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Spaying and neutering your dog is an important decision for every dog owner. One study showed that spayed dogs live 26% longer while neutered dogs live 14%. According to the 2019- 2020 American Pet Products Association pet owners survey, 78% of dog-owning households in the United States had neutered or spayed their dogs.
There are several benefits to spaying and neutering your dog, but they might outweigh the disadvantages. Spaying and neutering is a veterinary practice to reduce pet overpopulation, and it is the removal of the dog’s sex organs for sterilization.
While the benefits are true, however, in a recent study, experts concluded that the lack of natural hormones due to spaying and neutering can cause serious side effects. In this blog, we will explore how spaying and neutering impact dog health so individuals can make an informed decision on spaying and neutering their canines.
The Impact of Spaying and Neutering On a Dog’s Health
Many pet owners often ask, does neutering a dog affect their health? Removing the hormone-producing sex organs of dogs can have huge health and behavioral impacts on your dog. On average, the lifespan of a spayed or neutered dog is longer than those who have not undergone the procedure. A study based on 70,000 animal patients showed that the lifespan of neutered male dogs was 13.8% longer, while spayed female dogs were 26.3% longer. Another study that used a database of 2.2 million dogs showed neutered dogs had an extended lifespan of 18% while spayed dogs had 23%. Below, we will look at how does spay and neuter affect dogs.
1. Reduced risk of uterine infection
Have you ever wondered what are the health benefits of spaying and neutering dogs? Spaying in dogs helps prevent pyometra which is a potentially fatal urine infection that affects females dogs not yet spayed. Therefore, pets owners can avoid pyometra through spaying.
2. Less risk of reproductive cancer
Spaying is the removal of the uterus and ovaries in female dogs. It reduces the risk of developing uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and mammary tumors in dogs. It is a preventive measure that benefits female dogs’ health. On the other hand, neutering, which is the removal of the male dog’s testicles, removes the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the chances of prostate cancer.
3. Reduces roaming-related injuries
Neutering improves the safety and behavior of male dogs via surgically removing the testicles. Neutered male dogs are unlikely to roam around in pursuit of a female companion. This reduces the chances of dog mishaps and injuries that could result from wandering. Additionally, pet owners also neuter their animals to reduce the chances of injuries related to activities stemming from mating.
4. Diminished aggression
Aside from the health benefits of spaying and neutering, it can also impact a dog’s behavior, especially male dogs. When male dogs’ testicles are surgically removed, it reduces their aggression toward other male dogs. Neutering reduces testosterone production in dogs, therefore reducing their aggressive tendencies.
5. Reduces territorial and marking behavior
Unneutered male dogs commonly exhibit territorial behaviors such as marking with urine, which is sometimes annoying at home. Neutering reduces and totally removes this behavior. Since neutering reduces testosterone production and levels, it suppresses the instinct of urinal marking. Therefore, homeowners can live in a tidy environment.
6. Lower mating and roaming behavior
Neutered male dogs don’t commonly roam around looking to mate. This, therefore, reduces their chance of attempts at escape and unintended pregnancies. Aside from preventing unintentional breeding, neutering improves the well-being and safety of the dog. On the other hand, spaying is also beneficial for female dogs since it eliminates their heat cycles and other related behaviors that attract male dogs. Therefore, pet owners who aim to prevent unwanted littles can opt for spaying and neutering.
7. Increases the dog's focus on training
Spaying and neutering procedures reduce hormonal urges, which usually result in distractions. Therefore, your dogs can focus on their training. Dogs are less likely to partake in mating instinct behaviors when their reproductive organs are removed since hormone chemical levels like estrogen and testosterone are reduced. Therefore, pet owners can own a trainable and receptive dog since they are simpler to teach and show desirable behaviors.
The Risks of Spaying and Neutering
Some of the risks of spaying and neutering are the hormonal changes that might come with the procedure. The hormones causing mating behaviors in dogs also affect your dog’s health. According to this study, spaying and neutering are usually associated with enhanced risk of various long-term health issues such as urinary inconsistency, obesity, hip dysplasia, diabetes mellitus, cruciate ligament rupture, and behavioral changes such as owner-directed fear and aggression.
When Should a Pet Be Spayed and Neutered
Small breed dogs under 45 pounds can be neutered at six months or spayed before their first heat, usually around the fifth or sixth month. Large breed dogs that are over 45 pounds must be neutered when their growth stops. This is usually between 9 and 15 months old. However, the decision to spay a large breed of female dog is usually dependent on various factors. Consult with your doctor to help you decide based on your dog’s age, personality, sex, and breed. Usually, the recommended window is between 5 and 15 months, based on your dog’s lifestyle and disease risk.
Conclusion
Spaying and neutering your dogs offers immense benefits. It is an essential method of preventing unwanted pregnancies. However, it goes more than this, as it also enhances the overall canine health and behavior. If you are considering neutering or spaying your dog, it is essential to consult with an experienced veterinarian on the website above, as they have the answers you may need.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it better for a dog not to be neutered?
There isn’t a straight answer to this question. The individual’s health risk, lifestyle, and characteristics of your dog will impact what is the healthiest and best choice. You may also choose not to neuter your male dog if it is at risk for certain cancers or orthopedic disorders.
2. Do neutered dogs live longer?
Yes. Studies have shown that neutered and spayed dogs live longer, happier, and healthier lives since they don’t have many behavioral problems and have a lesser chance of being susceptible to traumatic and violent causes of death, degenerative diseases, and infections.
