Neutering - A Complicated Topic
Few topics in the dog community spark as much debate as the question of neutering. Some will make you believe that not neutering your dog is completely irresponsible, while others will liken the act of neutering a dog to animal abuse. Safe to say, it’s a complicated topic. Our goal with this blog post is not to push a particular stance but rather to present the facts surrounding neutering, empowering you to make an informed decision.
The Responsibility of Keeping A Dog Intact
Choosing to keep a dog intact means accepting the full responsibility of preventing unplanned or unwanted litters. Intact female dogs typically experience a heat cycle every six months, with two notable stages: proestrus and estrus. Proestrus, which lasts 7–10 days, is marked by a rise in estrogen and is characterized by vaginal bleeding, vulva swelling, and attraction from male dogs. Estrus follows, marked by an increase in progesterone, during which the female becomes receptive to mating and male attention reaches an all time high.
During these stages, the drive to mate is strong—dogs may attempt bold escapes, including jumping fences, digging under barriers or leaping through windows, all in the pursuit of a potential mate. Many owners of male dogs can attest that they may become restless and frustrated, display hormonal behaviour or lose their appetite when near a female in heat.
Some unfortunate dog owners are surprised to find out that dogs do not care if their partner is their own father, brother or son. Neither do they care if their partner is 10 times bigger or 10 times smaller than themselves. This has resulted in some very unfortunate litters.
The only way to reliably avoid unintended litters is to strictly separate male and female dogs during heat and closely supervise females outdoors, even in fenced yards. While neutering eliminates the chances of an unplanned pregnancy and the challenges of managing heat cycles, it also introduces several health considerations.
Spaying a female dog comes with it’s own set of challenges. Beyond the risks associated with the surgery, you can also experience changes in coat (a so-called “spay-coat”) and changes in their metabolism, which makes keeping them in good condition more challenging. Health Issues Associated With Neutering
Studies have identified several potential health risks that have been associated with neutering your dog. These include:
Joint disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which cause pain and mobility issues, and cranial cruciate ligament rupture.
Cancers such as lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma (a cancer of the blood vessels), prostate carcinoma, mast cell tumors and osteosarcoma (bone cancers).
Urinary incontinence in female dogs, which may require long-term management.
The Dangers of Pediatric Neuter
Pediatric neutering defines the act of neutering a dog before 6 months of age, and is recommended by organizations such as The Humane Society Of The United States. But studies indicate that early neutering is linked to an increased risk of many of the above described health issues, due to the removal of hormones essential for growth and development. Estrogen and testosterone, which are key hormones affected by neutering, play vital roles in bone growth, immune function, and even mental health.
Pediatric neutering can also influence a dog’s physical appearance, especially in males of larger breeds, due to the early removal of hormones that have an important role in growth patterns and regulation in muscle and fat distribution. This often results in a dog with “leggy” proportions and a leaner build with less muscle mass, seemingly stuck forever in that akward teenage phase.
Behavourial Issues Associated With Neutering
It is an unfortunate belief among some dog-owners, that neutering a male dog will remove any unwanted and hormonal behaviours, and as such, castration has become a tool for modifying behaviour. Unfortunately, studies do not seem to agree nor disagree with the success of neutering as a reliable solution for behavior modification.
While neutering can reduce some hormone-driven behaviors, like roaming, mounting, and marking, it doesn’t consistently prevent aggression or fear-based behaviors. In fact, some studies suggest that anxiety and aggression can worsen after neutering. Age also plays a role here, as neutering young dogs may lead to an increase in anxiety-related behaviours in certain breeds.
Health Benefits Associated With Neutering
Neutering is often recommended as a way of lowering the risks of certain reproductive or hormone driven cancers, or other health risks associated with the reproductive system or reproductive hormones:
Reduced risk of testicular cancer.
Reduced risk of perianal tumors.
Reduced risk of ovarian, uterine and mammary cancers.
No risk of pyometra, a potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus.
Reduced risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia, an enlargement of the prostate that can lead to difficulty urinating or defecating.
When Should You Neuter Your Dog?
The study offers a comprehensible table, outlining the suggested guidelines for age of neutering. This is only a sample containing 6 of the 35 dog breeds. Breed size greatly influences the suggested guideline, as bigger breeds have a longer developmental period requiring a later age to safely neuter without increasing health risks.
If you choose to neuter your dog, then the timing of the neutering is of utmost importance. We often refer to the study “Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs”, which provides data to help guide decisions on neutering timing for specific breeds based on associated health risks. These health risks vary widely across breeds and genders, making it essential to base neutering decisions around the individual dog.
Speaking from our own decades of experience, we always advise our clients to wait to neuter their Labradors until 18-24 months of age, and with females, to always wait until after their first heat. In our experience, this allows the dog to fully mature both physically and mentally, before we interfere with the hormones that are so important to growth and mental health.
Choosing whether to neuter your dog is a significant decision that involves careful consideration of various factors, including health risks and responsibilities associated with keeping a dog intact. While neutering can provide health benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers and reproductive disorders, it’s essential to weigh these against potential risks, particularly when considering the timing.
Ultimately, each dog is unique, and the best choice will depend on their individual needs. Consulting with a veterinarian can help you make an informed decision that supports your dog's overall well-being. Whether you decide to neuter or keep your dog intact, responsible ownership is key to ensuring a happy and healthy life for your furry companion.
