When to Delay Sterilization: What Current Research Shows

UC Davis has updated their research going on since 2013 on 40 breeds

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Current veterinary research continues to refine guidance around sterilization timing. Understanding when to delay sterilization depends on factors such as breed, sex, and long-term health considerations rather than a single universal timeline.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have expanded earlier findings through updated studies published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. This body of research builds on work beginning in 2013, which identified increased risks of joint disorders and certain cancers associated with early sterilization in specific breeds, including Golden Retrievers. More recent updates have broadened this analysis to additional breeds and variables.

Physical development and hormonal influences can affect regulation and behavior, which is why understanding why behavior change fails without regulation is relevant when considering developmental timelines.

About the Author:

T. is an International Dog Trainer School (IDTS) certified Dog Trainer, Calming Signals Approach practitioner, and Dog Behavior Specialist focused on canine welfare, behavior, and real-world reliability.