Is Early Spay/Neutering safe?
Research suggests that there is no difference between spaying/neutering puppies at 8-12 weeks and 6 months, given that puppies have not reached sexual maturity at either of these ages. There is no scientific/biological reason for spaying/neutering at 6 months. Rather, this age was originally suggested, as it’s before a female’s first “heat” cycle and when the puppy is the largest. More specifically, six months is the age that most Vets feel competent and comfortable spaying and neutering a puppy. Also, before modern technology and advances in Veterinary science, spaying and neutering puppies at young ages was risky with regards to hypoglycemia (as a result of needing to be “fasted”) and anesthetic. Now, it’s suggested that spaying and neutering puppies at this age is less risky (as they do not need to be under anesthetic as long), there is less chance of complications and recovery time is much faster. Please see our Links page for articles are early spaying and neutering.
