The decision of when to spay or neuter your Labrador is an important one that should be made in consultation with your veterinarian, considering your individual dog's health, lifestyle, and circumstances.
Traditionally, veterinarians recommended spaying or neutering dogs at 6 months of age. This timing was based on preventing unwanted pregnancies and reducing certain health risks such as mammary cancer and pyometra.
Recent research suggests that for large breed dogs like Labradors, waiting until physical maturity (12-18 months) may have benefits for bone development and joint health. Studies have shown that early spaying/neutering may increase the risk of certain orthopedic conditions including:
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Cranial cruciate ligament tears
• Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
Labradors typically reach skeletal maturity between 12-18 months when their growth plates close. Sex hormones play an important role in this process, and removing them too early may affect proper bone development.
Size and maturity: Labradors are large dogs that benefit from reaching physical maturity before surgery
Individual health: Some dogs may have health conditions that influence timing
Lifestyle: Dogs that will be around intact dogs of the opposite sex need different considerations
Breeding plans: Dogs intended for breeding require different timing considerations
Behavioral concerns: Some behavioral issues may influence the decision timing
Spaying and neutering provide important health benefits including elimination of reproductive cancers and reduction of certain diseases. However, timing can affect the balance of benefits and risks. Your veterinarian can help weigh these factors for your individual dog.
We recommend discussing the optimal timing with your veterinarian, who can assess your individual dog's development and health status. Many of our members have found that waiting until 12-18 months, when growth plates have closed, provides the best outcomes for their Labs.
Remember that responsible pet ownership includes preventing unwanted pregnancies, so if you choose to wait longer for surgery, careful management is essential during this time.