy

There is great debate in the dog world about what age is best to spay a puppy. You may feel conflicted if you are receiving different opinions from your vet, breeder and local shelter. Understanding the various debates will help you make the best choice for you and your puppy. Remember, there is no "right" answer, and it is instead best to consider each pet case by case.

  1. 4 to 6 Months

    • Spaying puppies before they go into their first heat has been proven to reduce the likelihood of future health complications such as ovarian or mammary cancers, says WellPets.net. This site also reports that by spaying your dog before her first heat cycle you can reduce her chances of having false pregnancies, pyometra, cystic ovaries and other problems which may develop after she first goes into heat. This usually causes vets to recommend your dog be spayed somewhere around 4 to 6 months of age.

    1 Year

    • It is sometimes suggested that dogs, specifically larger breeds, not be spayed until they are 12 months old. This is recommended because for larger breeds, puppies spayed before they reach 12 months of age may be at a higher risk for developing deadly osteosarcoma. Puppies that were spayed before reaching 5 and 1/2 months have also been linked with spay incontinence. While there is still lingering concern that spaying before a puppy has reached her first year will cause your puppy's growth to be slowed, vets will tell you that by spaying earlier and removing hormones, growth areas of the bones are able to stay open longer. This results in dogs growing taller than others who were spayed at a later age.

    8 Weeks

    • Known as pediatric spaying, some vets spay puppies as early as 8 weeks old. According to Spay USA, the American Veterinary Medical Association endorses this practice because the earlier the animal is spayed or neutered the better and quicker it recovers. Because they are still so young, their bodies recover quicker than older puppies. According to the "A Vet's Guide to Life" website, studies done by Cornell University have also shown a decreased risk in obesity for dogs spayed early.

    Making the Best Choice for Your Puppy

    • Every pet owner wants to make the best choices to ensure his pet's continued good health. Each puppy should considered on a case by case basis. Find a vet who truly listens to your concerns, someone who takes into account your dog's medical history and breed before providing you with an answer. Finding a vet you trust to help you is always the best choice for you and your puppy.