Spaying / Neutering Your Dog: Pros and Cons
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It is recommended that almost everyone who owns a dog as a pet should either spay or neuter the animal. There are a lot of good reasons that this is considered to be the norm for pet owners. The main reason is that pets that don’t get spayed or neutered end up contributing to the problem of pet overpopulation. Because this is such a widespread problem, it has become mainstream for the average pet owner to spay or neuter his dog. Most pet owners don’t even think about it before they do it. The vet or the pet adoption agency recommends (or even mandates it) so the dog’s owner has the procedure done. Most people will agree that it’s ultimately a good thing. However, it’s not something that you should do without first thinking it through since it does have some negative consequences.
Spaying and Neutering: What Are They?
First things first, let’s talk about what it means to spay or neuter your dog. It means that you are removing your dog’s sex organs. When the dog is a female dog, the act of removing the sex organs is called spaying. When the dog is a male dog, the act of removing the sex organs is called neutering. The actual medical procedure for the animals is different because the sex organs are different. However, the end result is the same – the sex organs are gone and the dog can no longer contribute to the act of making puppies.
Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Dog
Like I said before, there are a lot of really great reasons to spay or neuter your dog. These reasons include:
• Reducing the problem of pet overpopulation. This is a serious problem in today’s society. There are too many pets and not enough homes for those pets. This ends up resulting in a lot of stray pets that don’t have a home. Most of these end up in places like The Humane Society where they have to be put down if they can’t quickly get adopted. This means that there are a lot of dogs that are already out there which are being killed. If your pet makes puppies then you’re contributing to this serious problem. The problem of pet overpopulation is the core reason that it is highly recommended by animal experts that you spay or neuter your dog.
• Prevents a lot of health problems that your dog might get if you elect not to spay or neuter the pet. There are a lot of different medical problems that dogs can get if you fail to get them spayed or neutered. For example, female dogs are highly likely to develop tumors in their mammary glands if they aren’t spayed before the first time that they go into heat. Diseases of the uterus and testicles in your pet (such as cancer) are also prevented when the sex organs are removed.
• Your pet will be calmer. Removal of the sex organs results in changes to the hormones of the dog. This results in having a calmer, less aggressive dog. This is particularly true for male dogs who have been neutered but is also true of female dogs once they have been spayed.
• Your dog will be cleaner. There is actually a lot of mess associated with a dog going into heat (such as discharge or blood from female dogs). If you spay or neuter your dog then the dog isn’t going to go into heat. You avoid the mess.
• You will probably save yourself some money. A lot of people who fail to get their dog spayed or neutered do so because they don’t want to spend the money to get the procedure done. However, the cost is minimal in comparison to the cost that you’ll experience if you don’t spay or neuter the pet. Those costs include the cost of puppies if the pet gets pregnant and the cost of ongoing health problems such as uterine cancer that wouldn’t affect a dog who had been spayed or neutered. (Learn more about the costs of owning a pet.)
Drawbacks of Spaying or Neutering Your Dog
The benefits of getting your dog spayed or neutered are clear. As a general rule, it’s probably something that you should do since these benefits are pretty important. However, you should know that there are risks and drawbacks to getting the procedure done. Those include:
• The risk of the medical procedure. Spaying and neutering of dogs is a really standard procedure that has very few side effects of problems associated with it. However, you always take a risk that something might go wrong whenever you take your dog in for surgery. That’s a risk that you should be aware of before you go through the procedure. Talk to the vet about in detail.
• The dog will likely be less active and may gain weight after the procedure. The change in hormones that the dog undergoes will result in calming the dog down. That’s a good thing but it might mean that the dog will be less active than before and some people really prefer an active dog. The dog will tend to appear quieter to others which people will consider to be a problem if they’ve gotten their dog as a form of protection for the property. It’s also notable that your dog will probably gain weight as a result of the change in hormones (just like people do when they go through their changes of life).
• The dog won’t be able to have babies. This is the purpose of the procedure but some people fail to think about the consequences of this. If you ever might want to breed your dog to raise puppies which you can then sell then you don’t want to get it spayed or neutered.
