When should I get my dog neutered?

The right age to neuter a dog depends on their size, breed, and sex — and the answer is no longer "always at 6 months". Research over the past decade has changed the recommendations, especially for large breeds.

Current guidelines by size

- Small breeds (under 10 kg): neutering at 6 months is generally safe and does not carry increased health risks.
- Medium breeds (10–25 kg): 6–12 months is the current sweet spot for most dogs.
- Large and giant breeds (over 25 kg): growing evidence shows that neutering before 12–18 months increases the risk of joint disorders (hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament tears) and some cancers (osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma) in breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers. Many vets now recommend waiting until 18–24 months for these breeds.

Benefits of neutering

- Eliminates the risk of pyometra (life-threatening womb infection) in females
- Greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumours if done before the first or second season
- Prevents testicular cancer and reduces benign prostate problems in males
- Eliminates unwanted pregnancies
- Can reduce some hormone-driven behaviours (roaming, mounting, urine marking) — though it does not reliably fix aggression or anxiety

Considerations before deciding

- Discuss your dog''s specific breed, size, and temperament with your vet
- For females, the timing relative to seasons matters — most vets in the UK recommend waiting 3 months after a season
- Castration does not reliably change fear-based aggression — behaviour modification is needed

Post-operative care

Dogs are usually sent home the same day. Expect 10–14 days of restricted activity and an E-collar (cone). Pain relief is given routinely. Use Flovvi''s appointment tracker to log the procedure and schedule the check-up.