Curious about the pros and cons of spaying or neutering your pet?
There’s a lot of mixed opinions on this topic, that’s why in this episode I’m breaking down all the facts we know about spaying and neutering so you can make the best decision for your furry friend.
I tackle common questions about the appropriate age for these procedures, their health implications, and behavioral effects. I also highlight recent research findings that suggest the timing of spaying and neutering can influence the incidence of various health disorders. Plus, I explore alternative options like vasectomy and ovary-sparing spays.
Listen in to learn more about:
- The appropriate age for spaying and neutering, and why timing is everything when it comes to your dog’s development and long-term health.
- The potential health benefits and risks associated with spaying and neutering.
- What the latest studies reveal about how spaying and neutering can affect the incidence of various health disorders like hip dysplasia and certain cancers.
- Alternative options to spaying and neutering.
- BONUS SEGMENT: Exploring the dangers of blue-green algae and tips for how to recognize and avoid these hazardous blooms during your outdoor adventures.
Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most debated topics among dog owners. With expert insights and the latest research, you’ll feel confident in choosing what’s best for your furry companion.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Suggested guidelines for ages to spay/neuter:
Connect with Staci Lemke:
Episode Transcript:
Staci Lemke 00:00:00 Since I worked in veterinary medicine for so many years, a lot of my clients ask me about spaying and neutering their dogs. When should it be done? What are the health benefits? What are the risks? Or do they even need to spay or neuter them at all? And there really is no one size fits all answer. So in today’s episode, I’m going to talk to you about the risks and benefits of spaying or neutering your dog. Hello and welcome to The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast. I’m your host, certified professional dog trainer, and registered veterinary technician, Staci Lemke. Join me as I discuss all things dog, from canine wellbeing to basic training to modifying problem behaviors. Whether you’re a first time puppy parent or have had dogs your whole life. This podcast will help you have a better relationship with your best friend. My passion is to help you have the well-mannered mutt you’ve always dreamed of. Now let’s dive into today’s episode. First, a few definitions of terms. Spaying is the common term used to describe the surgical or removal of the ovaries and the uterus in a female dog so that she can no longer reproduce.
Staci Lemke 00:01:17 Neutering means surgically removing the testicles in a male dog so that he can no longer reproduce. Intact refers to dogs that have not been spayed or neutered and are able to reproduce intact. Dogs were the norm for a long time in the United States, and still are the norm in some European countries. In fact, in countries like Germany and the Scandinavian countries, which are Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. Neutering pets is considered mutilation and is illegal unless there is a legitimate health concern. Neutering dogs became popular in the 1970s, when animal welfare organizations and veterinarians began promoting the practice as a means to control the pet population and reduce the number of unwanted and stray animals. At this time, animal shelters were overflowing and were euthanizing millions of homeless dogs each year. Veterinarians began to advise dog owners to spay or neuter their dogs before the age of six months, because that’s the age when dogs reach sexual maturity and can start having puppies. The Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals were the most instrumental in raising awareness about the benefits of spaying and neutering.
Staci Lemke 00:02:33 They emphasized its importance in preventing overpopulation, reducing the incidences of certain health problems, and decreasing aggressive behavior in pets. By the 1980s and 1990s, spaying and neutering had become a widely accepted and common procedure among pet owners in the US, and today it is considered a standard part of responsible pet ownership. There are some significant health benefits to spaying or neutering your dog. First, spaying or neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and lowers the incidence of prostate problems in males, and significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors in females if done before their first heat cycle. It can also eliminate the risk of uterine infections, also called geometry, and certain other tumors. Behaviorally, it’s widely believed that neutered males are often less aggressive and less likely to exhibit status related behaviors, less likely to roam in search of a mate, reducing the risks of accidents or getting lost, and less likely to mark their territory by urinating. Neutered dogs can be easier to train and manage, enhancing the relationship between the dog and its owner and of course, spaying and neutering help control the pet population, which can reduce the number of unwanted puppies and lower the burden on animal shelters.