Those drawbacks are basic and they really aren’t that bad but you need to think them through before going through the common process of getting your dog spayed or neutered.
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I don't know. I understand the benefits of getting your dog fixed, but personally, I don't want mine fixed. It seems kinda wrong to me to take that away from him. But then again, I baby my dog and so he is more human to me. Although, I would more than likely fix him to prevent puppies if he were a female dog or he got out of the yard. I think when people get there dogs fixed they should really consider the reasoning behind it first. Like you said they do tend to be less active, for some that's not the greatest thing.
Totally great! I like how you linked to other hubs. I am in awe still, mouth hanging open at all that we can do on here as a newbie!
I have a 10 month old Lab who has a sweet personality and not the least bit aggressive, I am a little nervous about having him neutered, because I love his activity level and do not want him less active yet. Labs tend to become lazy soon enough, I don't want it happening yet.
I was thinking of getting my female dog spayed, but a friend told me if she didn't have puppies her womb would rot. She is also the only female dog in our area, but I think I am going to let her have a litter at some stage. She is coming 2 years old in April and I don't know what to do!
Such propaganda.
Who is the actual name of the author, I am not looking for the organization please.
I want to say a few words about “spay/neuter health benefits” for dogs. I do this to rebut a number of rumors, exaggerations and overt lies. It is sad, I believe, that many people make important decisions based only on rumors and do not do good research before spaying or neutering their dogs.
I am originally from Europe -Ukraine. People spay and neuter dogs there in only rare cases, and lots of dogs live long and happy lives. I was shocked, when I found out, that the most American dogs are going through these kinds of procedures without real necessity most of the time. I want to tell about my personal canine behavioral observations, and research on the spay/neuter subject.
Behavior.
I do agree, that dogs of “fighter” breed (Rottweiler, Pit bull terriers, Staffordshire terriers, etc.) should be neutered, because it doesn’t matter how well trained they are, they can lose their minds sometimes. It’s simply in their nature. However, I don’t agree that the toy breed males should be neutered, unless they are not monitored.
People tell stories about “nasty male habits of marking in the house”, which was another “discovery” for me. What the heck are people talking about? We’re talking about DOGS, but not CATS! Here are a couple of observations that prove the insanity of this point. I’ve had two male Poms. Neither of them were used for breeding. They NEVER marked in the house, because they were simply well-trained and were doing potty only outside, like any other well-behaved dog. It is a matter of good training!!! Another thing is; when we recently bred our female Pom to a nice small KENNEL male Pom (which was not potty trained --and he was trying to mark things inside the house) Omg! Oh miracle! I trained him to quit doing that “nasty male habit” in just 5 days!!!!!!!! I’m talking about an intact male dog that was NEVER potty trained!
My research on health benefits of the spay/neuter subject.
First of all, spaying/neutering has both positive AND adverse health effects on the dogs.
I found one good scientific research report on this subject. It appears, that spaying has more advantages , than disadvantages, because it eliminates small risks of mammary tumors and pyometra. Neutering, on the on other hand, has more disadvantages, than advantages like “quadruples the small risk (
(I'm not sure did I post all of my article, such as i saw only first part of it, that's why I'll send you the part I didn't see. Also I'll send you a shorter version. In case my post is too big. )
Here is the shortest version of it. My research on health benefits of the spay/neuter subject.
First of all, spaying/neutering has both positive AND adverse health effects on the dogs.
I found one good scientific research report on this subject. It appears, that spaying has more advantages , than disadvantages, because it eliminates small risks of mammary tumors and pyometra. Neutering, on the on other hand, has more disadvantages, than advantages like “quadruples the small risk (
“SUMMARY
An objective reading of the veterinary medical literature reveals a complex situation with respect to the longterm
health risks and benefits associated with spay/neuter in dogs. The evidence shows that spay/neuter
Page 2 of 12
correlates with both positive AND adverse health effects in dogs. It also suggests how much we really do
not yet understand about this subject.
On balance, it appears that no compelling case can be made for neutering most male dogs, especially
immature male dogs, in order to prevent future health problems. The number of health problems associated
with neutering may exceed the associated health benefits in most cases.
