
08/28/2025
This is why we DO NOT recommend our puppies being altered before two years old. My beliefs are very different for shelter/rescue dogs though.
This recent study shows that the risk of cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs is linked to how long they are exposed to natural s*x hormones, and the relationship isnβt simple or linear. The highest risk was seen when females were spayed before about 1054 days (just under 3 years) and males before about 805 days (a little over 2 years). These results may help define what counts as βearlyβ spay or neuter when it comes to cranial cruciate ligament disease risk.
Veterinary reproduction specialists now recommend hormone-preserving sterilization: preventing unwanted litters & less risk of torn cruciates.