Staci Lemke 00:03:53 However, lately it seems there has been some controversy about the age when dogs should be spayed or neutered, or if the procedure is even necessary at all. In 2013, a team of researchers at the University of California, Davis did a study of 759 golden retrievers focusing on the effects of spaying and neutering on the incidence of various health disorders, specifically, how spaying and neutering performed at different ages influenced the occurrence of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament, tear lymphoma, hemangioma, sarcoma, and mast cell tumors. The research team reviewed the records of female and male golden retrievers, ranging in age from 1 to 8 years, that had been examined at UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. The study compared the health outcomes of dogs spayed and neutered early, which was before one year of age, late, which was after one year of age and those left intact. Here’s what they found with hip dysplasia. The incidence of hip dysplasia was significantly higher in early neutered males compared to intact males. However, early spayed females did not show a significant increase in hip dysplasia compared to intact females.
Staci Lemke 00:05:14 With regard to cranial cruciate ligament tears, both early neutered males and early spayed females had a higher incidence of cranial cruciate ligament tear compared to their intact counterparts when it comes to the cancers. Lymphoma. Sarcoma. Early neutered males had a significantly higher incidence of lymphoma compared to intact males. With regards to hemangioma sarcoma, late spayed females showed a higher incidence of hemangioma sarcoma than their intact female counterparts and mast cell tumors. Both early and late spayed females had a higher incidence of mast cell tumors compared to intact females. So basically, the study revealed that for all five diseases analyzed, the disease rates were significantly higher in both males and females that were either spayed or neutered early or late compared to the disease rates of intact dogs. Whereas in the 1970s, veterinarians were recommending spaying or neutering before six months because of studies like this, they are now recommending waiting until dogs are physically mature to spay or neuter. But when exactly is a dog considered physically mature? Again, there’s no one size fits all answer. Physical maturity varies greatly with size and breed.
Staci Lemke 00:06:36 Dogs are usually considered physically mature by the time they’re one year old, but larger breeds may continue to grow until two years old. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas are likely to be fully grown by the time they’re 8 to 12 months old. While medium size breeds may reach their adult size at around 12 months. I have added a chart to the show notes with suggested guidelines for the age to spay neuter for 35 breeds of dogs. And what I found interesting about this chart was that there were only two breeds of dogs that were suggested to be left intact, the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Retriever, the subject of our study. There have also been studies done on how spaying and neutering affect behavior. We know for a fact that hormones play a huge role in normal brain development and maturation, so it stands to reason that removing hormones through spaying and neutering will also have an effect on behavior. There have been two studies done that directly addressed the issue of behavior changes as a result of spaying and neutering. A recent study by a team of researchers from the Sydney School of Veterinary Science focused on the effects of neutering in male dogs.
Staci Lemke 00:07:45 It involved over 9000 dogs, about 6000 neutered males, and about 3000 intact males. What they found was the neutered dogs were more likely to show aggression when strangers approached, walked past or entered the home, or when joggers, cyclists and rollerbladers passed by. Neutered dogs were also more likely to show more fear related behaviors, especially when it came to loud noises or unfamiliar situations. Furthermore, the younger the dog when neutered, the worse these effects were. Now I want to interject here. I don’t think that we can completely blame these temperament issues solely on neutering, and I’m not advocating for or against spaying and neutering. I’m simply presenting the information to you to get you thinking. The temperament of your dog, combined with their early experiences and training, play a big part in how they learn about and react to the world around them. Some dogs just come with more resilient temperaments than others, so, so many things contribute to a dog’s behavior, and I’ve known literally thousands of spayed and neutered dogs with lovely temperaments.
Staci Lemke 00:08:55 So where does this leave us? Well, with regard to physical health, it seems that waiting until your dog is physically mature has a significant impact on reducing their risk for some orthopedic conditions and certain cancers. With regard to behavior, some studies suggest that neutering can reduce aggression, roaming, and urine marking, and males. However, other studies have shown that neutering can increase anxiety levels and aggressive behaviors and cause dogs to be more fearful. So I feel that the jury is still out on that, and more research is needed to make a definitive statement. Anecdotal evidence from owners, trainers and vets suggests that spaying and neutering can make dogs easier to deal with and produce calmer, more well-rounded individuals. Are there alternatives to the traditional spay and neuter? Yes there are. For male dogs, vets can perform a vasectomy just like in humans. This surgical procedure leaves the reproductive organs intact while blocking the means of reproduction. Since your dog will still have the same amount of testosterone as an intact male, he may still display some of the behavioral tendency of an intact male, such as roaming and marking.