On the positive side, neutering male dogs
??eliminates the small risk (probably
OK. I cannot make a big post here. Please, read this scientific research, that have been done by Rutgers University. You might find amazing information on this subject. http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffec
I have owned 3 dogs in my life (so far) all three have been spayed. Please come tell my Jack russel and my Border colie that because they were spayed they lose energy. What a load of BS. my first dog was german sheppard/shelty cross and she had almost as much energy as the two I own now.
If you a responsible dog owner who is in complete controll of the animal, you won't have to worry about their energy. They will want to please you until they can't get up. And believe me that will usually be far after you are done playing with them.
very intersting article you linked there "thoughtful" so thank you for that.
generally speaking, i think that such evasive surgery should be left out unless the dog has medical problem that requires it.
i've read the pros for the surgery and really guys give us all a break, owners should train and keep track of ther dogs rather than cut out ther testicles. dogs are meant to breed, if an unwanted pregancy occurs then hell, dont let the dog suffer because of his irresponsible owner.
this is an irresponsible article and fails to report the exact statistical possible benefits and risks associated with spaying and neutering. I refer to a paper by a doctor who discusses the current studies.
Instead of having your pet have "Just one litter", why don't you adopt a pet from the humane society. For every litter your animal has, it takes away the lives of six or seven animals in shelters.
I just found this site today and have Never read such ignorance in my 65 years! If this represents the intelligence of the American Public then we are in SERIOUS trouble. "Her womb would rott", Rottweilers were NOT bred for fighting but for guarding whether it was their owners money oar his sheep. Pitt Bulls were originally bred to be used in Bear Baiting-when that was ruled inhumane they were put in pits to fight Rats soon wonderful human beings added other dogs to the pit.
I have owned both breeds well bred and rescues and in the 25 years that I have owned them I have never had a "bite" incident. Yes even with the most diligent of owners animals can sometimes get out. One of my Rotties would "escape" and go around to the front door & bark. Took me awhile to find the spot on the fence (its on a hill) where he was getting out.
Humans were meant to breed also, that's why in some older cemeteries you see the males grave and 2 or 3 graves of his wife. The only reason to breed a dog is to BETTER THE BREED. Many ethical breeders believe that if you don't rescue, you don't breed!
As to getting fat & lazy, that is on the owner! All of my dogs have been spayed or neutered some went on to herd sheep-yes, a crazy rott in a sheep pen. Others into personal protection I'd like to see you call one of mine a "sissy". OThers did Agility etc. and I feed a raw diet-as I said it is on the owner. My Heart dog-a well bred rottie die at 9 of cancer even after the surgery it was aftter his death that I switched my other dogs to raw and stopped all of the vaccinations except Rabies 'cause that's the law. I learned from my Rotties oncologist that the vaccine protocols do not call for all of those toxic shots after 3yrs-I have titers done each year. Mine are NEVER ill. They have all lived to 12-14 years since then
There is more that I would like to say but will closee, my Rottie keeps knocking my hand off the keyboard :o). BTW did you know that the APBT was the mascot of the USA during both world wars-because of his tenecity, courage and fierce loyalty. It's usually on the owners NOT the dog!
I am European, we never neuter nor spay dogs. I have not heard anything about Europe being overpopulated by unwanted dogs. I had my Mini Schnauzer female for 13! years - never spayed. NEVER sick! ever. Then I had two mixed breeds for 12 and 14 years - never sick-never spayed!!! If you really love your dogs, keep an eye on them and they will not breed. Who am I to take the uterus with ovaries out of my female dog?! Perhaps, you should chopped out kidnes too - to prevent kidney failure. The list can go on...That is considered barbarism in Europe. I guess we are just more responsible than US. Besides, most vet tell you to spay/neuter your dog - it is money business - as everything in US. Be responsible, keep an eye on your dog and there will be NO unwanted puppies. And read this:http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffec - you will find out that there are more risk associated with spaying/neutering than without it. Vets just don't tell you about them - they need your $$$.
Dont do it their just in it for the money how would u like to get ur balls cut off or your puss taken out. Their just pocketing money now if ur stupid ur gonna believe them.
