The recommended age to spay or neuter dogs has changed drastically over the years.
The current recommendations are made using a study that looked into maximizing the benefits and limiting the complication risk for specific breeds. This study published in the Frontiers of Veterinary Science Journal is what we use to make recommendations.
If your dogs breed is not included in this study, we typically find a breed that is similar in size or closely related in order to make a recommendation for your pet.
Hart BL, Hart LA, Thigpen AP, Willits NH. Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence. Front Vet Sci. 2020 Jul 7;7:388. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00388. PMID: 32733924; PMCID: PMC7359819.