Should I Spay or Neuter my Dog? And if so....WHEN???
A hot topic right now is whether to spay or neuter our dogs…and if we do, when is the optimal time? The US is known for early spaying and neutering to reduce unwanted dogs that end up in kill shelters. Some are spayed and neutered as young as eight weeks. Contrast this with most of Europe who finds this practice barbaric. In Norway it is actually illegal to spay or neuter your dog. In Sweden 93% of all females and 99% of all males are intact. The philosophy there is to train your dog, not to assume hormones cause or increase aggression and other unwanted behaviors. Of course there are less homeless dogs also. People take responsibility for their canines, but that is a whole ‘nother topic.
Spaying and neutering removes the puppy’s growth hormones. This can affect the immune , musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems as well as the psychological development of the pup. The latest research shows spaying or neutering ANY puppy before six months increases risks for autoimmune diseases and possibly muscular skeletal issues.
Check out the following information:
According to Laura J Sanborn, M.S. of Rutgers University notes that the cons of spaying include:
A significant increase in the risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in dogs spayed before 1 year of age This is a common cancer in larger breeds with a poor prognosis.
An increase in the risk of splenic hemangiosarcoma by a factor of 2.2 and cardiac hemangiosarcoma by a factor of >5; these are common cancers and a major cause of death in some breeds.
A tripled risk of hypothyroidism.
An increased risk for obesity by a factor of 1.6-2. Obesity is becoming an increasingly common health problem in dogs with several associated health problems.
Up to 20% of female dogs experience "spay incontinence" after the procedure or later in life.
Persistent and recurring urinary tract infections are increased by a factor of 3-4. Urinary tract tumor risk, though small (less than 1%), is doubled.
An increased risk of recessed vulva, vaginal dermatitis, and vaginitis, especially in female dogs spayed before puberty.
An increased risk of orthopedic disorders.
An increased risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations.
EFFECTS OF NEUTERING THE MALE DOG
The benefits of neutering a male dog include curbing the desire to roam from home. More intact male dogs get hit by cars than neutered dogs. Neutering a male dog usually decreases the incidence of urinary marking. Gonadectomy also prevents testicular cancer, but this is a rare cancer in the first place.
It seems that cons for neutering a male dog far outweigh the benefits in terms of a dog's health. Risks associated with neutering male dogs include:
A significant increase in the risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in dogs neutered before 1 year of age. As with spayed females, this is a common cancer that occurs in larger breeds with a poor prognosis.
An increase in the risk of cardiac hemangiosarcoma by a factor of 1.6.
A tripled risk of hypothyroidism.
An increase in progressive geriatric cognitive impairment (canine dementia).
A tripled risk of obesity which contributes to many related health problems.
A quadrupled risk of prostate cancer (though still small - less than 0.6%).
A doubled risk of urinary tract cancers (less than 1%).
An increased risk of orthopedic disorders.
An increased risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations.
Recent studies on German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Vizslas, and Rotweillers have indicated that spaying and neutering can have a dramatic increase for the risk for several serious diseases and behavioral problems in these breeds.
It is NOT an easy decision. Please be aware latest research conducted by UC Davis suggests breed specific recommendations. For many it is the choice of the owner. However for some breeds spaying and neutering was considered very negative.Female Goldens I believe was the only cohort that the recommendation is to leave them intact. Spaying increases cancer rates four times of an intact female.Male Goldens like most breeds should be at least two. but some research vets recommend not neutering males at all. I am happy to hear your comments. Please note my view will not be the view of most American vets….