Dont do it their just in it for the money how would u like to get ur balls cut off or your puss taken out. Their just pocketing money now if ur stupid ur gonna believe them.
I personally don't agree with spaying and neutering dogs. I understand the consequences of not doing that, but I don't believe we should mess with mother nature. Besides that, the dogs don't have any option of choice, and why would man, the dog's best friend, prevent them from having the right to live and procreate? It is the right of every living being to have the change to have pups and to live its life like it was born. That is why I will always look for other alternatives than this cruel procedure for them, in case I have behavior problems with my dog!
I had my dog neuter to me it was a mistake he not aggressive ,to timid and not a guard dog that why we got a dog in the first place, but I still love my mocha, will never do it again.
I know that getting my male blak lab fixed will probably make him a little calmer, but I don't mind since he is 60 pounds and drags the kids down the street when they walk him. He isn't aggressive and is a fantastic watchdog letting me know anytime someone is walking by. But I don't want to risk him getting cancer later in life. I have had several pets growing up and throughout life. I don't see that there is a downside to getting your dog fixed. My vet is wonderful and very gentle and loving with his animal clients and I am not regretful of having this done so my Rex doesn't get frustrated and freak out when the neighbor's dog is in heat 40 feet away.
I thank whoever posted the paper from Rutgers. I was on the fence and will wait for one of my male dogs. I have 2, however, I agree, that waiting the 18 months for growth plate closing is key (544 days-have heard the rottie study) but not this one. Neither male, presently is neutered and such is life ... they both know the doberman wins over the standard poodle, however, i had reservations. Thirt years ago in the US quite frankly I do not remember any dogs being neutered so often, females being spaed for the mess ...males no. thanks again
Just because your dogs have never gotten sick and were never spayed does NOT mean that they never became sick because they were NOT spayed. I can't believe some of the things written on here. If you are considering getting your pet spayed or neutered you should do your OWN research if you are worried and come up with and educated answer. Not believe what some else says. And not all vets are in it for the money. Don't get me wrong, some are. But there are a lot that are not.
Neutering males has a well documented negative effect on their health, and does not prevent any significant diseases, On the contrary, it incresaes the incidence of some very deadly diseases by a factor of 4 to 6 times.
Spaying females can recuse the incidence of breast cancer and pyometra, but has the effect of increasing other diseases and cancers. The idea that spaying or neutering animals is beneficial to the individual animal is a falsehood!
the bottom line is spaying and neutering prevents overpopulation. You can't just not spay or neuter them and keep watch and hope they dont get pregnant or get a dog pregnant cuz shit happens. i have 3 dogs, all are fixed and all are still great loving dogs. my 1rst female is still aggressive and protective and she is spayed. my second female is lazy but she is also cuddly and if you moniter her food she doesnt gain weight and she is also spayed. my male is neutered and it stopped him from peeing and marking his territory on every thing in site and from trying to mount the females. it also helped him be less moody and grumpy. My inlaws had 2 females that were not spayed and they both died of ovarian cancer. could of been genetic because they were mom and daugher but if they had been spayed it could of been prevented. and to reply to some of these other comments about "we wouldnt do this to humans so why dogs" i do think there are some people that should get neutered or spayed as well. how many ppl are on well fare cuz they can't afford the family or amount of children they have or knocked up numerous woman. Its not barbaric if its for the greater good. If you want to save lives and give animals in shelters a chance to find a home then spay and neuter your pets otherwise i dont realy feel u give a shit about animals and shouldnt be a pet owner. thats the bottom line.
You need to be very stupid to believe that spaying will not destroy your dog. hormons are the energy of any creature.
Karl Sigel 2 years ago
With drawbacks, you might want to add the risk of urinary incontinence. We are three for three with Dobermans that have been spayed when they are young and start leaking when they get to be about four. Two came from a rescue agency and the other from a very good breeder. From now on, I am waiting until they are near three. The Doberman we had before these didn't get spayed until she was about five and never developed any problems. Maybe just a coincidence, but she had a great life and made it to 16! Ol' Nacht was a great dog.
Thank you, Karl Sigel