What is spay? what is neuter? The terms are often misused. So, what’s the difference between both procedures? Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and usually the uterus of a female animal. Neutering is the removal of the testes in a male animal. Neutering and spaying procedures render pets unable to reproduce. As unpleasant as these surgical procedures sound, they are simple and often necessary, and they can be beneficial to your pet as well as the animal population in general.
For some, the decision to have pets spayed or neutered is easy. However, for others the topic can be difficult and very emotional. That is why we do not take this matter lightly and we found it important to provide some explanations, presenting both the pros and the cons. At this stage, it is important to distinguish ESN (early spay and neuter) that is actually what tear people apart, from late spay/neuter that is recommended by numerous professionals and scientists. We do not approve ESN, rather we encourage and ensure that our dogs are spayed/neutered at the age most are approaching their sexual maturity (i.e. 18 months, for those involved in the Full Ownership program) or later for those concerned with our Guardian program. This is set in stone in our contracts that both parties agree and sign by the time you collect your beloved companion.
By having your dog spayed or neutered, you will do your share to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies, and to put a stop to dog trafficking. What’s more, you could be setting your pet up for a longer life, as studies have repeatedly shown that spayed or neutered dogs live longer, on average, than intact dogs. This advantage is likely due to the health and behavioral benefits provided by both procedures. Delaying neutering can offer health and behavioral benefits to your dog by preserving innate sex hormones. It allows for full physical and mental maturity, reducing the risk of certain health issues like cancers and orthopedic problems. Behaviorally, it can promote a calmer and more stable temperament.
Health and behavioral benefits of spaying and neutering
Established health and behavioral benefits include:
- Enhanced bone density: Late neutering allows a dog’s bones to develop fully, potentially reducing the risk of future orthopedic issues.
- Lower risk of join disorders: Research suggests that dogs neutered early may have a higher incidence of joint disorders (e.g. hip dysplasia).
- Reduced obesity risk: Sex hormones can influence metabolism, and dogs that are neutered later in life may have a lower risk of obesity.
- Avoidance of uterine infection for female dogs and certain cancers: Spaying female dogs can prevent uterine infection and reduce the risk of breast cancer. Neutering males can eliminate their risk of testicular cancer and reduce their risk of developing enlarged prostate glands (known as benign prostatic hyperplasia).
- Behavioral development: Behavioral benefits relate directly to the decreases in certain sex hormones that occur after spaying or neutering. Removing female dog ovaries eliminates their heat cycles and generally reduces mating-related behaviors that may frustrate owners. Removing male dog testicles reduces their breeding instinct, resulting in less roaming and fewer urine-marking behaviors.
- Cardiovascular health benefits: Some studies point to late desexed dogs having a lower risk of developing certain heart tumors.
What are the risks of ESN (early spaying or neutering)?
While both spaying and neutering are major surgical procedures, they are also the most common surgeries performed by vets. Like any surgical procedure, they present some risks related to the procedures themselves and to the anesthesia. However, these risks are typically low.
There is a growing body of research suggesting that early neutering can lead to a variety of health and behavioral challenges in dogs. Below, we outline some of the key risks associated with early spaying and neutering that pet owners should be aware of.
Physical side effects of early spay and neutering:
- Shortened lifespan
- Cardiac tumors
- Bone cancer
- Abnormal bone growth and development
- Hip dysplasia
- Urinary incontinence in female dogs
- Urethral sphincter incontinence in male dogs
- etc.
Behavioral effects of early spay and neutering:
- Separation anxiety
- Fear of noises
- Timidity
- Excitability
- Aggression
- Hyperactivity
- Fear biting
- etc.
