When thinking about spaying or neutering your pet, the primary concern is often to prevent unwanted litters. While controlling the animal population is crucial, there are additional benefits and considerations to take into account when opting for these procedures. Here’s a comprehensive look at why spaying or neutering your dog or cat can have lasting positive effects, along with important factors to consider regarding orthopedic disease and cancer risks.

What You Need To Know

• Benefits of Spaying
• Benefits of Neutering
• Additional Reasons to Spay & Neuter
• When to Spay or Neuter
• Effects of Spaying & Neutering on Orthopedic Disease & Cancer in Dogs
• Why Not to Spay or Neuter
• Why Choose WoofDoctor on Wheels
• Making an Informed Decision
• References

Benefits of Spaying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One significant advantage of spaying your female pet is that it stops the heat cycles, which in turn, keeps male animals from being drawn to her. Males can become determined to find a mate when a female is in heat, leading to accidents despite your best efforts to avoid them. Additionally, spaying reduces a female’s instinct to wander, which lowers the risk of her getting lost or injured while roaming.

Spaying also has health benefits, especially if done before the first heat cycle. It nearly eliminates the risk of uterine infections and significantly lowers the chances of breast (mammary) cancer—half of breast tumors in dogs and an overwhelming 90% in cats are cancerous. Overall, spayed females tend to live longer, healthier lives.

Moreover, spaying prevents undesirable behaviors like spraying or marking territory inside your home. It’s also a cost-effective choice compared to the expense of caring for a mother and her litter.

Benefits of Neutering

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neutering your male pet curbs their desire to roam in search of females, which can keep them closer to home and out of harm’s way. It also lowers testosterone levels, reducing aggression and the likelihood of fighting with other males. Fighting can lead to serious infections or abscesses, making neutering a safer option for your pet’s well-being.

Another major benefit is the elimination of testicular cancer and a reduced risk of prostate problems. Like spaying, neutering also contributes to a longer, healthier life for your pet. Neutered males tend to be less territorial, meaning they are less likely to spray or mark their environment. For cat owners, this also means less pungent urine, and for dog owners, it reduces unwanted mounting behavior.

Additional Reasons to Spay & Neuter

Spaying and neutering play a key role in reducing the overpopulation of companion animals. Rather than needing help reproducing, pets need help limiting their numbers to ensure that every animal has a loving home. In the U.S. alone, millions of animals are in surplus, often leading to euthanasia or abandonment.

On average, altering your dog or cat can increase their life expectancy by several years. For dogs, it can extend their lives by 1-3 years, and for cats, by 3-5 years. The reduced urge to wander also means your pet is less likely to encounter dangerous situations, like being hit by a car or contracting diseases from other animals. In fact, 85% of dogs involved in car accidents are unaltered.

The financial burden of unwanted pets is also immense. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, taxpayers and humanitarian organizations spend over a billion dollars annually on capturing, sheltering, and, in many cases, euthanizing these animals. In addition, these animals can pose public health risks, including the potential spread of rabies.

When to Spay or Neuter

When considering when to spay or neuter your pet, timing is crucial for optimal health outcomes. For small dogs, particularly females, six months is generally the best age. Larger dogs, however, may benefit from waiting longer, as early spaying or neutering can increase the risk of orthopedic cancers. It’s often recommended to wait between 12 to 24 months for these breeds.

Shelters typically spay or neuter between 8 weeks and 6 months of age, both to control population and prevent mammary cancers. Speaking of which, the risk of mammary cancer in female dogs is strongly linked to the number of heat cycles they experience. Dogs spayed before their first heat cycle have a minuscule 0.8% chance of developing mammary cancer. After one or two cycles, that risk jumps to 8.5%, and if they go through more than two cycles, the risk climbs to 25-36%.

Effects of Spaying & Neutering on Orthopedic Disease & Cancer in Dogs

Recent studies suggest that spaying and neutering may influence the development of orthopedic conditions and certain cancers, leading to new considerations for pet owners.

