DogsAreOk

The Perfect Magazine for Dog Lovers

Should I SPAY or NEUTER my dog?

Article by Dr. Nancy Wilber

The subject of having a dog spayed or neutered will raise controversy in many circles. Understanding the many benefits of these surgeries is important.

Pet overpopulation is the most obvious reason to sterilize your pet. In Miami-Dade County alone last year over 32,000 animals were surrendered to the Animal Services Department. This does not include those given up to the Humane Society or the numerous rescue groups that tirelessly work in our community.  One un-spayed female dog, her mate and all of their puppies, if none are ever spayed or neutered, can add up to over 67,000 puppies in only 6 years.

Having your male dog neutered will in most circumstances make him a better household pet and family member.  There are numerous behavioral benefits. Hormonal influences lead a male dog to feel the need to

“mark” his territory. It is natural for him to want to lift his leg and leave a little urine on objects to stake his claim. This is not much of a problem outside, but sometimes this persists indoor as well.  Intact male dogs have a tendency towards being more territorial and aggressive. They do tend to wander more often.  A female in heat will attract them from miles away. Medically, the surgery will prevent testicular cancers and decrease prostatic diseases and perianal tumor development.

In the female dog, the medical benefits are very pronounced.  Numerous studies show that having your pet spayed before her first heat cycle will decrease her chance of developing mammary cancer later in life by over 98%. If the surgery is performed before her second cycle, it will still decrease her chance of developing mammary cancer by over 75%. If she has already had several cycles, it is never too late to have her spayed. Female dogs can develop a life threatening uterine infection called pyometra as they age.  A pyometra can transform a routine surgery into a serious surgical emergency. Symptoms include lack of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy and dehydration. Pyometra is also likely to develop in dogs that have received injections to stop them from having a “heat” cycle and to prevent pregnancy. Intact female dogs can experience false pregnancy which can lead to nesting, milk development and behavioral changes that can be distressing to both you and your pet.

You might have heard that the surgery will make your pet fat. There is nothing inherent in the surgery that causes weight gain. Your pet’s basal metabolic rate will change after the surgery so it can be necessary to decrease their caloric intake. The surgery is recommended at 6 months of age in most circumstances. Many puppies are experiencing a dramatic decline in their growth rate and need to be fed fewer calories at this age regardless of whether or not they are spayed or neutered.

As with any surgery, it is important to discuss the details of the procedure and the necessary pre anesthetic requirement with your veterinarian.