Golden retrievers were among the breeds with the highest risk of obesity after sterilization, according to the study. A newly published study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) sheds light on the relationship between sterilization timing and obesity outcomes in dogs, with findings that vary significantly by breed and size. The research, conducted over six years using anonymized data from more than 100,000 dogs seen at Banfield Pet Hospital, involved a collaboration between Mars Veterinary Health, the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D), and experts from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Hunter College, and University of Padova. The study examined 15 dog breeds—five large and 10 toy/small breeds—and found notable differences in rates of overweight and obesity among intact dogs. Breeds, such as pugs, golden retrievers, and Labrador retrievers showed the highest susceptibility to overweight or obese (OvOb) outcomes. Additionally, for small breeds, sterilization at three to six months of age was associated with a lower relative risk of obesity compared to procedures done at one year or older. In large breeds, obesity risks tied to early sterilization were found to differ by breed. Researchers suggest these findings may support more tailored approaches to sterilization counseling and weight management strategies in clinical settings. For more information, visit the ACC&D website.