• Orthopedic Disorders: There is evidence that spaying and neutering can impact orthopedic health. Removal of sex hormones can delay the closure of growth plates in dogs, potentially leading to increased height and altered joint biomechanics. This may predispose dogs to developmental orthopedic disorders such as hip dysplasia (HD) and cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD). For example, research has shown that spaying female Golden Retrievers before one year of age significantly increases their risk of CCLD.
• Cancer Risks: The relationship between spaying/neutering and cancer is complex. Spayed dogs have been shown to have an increased risk of certain cancers, including osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and lymphoma. Although the correlation is not fully understood, studies indicate that neutered dogs may have an elevated risk of these cancers.
• Timing and Breed-Specific Considerations: The optimal timing for spaying or neutering can vary depending on breed and individual characteristics. Delaying the procedure until after skeletal maturity may reduce the risk of some orthopedic issues. For large or giant breeds, waiting until the dog is fully grown before spaying or neutering may be advisable. Laparoscopic spaying, a less invasive option, might also minimize risks.

Why Not to Spay or Neuter

1. Concern About Altered Behavior and Natural Instincts

It’s natural to worry that spaying or neutering might change your pet’s personality or take away their instincts. While the procedure can reduce certain behaviors like roaming or marking territory, it won’t fundamentally change who your pet is. Many pets remain just as playful, affectionate, and energetic as before. What you may notice is a calmer, more focused version of your furry friend, without some of the problematic behaviors that can arise when they’re driven by the urge to mate. By reducing these urges, your pet may even become easier to train and bond with, allowing for a more harmonious life together.

2. Desire to Breed Their Pet

The idea of breeding your pet can be exciting, whether you want to pass on special traits or let your pet experience motherhood. However, breeding comes with great responsibility. It involves ensuring the health of the mother, providing proper care for the litter, and guaranteeing that each puppy or kitten will find a loving, responsible home. There are also significant costs involved in raising a healthy litter, from prenatal care to vaccinations and eventual placement. Before deciding to breed, consider whether this aligns with your long-term goals and whether you’re prepared for the commitment. We’re here to provide guidance, whether you choose to breed or explore other fulfilling alternatives like fostering or adoption.

3. Health Concerns with Early Spay/Neuter

If you have a larger dog, you may have heard that early spaying or neutering could increase the risk of orthopedic problems, and this is a valid concern. For large breeds, it’s often recommended to wait until your dog is fully grown—typically between 12 and 24 months—before considering the procedure. This delay can help reduce the risk of certain health issues while still providing the benefits of neutering or spaying. Every pet is unique, so we can discuss the right timing based on your pet’s breed, health, and lifestyle. We’re here to ensure that your decision supports your pet’s long-term health and well-being.

4. Cost of the Procedure

Spaying or neutering can be an expensive procedure, especially if you have a larger dog or a pet with specific health needs. The costs reflect the fact that spaying and neutering are full-fledged surgeries requiring anesthesia, monitoring, and aftercare. However, when you weigh this against the potential future costs—such as caring for a litter of puppies or treating health issues like uterine infections or prostate problems—spaying or neutering can be a cost-effective choice in the long run. We also recognize that budget is a concern for many, and there are often low-cost options available through shelters and rescues. If the cost is holding you back, we’re happy to explore those alternatives with you. To read more about the costs associated with spaying and neutering, read our blog here.

5. Ethical or Philosophical Beliefs About Sterilization

For some, spaying or neutering raises ethical or philosophical concerns, with the belief that animals should live naturally, as nature intended. We understand and respect that viewpoint. At the same time, we encourage you to consider the broader impact of pet overpopulation and the risks of allowing pets to reproduce without sufficient homes for their offspring. Millions of animals are euthanized every year due to overpopulation, and spaying or neutering is a way to help prevent that. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and we’re here to provide information and guidance so that you can make the choice that aligns with both your beliefs and your pet’s needs.

Why Choose WoofDoctor on Wheels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At WoofDoctor on Wheels, we understand that your pet’s health and well-being are top priorities. We provide compassionate, personalized care and strive to make the spaying or neutering process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our experienced team is dedicated to offering high-quality care and ensuring that your pet receives the best possible treatment, tailored to their unique needs.