Staci Lemke 00:10:09 For female dogs, there is the possibility of an ovary sparing spay. In this procedure, the dog’s uterus is removed, but the ovaries are left intact. Your dog will still have functioning ovaries and so will still go into heat, but without the ability to reproduce, and she will retain the behavioral tendencies of an intact female. The bottom line is that you need to look at your dog as an individual when deciding when or if to spay or neuter. Taking into account their breed size, temperament and lifestyle. Make your decision by weighing the pros and cons for your individual situation. Do you dream of off leash trips to the park or the beach with your dog, but you don’t dare let your dog off leash because you never know if they’ll come back? You’d love to go hiking and exploring with your dog off leash, but whenever you’ve tried this in the past, your dog runs off after wildlife. If you’ve ever felt embarrassed or frustrated when your dog joyfully runs away from you instead of coming when called, then you’re going to want to check out our new online course.
Staci Lemke 00:11:19 Wait, come back rapid fire recall. Teaching your dog to come when called is one of the most important lessons in dog training. A reliable recall allows your dog off leash. freedom, and you peace of mind that they’ll come back when you call. A reliable recall can even save your dog’s life. If you’re looking to improve your dog’s recall than you need this course. Discover the tips, tricks, and games used by professionals to ensure your dog comes racing back to you every time you call, simply go to manners for mutts. Com Backslash recall and sign up today. Summer’s here and I know many dogs that love to swim because of that. I want to address an important health concern. Blue green algae. Blue green algae is a toxin producing cyanobacteria that can be found in lakes, ponds, and rivers. Exposure to toxins produced by these bacteria can be life threatening to dogs, humans, and other animals. There is no antidote for blue green algae poisoning and it can rapidly become fatal. Blue green algae poisoning occurs when dogs drink or swim in water contaminated by an algae bloom.
Staci Lemke 00:12:36 Algae blooms are an overgrowth of cyanobacteria. They can produce numerous types of toxins. The two most serious types of cyano toxins can cause liver or neurological injury shock, liver failure, respiratory arrest, and even death can occur. Algae blooms can be found in stagnant water, especially during warm weather spells or after periods without rain. They may appear as either blue green or red brown colored blooms, mats, foam, or scum on the top of the water. The water may also smell like rotting plant material. However, there is no way to tell the difference visually if a particular bloom is toxic or non-toxic. Clinical signs can develop rapidly or over several hours and may include any of the following. Vomiting. Diarrhea. Weakness. Pale gums. Collapse. Drooling. drooling, muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, muscle rigidity, paralysis, or seizures. There is no specific antidote for cyano toxins, and treatment involves intensive supportive care for patients experiencing shock or respiratory arrests. So the best treatment is prevention. And to do that, you want to avoid drinking from or walking and swimming in water that has visible algae blooms, scum or foam on the surface or that has an odor.
Staci Lemke 00:14:02 Check local advisories for warnings before visiting a particular body of water. Remove any stagnant water, such as plant containers, bird baths, or fountains, to prevent blue green algae growth around your home. And if you think your dog may have been exposed to an algae bloom, rinse them thoroughly with fresh water and bring them directly to a veterinary hospital immediately. So I hope, I hope, hope, hope that this never happens to you. I hope you’re very well informed now, and I hope you also enjoy a wonderful and safe summer. Thank you for taking the time to help your dog become a more well mannered mutt. If you have questions about today’s episode, or if there’s a topic you’d like to learn more about, come connect with me on Facebook and Instagram at Manners for months. You can also find any links and resources mentioned in the show over at manners for mutts. Com if you enjoyed this podcast, head over to iTunes and leave us a review. I’d love to hear what’s been helpful for you and your canine friends.
Staci Lemke 00:15:05 See you next time!
