When should I neuter my puppy for healthy bone and joint growth?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Male | 5 months and 5 days old
I have heard of alot of different opinions, when is it best to neuter my puppy? Some say it is best to wait so the hormones helpthemgrow,isthistrue?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 22nd, 2016
I normally recommend neutering medium to large breed dogs like Australian Shepherds at the age of 10-12 months. It's true that testosterone is important for proper development of the bones and joints, so neutering at an earlier age can sometimes increase the risk of orthopedic problems later in life.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on January 18th, 2018
Thank you for posting this question. The current recommendation is to wait until these large and giant breed dogs are skeletally mature prior to neutering. This occurs somewhere between 12-18 months depending on the size /breed of dog. This is thought to help limit the amount of arthritic change as they age. Thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on December 11th, 2018
This is one of those controversies in veterinary medicine right now. You ask 10 vets you are likely to get 7-8 different answers (opinions). My personal opinion is to wait until he is at least 18 months old to have him neutered. There have been some studies done that show that early neutering in large breed dogs may cause laxity in tendons/ligaments which may increase the chances of cruciate ligament tears in the knees later in life. My only caveat to that 18 month rule is if the dog is having behaviorial issues. In those cases I would neuter sooner. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Max is now 6.5 months old and 55lbs (GS x lab x border collie x bernese). The day care we take him too has a policy that all dogs need to be fixed by 8 months, however today they told me that he is humping more than usual and that we should look into
I have been advised by several well meaning individuals that the ideal age for neutering a dog like mine is 2 years old as neutering before then can interfere with his growth & cause possible health issues like joint problems. So at what age should w
185# and not even 2 yrs old. Will neutering at this age encourage hi- displacia or other bone problems?
Should giant breed dogs be neutered or does early neutering cause health problems?
Hello! My teddy bear goldendoodle is scheduled for his neutering this week and he turns 1 this week as well. I read about large breeds and cons of early neutering on bones/hips plus other negatives. Should I wait a few more months for neutering ? How
I have 5 month old male red Shiba Inu. When would neutering be recommended? Does he need the testerone to fully develop (muscles, bone, etc)?
I have a new puppy from a rescue and the plan is to neuter him next weekend. He is 4.5 months, and I have been reading recommendations to neuter between 6 and 8 months. What is recommended and why?
My dog trainer tells me that male dogs should not be neutered until age 3, to allow for physical development and personality setting. She says there are articles claiming that neutering too early makes males more likely to cancers and heart issues.
I have two dachshunds, 20 weeks and are brother and sister. I’m unable to get a straight answer regarding the right age to have the boy neutered. Even official sites (like Kennel Club) suggest doing it too early can affect growth. Is this true? Can i
Hi! I was wondering when is the best time to spay a female puppy or neuter a male puppy when both are the same age? I heard that early spay/neuter can be harmful for a dog’s health long term, but I’ve also heard it is perfectly fine. My dilemma is th
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