By choosing WoofDoctor on Wheels, you can trust that your pet is in skilled hands. We offer a range of services designed to support both you and your pet throughout the process, including pre-surgery consultations, detailed post-operative care instructions, and follow-up visits to ensure a smooth recovery. To read more about our costs and surgical protocols, read here.

Making an Informed Decision

Deciding whether to spay or neuter your pet is a significant choice that requires careful consideration. While the benefits are substantial, it’s important to weigh them against potential risks and understand the implications for your pet’s health and behavior. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for your pet.
If you have any questions or need further guidance on spaying or neutering, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team at WoofDoctor on Wheels is here to support you every step of the way.

Where Can I Learn More?

Find out more about our approach and the costs associated with spay and neuter here.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment or discuss a spay or neuter for your pet, please call us at (843) 966-3362

References

American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Spaying and neutering. AVMA. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/spaying-and-neutering

American Veterinary Medical Association. (2023). Pet overpopulation. AVMA. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-overpopulation

ASPCA. (n.d.). Pet statistics. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics

Hart, B. L., & Hart, L. A. (2020). Neutering of dogs: Effects on health and behavior. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 50(5), 951-964. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.06.002

Hart, B. L., Hart, L. A., Thigpen, A. P., & Willits, N. H. (2014). Longer-term health effects of neutering dogs: Comparison of Labrador Retrievers with Golden Retrievers. PLOS ONE, 9(7), e102241. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0102241

Hart, B. L., Hart, L. A., Thigpen, A. P., & Willits, N. H. (2020). Assisting decision-making on age of neutering for 35 breeds of dogs: Associated joint disorders, cancers, and urinary incontinence. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 388. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00388

Hart, L. A., Thigpen, A. P., Hart, B. L., Willits, N. H., Lee, M., Babchuk, M. M., Lee, J., Ho, M., Clarkson, S. T., & Chou, J. W. (2024). Assisting decision-making on age of neutering for German Short/Wirehaired Pointer, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Siberian Husky: Associated joint disorders, cancers, and urinary incontinence. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1322276

Hoffman, C. J., & Sturgis, S. D. (2022). Risk factors for mammary tumors in female dogs: A review. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 36(2), 676-684. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16428

Howe, L. M. (2015). Current perspectives on the optimal age to spay/castrate dogs and cats. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 6, 171-180. https://doi.org/10.2147/VMRR.S53251

Kennedy, S. M., & Hedges, J. R. (2021). Long-term health outcomes of early-age gonadectomy in dogs: A meta-analysis. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 35(1), 119-128. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15973

Morrison, W. B., & Dearnley, M. (2021). Mammary tumors in dogs: Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment. Veterinary Surgery, 50(6), 1045-1057. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13753

Parker, V. J., & O’Neill, D. G. (2018). Associations between age at neutering and cancer incidence in dogs: A systematic review. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 155, 22-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.04.013

Root Kustritz, M. V. (2007). Determining the optimal age for gonadectomy of dogs and cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 231(11), 1665-1675. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.231.11.1665

Ru, G., Terracini, B., & Glickman, L. T. (1998). Host-related risk factors for canine osteosarcoma. Veterinary Journal, 156(1), 31-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1090-0233(98)80059-2

Spain, C. V., Scarlett, J. M., & Houpt, K. A. (2004). Long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 224(3), 380-387. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2004.224.380

Spain, C. V., Scarlett, J. M., & Houpt, K. A. (2004). Long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy in cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 224(3), 372-379. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2004.224.372

Spay USA. (n.d.). Why spay or neuter?. North Shore Animal League America. Retrieved from https://www.spayusa.org/the-importance-of-spaying-neutering/

Wilde, M. L. (2017). Spaying and neutering: Considerations for vets and owners. Veterinary Practice News. Retrieved from https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/spaying-neutering-considerations-vets-owners/

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Zink, M. C., Farhoody, P., Elser, S. E., et al. (2014). Evaluation of the risk and age of onset of cancer and behavioral disorders in gonadectomized Vizslas. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 244(3), 309-319. Retrieved from: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/244/3/javma.244.3.309.xml