When Should You Spay Or Neuter Your Dog
Spay Neuter Decision
It’s a big decision to make. There are risks to doing it too soon.
In many circles, especially those southern rescue groups and corporate-owned veterinary clinics, there is a widely accepted view of spaying and neutering all pets before they are 6 months of age. We even hear some stories of pediatric spaying and pediatric neutering which gives me great pause for concern.
I fell into the 6-month category when I was actively involved in animal rescue. I took our director’s word for it. I considered it an opinion that was proven and experienced. Even the vet we used was in agreement. But I’ve changed my mind. I still encourage no sooner than 6 months — but I’m more inclined to wait as long as absolutely possible these days.
Reproductive hormones play a crucial role in musculoskeletal health and development, immune system function, behavior, and certain cancers. The decision to sterilize your pet and what method should be used should be based on each individual.
Ideally, your dog should have achieved full maturity before spaying or neutering. Maturity varies within breeds / size of dog. At minimum growth plates should be closed before you spay neuter.
Open Growth Plates at the time of spay neuter could lead to the growth plates growing beyond their typical joint boundaries leading to hip dysplasia and/or elbow dysplasia.
Spay Neuter Risks Before Age 2
Hormonal Interruption is involved in joint health & cartilage formation
Your dog is 50% more likely to develop hip dysplasia when neutered before growth plates are closed
Bilateral Cruciate Tears (CCL) likelihood is significantly increased
Cancer risk is increased
Hypothyroidism is 3x more likely
Hip Displaysia Risk is increased by 2x.
Urinary Incontinence is increased by 20% in females
May increase fearfulness and aggressive behaviors
Disruption of the Endocrine System
Organs of the endocrine system communicate with one another using hormones. They send messages to one another to assist with the regulation of insulin, thyroid hormones, and other important chemicals that sustain a balanced body. When you interrupt the system by removing organs, the entire system is disrupted. Signals sent from the ovaries, uterus and testes no longer are sent out to help maintain that whole body balance.
Many adult-onset health issues ensue, as are already well documented in early spay models showing permanent joint damage. But you may also see thyroid and pancreas malfunction, resulting in diabetes, hypothyroidism, adrenal issues, etc.
These issues are more rare in intact, raw fed, unvaccinated, naturally-reared dogs.
Animal Naturopathy educators suggest that removing body parts ALWAYS has negative consequences. They evolved for many reasons, one big one being whole-body wellness.
Support The Endocrine System
Supporting the endocrine for every dog that is spayed or neutered should be considered. One option is to include Symplex M Symplex F to support the hormones and glandulars in the diet either through whole food grinds or supplements. I also have an endocrine supplement I can suggest for you. Support is generally suggested for at least 12-18 months after the procedure. Bloodwork analysis in your regular vet visits will give information regarding hormones & endocrine system function. Annual results may dictate that you support your dog’s endocrine system for years to come.
Does Spay / Neuter Address Behavior?
Many think that altering the dog will calm them down. Probably Not. In fact, for some dogs early spay-neuter procedures may increase the likelihood of aggression or fear-based behaviors.
You may see some improvement in marking, roaming ( jumping fences to roam), humping, etc. But it’s not a guarantee and you still might need actual training for your dog, containment measures, and your leadership to address these issues.
Does Neutering Reduce Aggression?
It has been suggested many times in my adult life that neutering a dog will reduce aggression. There is no actual proof, and certainly no guarantee that your dog’s behavior will change. At All.
Today you’ll find research that suggests altering your male dog before maturity will actually increase their aggressive tendencies. (Hormones matter)
There may be many reasons your dog is exhibiting aggressive behavior. I even argue food, vaccines, and chemical load can contribute to aggressive behavior — but I do not subscribe to any of these options as a magic fix to change behavior. Aggression must be addressed via a comprehensive & holistic look at the animal, the environment, the leadership (yes, that’s you), and training. It all needs to work in tandem.
Neutering Risks for Male Dogs
With Male Dogs, many choose to leave them intact. Many studies & research suggest early neutering in males can lead to joint issues, organ failure & increase the risk of bone cancer, prostate and urinary tract cancer, brain health, and obesity,. Some breeds are more susceptible than others. Yes, of course, this requires a high level of guardian responsibility to keep them in check when females are around. But for most, it is not too difficult to wait on full maturity with male dogs. I suggest waiting as long as you can.
Neutering Risks for Female Dogs
For female dogs, most people are not interested in breeding their pup. In fact, most people should NOT be interested in breeding their pups. But most people really don’t want to deal with a dog in heat. So the debate becomes do I spay before she goes into heat, or do I let her have 1 cycle? Ultimately only you can make the decision. But please avoid pediatric and early spays. It may be best to wait until at least 7-8 months of age, but 2 years is better. Urinary Incontinence is far more likely in dogs spayed early.
Rescue Group Rules
Rescue groups will have taken away your decision-making, and you’ll receive a pup already fixed. If you adopt a puppy that was spayed before maturity — certainly at 6 months or before — it is recommended that you do some hormonal replacement support. This can be done with glandular support options as we described above.
Excellent article for further research in your decision-making to spay female dogs.
Additional Note:
Please do not permit your dog’s surgical procedure to be paired simultaneously with any vaccine administration, flea and tick product treatments, while under significant health concerns, etc. YOU and you alone get to set the timing of these procedures. Ask questions, and be informed.
There are natural surgical after-care options available to you with essential oils, homeopathy, etc — that don’t require steroids, abx, and pain pills in most cases. Let’s talk about options before you proceed.
Read More: Neutering Male Dogs & Spaying Females
Study: Traditional Spay Neuter surgeries increase risk of orthopedic problems, cancer behavior issues and other conditions; https://ivcjournal.com/spay-neuter-considerations/