The Case for the Two-Year Wait: Rethinking the Timing of Spay and Neuter
For decades, the “six-month rule” for spaying and neutering was treated as gospel in the veterinary world. If you didn’t have your puppy “fixed” before their first adult teeth were fully in, you were often made to feel like an irresponsible owner. However, as we head into 2026, the conversation has shifted dramatically. New research—most notably the extensive, multi-decade studies coming out of UC Davis—suggests that for many dogs, waiting until the 24-month mark isn’t just an option; it’s a health necessity. Hormones are Not Just for Reproduction The biggest misconception about sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone is that their only job is making puppies. In reality, these hormones act as the “project managers” for a puppy’s physical development. The most critical role they play is in the closure of growth plates. When a dog is altered too early, the chemical signal to stop bone growth never arrives. This causes…