Desexing Your Puppy: What’s the Best Age?

16 Jul Desexing Your Puppy: What’s the Best Age?

Desexing is an important milestone in your pet’s life, offering numerous health and behavioural benefits. It helps prevent unwanted pregnancies, reduces aggression and roaming tendencies, and lowers the risk of several cancers, including breast, and testicular cancer. Studies have also shown that desexing increases a dog’s lifespan. 

However, one of the most common questions pet owners ask is: what is the best age to desex a puppy? 

With conflicting information online, it can be overwhelming to decide. In this guide, we break down the three main age groups for desexing, their pros and cons, and alternative options. 

The Benefits of Desexing

As per Hoffman et al. (2013), which analysed data from 70,574 dogs in the United States, it was observed that: 

• Male dogs lived 13.8% longer when desexed. 

• Female dogs lived 26.3% longer when desexed. 

Aside from longevity, desexing before puberty virtually eliminates the risk of breast cancer in female dogs and helps prevent certain reproductive and hormonal diseases. 

However, the age at which desexing is performed can influence health outcomes, especially for larger breeds. Let’s explore the three most common age groups for desexing. 

1. Early-Age Desexing (6–16 Weeks)

Early-Age Desexing (EAD) is often performed by animal welfare organisations before puppies and kittens are adopted. This ensures they do not contribute to overpopulation. 

Benefits 

• Reduces the risk of breast cancer in female dogs if done before their first heat. 

• Shorter surgery and anaesthetic time due to smaller anatomy. 

Risks & Considerations 

• Higher risk of anaesthetic complications like hypothermia in small puppies. 

• According to research from the Royal Veterinary College (2020), female dogs desexed before six months of age have a higher risk of developing urinary incontinence compared to those desexed between six and twelve months . 

• Large breed dogs desexed at this age may have a higher chance of ruptured cruciate ligaments as adults. 

• NSAID pain relief (commonly used post-surgery) cannot be given at this age due to kidney risks, potentially making recovery more painful. 

Best suited for: Shelters and rescue groups focused on population control, but less commonly recommended for privately owned dogs. 

2. Peri-Puberty Desexing (5.5–7 Months)

This is the most common age for desexing among pet owners and veterinarians. It balances the health benefits of early desexing while reducing the risks associated with very young surgery. 

Benefits 

• Reduces cancer risk if done before the first heat in females. 

• Males retain their puppy-like personality since testosterone surges are prevented. 

• More stable anaesthesia and recovery due to better-developed organs. 

Risks & Considerations 

• Slightly longer surgery time compared to early-age desexing. 

Best suited for: Most small to medium-sized breeds and pet owners looking for an ideal balance of health and behavioural benefits. 

3. Later-Age Desexing (9+ Months)

Some breeds, particularly large and giant breeds, may benefit from later desexing to support joint and bone development. 

Benefits 

• Reduced risk of orthopaedic conditions like hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament disease, especially in large-breed dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds (Hart et al., 2020). 

• Lower risk of spinal issues in Dachshunds, as early desexing is linked to a higher chance of slipped discs. 

Risks & Considerations 

• Increased risk of breast cancer in female dogs if they go through multiple heat cycles before desexing. 

• Increased risk of testosterone-driven behaviours (roaming, aggression, marking) in males. 

Best suited for: Large-breed dogs prone to joint issues, or specific breeds like Dachshunds. 

Keyhole Desexing: A Less Invasive Alternative

While traditional desexing is safe and effective, advancements in veterinary surgery have led to the development of Keyhole Desexing (also known as laparoscopic desexing). 

Keyhole Desexing is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to spay female dogs, while the equivalent surgery for neutering male dogs is known as Minimally Invasive Castration. Using a tiny camera and specialised instruments, this advanced technique offers greater precision, quicker surgical times, and minimal bleeding and bruising compared to traditional desexing methods. With smaller incisions and less tissue trauma, it is a modern, compassionate choice for pet care. 

At Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic, our veterinarians have performed hundreds of Laparoscopic Spays and Minimally Invasive Castrations. This approach is not only less painful but also allows for a more comfortable and quicker recovery for your pet. 

If you would like to have your pet desexed at our clinic, please call us at 1300 DOC SAM (1300 362 726) or email us at [email protected]. 

Non-Surgical Option: Suprelorin Implant

A final note: there is an implant called Suprelorin, which is a form of hormone therapy that can provide the benefits of desexing without the need for surgery. The implant must be replaced every 6 to 12 months and may be a good option to delay desexing in breeds that are at high risk of developing orthopaedic complications. 

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Age to Desex?

• Small & medium breeds: 5.5–7 months is generally the best time. 

• Large breeds prone to joint issues: Consider waiting until 9+ months but consult your vet. 

• Dachshunds: Later desexing may be beneficial to prevent spinal issues. 

 While the above blog provides useful general guidance, it is always best to discuss your pet’s desexing options and timing with your veterinarian. At Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic, we offer a Free First Puppy Health Check, which is an excellent opportunity for puppy owners to gather all the information needed to raise their puppies into happy, healthy dogs. Not only do we provide guidance on desexing, but we also cover topics such as diet and nutrition, vaccinations, breed-specific health concerns, and more! 

 If you’d like to book a desexing chat with our team, or if you would like to schedule a Free First Puppy Health Check, contact us now. 

 

References: 

1. Hart, B. L., Hart, L. A., Thigpen, A. P., & Willits, N. H. (2020). Assisting Decision-Making on age of neutering for 35 breeds of dogs: associated joint disorders, cancers, and urinary incontinence. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00388 

1. Hoffman, J. M., Creevy, K. E., & Promislow, D. E. L. (2013). Reproductive Capability Is Associated with Lifespan and Cause of Death in Companion Dogs. PLoS ONE, 8(4), e61082. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0061082 

1. Royal Veterinary College. (2020). Early neutering of bitches increases incontinence risk, study finds. Retrieved from https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/early-neutering-of-bitches-increases-incontinence-risk-study-finds