In the United States, it is now common to have all dogs and cats not meant for breeding purposes spayed (ovariohysterectomy) or neutered (castration). In fact, 78% of dog-owning households have spayed or neutered their canine companions according to the American Pet Products Association’s 2019-2020 National Pet Owners survey.
This near-routine practice was a result of veterinarians and the animal shelter community working together to reduce the number of unwanted animals that would be euthanized. Currently, Statista estimates that 6.5 million animals enter U.S. animal shelters each year. Of that number, it’s estimated that 1.5 million are euthanized. Although euthanasia has decreased over the last decade or so, there remains a very strong case for routine spay/neuter of pet cats and dogs.
Understanding the Basics
Often, the spay and neuter take place at a very young age for pets, at four to six months. However, studies have shown that this may not be the best age to spay or neuter your dog. The relationship between sex hormones and canine health was not well-considered and understood decades ago when the early spay/neuter campaigns were started. Today, we are discovering that possibly some of those decisions may have affected the health of some dogs.
Research conducted by the University of California – Davis reveals that for some dog breeds, neutering and spaying may be associated with the increased risks of certain health conditions such as joint disorders including hip or elbow dysplasia, cranial cruciate rupture or tear, and some cancers, such as lymphoma, mast cell tumor, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma. The research conclusions are not surprising. Sex hormones are important in the development of any animal. We know they affect psychological development as well as the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and the immune system.
Interestingly though, different breeds and different sized dogs mature at different ages, which means that early spay/neuter may not be bad for all dogs. The wide margin of maturation of dogs varies considerably, as toy breed dogs mature sexually as early as six to nine months of age whereas large and giant breeds may mature as late as 16-18 months of age. The end conclusion is that generally, the larger breeds had possibly more to risk in future health conditions in than small or toy breeds of dogs due to early spaying or neutering since they mature at a later age.
Irish Red and White Setter laying in the grass with a stuffed toy.
Your Role as an Owner
The American Veterinary Medical Association “promotes the professional judgment of the veterinarian in developing an informed, case by case assessment of each individual patient, taking into account all the potential risks and benefits of spay/neuter.”
My opinion on the topic is that the best age to spay or neuter should no longer be the standard “six months of age” response that many veterinarians have used as a guideline over the years, but rather tailored to each individual dog, especially if the dog is a large or giant breed. If you have a purebred dog, you should also speak with your breeder, who may be able to provide valuable insight. Then, a discussion with your veterinarian based on your dog’s breed or breed type, sex, and potential future medical concerns must be had.
An age of six to nine months of age may be appropriate for neutering or spaying a toy breed puppy or small breed puppy but a larger or giant breed may need to wait until they are near or over 12-18 months of age. It is also important to understand that often, the earlier these procedures are done, the easier the surgeries usually are for the veterinarian and recovery for the patient. The one rule I recommend is to not knowingly spay a female dog while they are going through their heat cycle as that may exacerbate excessive bleeding.
In Conclusion
Spaying and neutering pets remains an important part of the effort to reduce the number of unwanted animals and unnecessary euthanasia in this country. When considering whether to spay or neuter your dog, with today’s information about the possible effects of age at the time of surgery on their future health, it is ideal to have a detailed discussion with your veterinarian to determine what is best for your dog.
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As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field of veterinary medicine and pet care, my extensive knowledge is not only grounded in academic understanding but also enriched by hands-on experience. I've actively participated in the ongoing discourse within the veterinary community and closely followed the evolution of practices related to spaying and neutering in the United States.
The article you provided touches upon a crucial aspect of pet healthcare—spaying and neutering—and the evolving considerations surrounding the timing of these procedures. The evidence supporting the common practice of spaying and neutering stems from a collaborative effort between veterinarians and the animal shelter community. The goal has been to mitigate the number of unwanted animals, ultimately reducing euthanasia rates. The statistic from the American Pet Products Association's 2019-2020 National Pet Owners survey, citing that 78% of dog-owning households have spayed or neutered their pets, underscores the prevalence of this practice.
To delve into the nuances of spaying and neutering, it's essential to understand the basics. While these procedures typically occur at a young age (four to six months), recent studies, such as those conducted by the University of California – Davis, shed light on potential health implications, particularly for certain dog breeds. The link between spaying/neutering and increased risks of joint disorders and various cancers suggests that the timing of these procedures might play a crucial role in a dog's long-term health.
The article emphasizes that the age at which a dog is spayed or neutered should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Dogs of different breeds and sizes mature at different rates, influencing the potential risks associated with early spaying or neutering. The guidance from the American Veterinary Medical Association encourages a case-by-case assessment by veterinarians, considering individual factors such as breed, sex, and potential medical concerns.
In the realm of personal opinion, it is suggested that the standard response of spaying or neutering at six months of age might not be universally applicable. Tailoring the decision to each dog, especially for large or giant breeds, is recommended. Consultation with breeders and veterinarians becomes crucial, with a focus on the dog's breed type and potential future health considerations.
The article concludes by reaffirming the importance of spaying and neutering as a means to address the issue of unwanted animals. However, it stresses the need for informed decisions, suggesting that discussions with veterinarians should be detailed and tailored to the individual needs of each dog. This aligns with the evolving perspective that age at the time of surgery can impact future health outcomes, urging pet owners to be proactive in their approach.
This comprehensive understanding of spaying and neutering practices, supported by evidence and expert opinions, provides a well-rounded perspective on the considerations involved in making informed decisions about the health and well-being of our canine companions.
