This is what you need to know about the pros and cons of early spay and neuter. Should your dog be spayed or neutered early? Should you wait? What if your dog had an early spay or neuter? When I went to veterinary school, we were taught the benefits of early spay and neuter for dogs, typically at 6 months. There are lots of healthy benefits including lowering the risk of breast cancer. Then why did I, a cancer specialist, wait until my dog Penelope was 2 years old? I explain why I waited, and what you need to know for your dog.