The pros and cons of spaying and neutering your dog

This month is spay/neuter awareness month. On Thursday February 27 it is also World Spay Day. Spaying or neutering your dog is one of the most significant decisions a pet owner can make. These procedures are commonly recommended by veterinarians and animal welfare organizations. The procedures also come with a high vet bill, which leads to less people doing what is best for the dog. You have to understand the benefits and potential drawbacks before making the appointment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of spaying and neutering.

The pros of spaying and neutering

Spaying or neutering your dog has a lot of benefits and pros to keep in mind. Most benefits are based on health, behavior and prevention of unwanted litters. But overall, it helps your dog live longer, which gives you more time to enjoy your four-legged companion.

Health benefits

One of the biggest reasons to spay or neuter your dog is the potential health benefits. For female dogs, spaying eliminates the risk of life-threatening uterine infections. Think of pyometra. It also significantly reduces the likelihood of developing mammary tumors. Especially if the procedure is done before the first heat cycle.

For male dogs, neutering prevents testicular cancer. It also may reduce the risk of prostate problems later in life. While these conditions are not guaranteed to occur in intact dogs, removing the reproductive organs eliminates the possibility of these specific health concerns.

Behavioral improvements

Spaying and neutering can lead to positive behavioral changes, particularly in males. Unneutered male dogs often display territorial behaviors. Such as urine marking or being more prone to aggression and dominance issues. They are also more likely to roam in search of a mate. This increases their risk of getting lost or hit by a car. But keep in mind that not every dog has behavioral improvements after being neutered. So don’t only do it for this reason. For female dogs, spaying prevents the heat cycle, which can be messy and lead to unwanted attention from male dogs. While spaying and neutering won’t change a dog’s core personality, it can reduce hormone-driven behaviors that might be problematic for owners.

Prevention of unwanted litters

One of the primary reasons spaying and neutering are recommended is to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Every year, millions of unwanted puppies end up in shelters. Many of these dogs are euthanized due to overcrowding. By preventing accidental litters, responsible pet owners can help reduce the number of homeless dogs and contribute to better animal welfare.

If you’re not planning to breed your dog responsibly (considering genetic health, temperament, and breed standards and all the health tests and vaccinations that come with it), spaying or neutering is the best way to avoid the challenges of an unplanned litter.

Increased lifespan

Several studies suggest that spayed and neutered dogs tend to live longer than their intact counterparts. This is likely due to the reduced risk of reproductive-related diseases. And the fact that neutered dogs are less likely to roam and engage in risky behaviors. While individual lifespan depends on various factors, including genetics and overall care, sterilization may contribute to a longer, healthier life.

The cons of spaying and neutering

While there are a lot of pros for spaying and neutering your dog, you also have to be aware of the cons that come with these procedures.

Potential health risks

While there are many health benefits, some studies suggest that spaying and neutering may increase the risk of certain health conditions. Especially when done too early. Large-breed dogs, in particular, may have a higher chance of developing joint issues like hip dysplasia if altered before their growth plates close. Additionally, some research has indicated a possible link between spaying/neutering and an increased risk of certain cancers. Such as osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and hemangiosarcoma. However, the risks vary by breed, age, and overall health and most of the time there are already underlying issues.

Possible behavioral changes

While spaying and neutering can reduce hormone-driven behaviors, they don’t necessarily "fix" all behavioral issues. In some cases, dogs may become more anxious or fearful after the procedure. For example, some studies suggest that neutering may increase the likelihood of noise phobias and separation anxiety in certain breeds. If behavioral concerns are the main reason for considering neutering, it’s important to address the root cause of the problem through training and socialization rather than relying solely on surgery. Going to a dog trainer for private training or a behaviorist can help.

Metabolic changes and weight gain

Neutered dogs often experience a decrease in metabolism. This means they may be more prone to weight gain. Without the proper diet and exercise, spayed or neutered dogs can quickly become overweight. This leads to additional health issues such as diabetes and joint strain. However, this can be managed through proper nutrition and regular physical activity. Owners simply need to be mindful of their dog’s caloric intake and energy levels after surgery.

Irreversibility of the procedure

Once a dog is spayed or neutered, the procedure is permanent. For those hesitant about permanent sterilization, there are alternative procedures. A vasectomy for males and ovary-sparing spay for females are examples. These procedures maintain hormone production while preventing reproduction. Discussing these options with a knowledgeable veterinarian can help you explore the best choice for your dog. Additionally, some dog owners prefer to keep their pets intact due to personal beliefs, ethical reasons, or participation in conformation shows that require intact dogs.

Best practices and considerations

Spaying and neutering can help your dog throughout their lives. If you are going to make the appointment at the vet, it’s important to consider the timing of the procedure. The traditional recommendation has been around six months of age. Recent research suggests that larger breeds may benefit from waiting until they are fully mature to reduce the risk of orthopedic issues.

Some alternative sterilization methods, such as hormone-sparing procedures, may be a viable option for owners who want to prevent reproduction while maintaining natural hormone levels. Consulting with a trusted veterinarian is crucial to making the best decision for your individual dog.

Make the right decision

But always keep in mind that spaying and neutering not only helps your dog, but also those in need in shelters. Your dog most likely doesn’t want to be a mother or father. And most litters won’t find a good home and end up in the shelter. Regardless of your choice, providing proper training, healthcare, and a loving home will ensure that your dog lives a happy and fulfilling life.