This question has been discussed among vets and animal welfare activists for ages. Some pet parents may be under the impression that their pet dog, be it make or female, must be neutered right after birth. This is actually incorrect. Since the past few years, shelters and vets have started the recommending the minimum age of 6 months before the decision to neuter is taken. By this age, one must have observed sexual maturity in their pets, and this makes the surgery easier, with less post op complications. 

For Male Dogs

Your male pet dog will exhibit obvious signs of sexual maturity like lifting their leg to pee, humping and overprotectiveness. These behaviours will usually intensify by the age of 12 months. Allowing the male pet to reach sexual maturity before neutering has benefits like lower risk of certain cancer, allowing the strengthening of muscles which helps later in their lives. Not neutering the dog can lead to diseases like prostate disease, perineal hernias, perianal tumors, and testicular tumor when they grow older. At that age, it will only be pain and suffering for them. Thus, for small breeds, the ages 6-12 months are good for neutering while for larger breeds 9-18 months is better.

For Female Dogs

The signs of maturity in a female pet dog will be similar to that of a male except they will also experience their first menstrual cycle. During this time, they can become moody and attract a lot of male attention from dogs far away. They will also be dripping blood for around 2 weeks. So spaying the female pet during their first heat is dangerous because of fragile blood vessels. The surgery can be performed a month after the first heat as the internal organs have stabilised by then. Thus, waiting 6 months for smaller breeds and a little more for larger breeds is recommended. If done before this, they are at higher risk of orthopaedic diseases.

All this aside, what matters is the quality of diet that you give them and where you buy this from. Pet Natural has some of the best natural pet products available online ranging from dry dog shampoos to pet supplements. To learn more, visit their website here.