When & Why to Spay/Neuter

If you are about to make a decision on spay or neuter for your dog, please read the entire blog post.  My goal is to give you all of the information I have gathered for you to make an informed decision.  Reading the whole blog post is the best way to make the decision for you and your dog.

Benefits of Neutering Males

• Not typically allowed at dog parks, and may be restricted or not allowed at doggy day cares

• Are very likely to mark territory by urinating on things inside and outside of the house

• Have far fewer prostate problems (including cysts, abscesses, and prostate cancer) than do unaltered males

• Neutered males cannot develop testicular cancer

• They are less likely to roam when a female is in heat near by

• They are less likely to fight and demonstrate aggressiveness

Benefits of Spaying Females

• Female dogs in heat or pregnant are typically not allowed at doggy daycares

• Male dogs will seek out a female in heat and both male and female typically make extraordinary efforts to mate, resulting in unplanned/unwanted pregnancy

• Will mark territory to alert males in the area.  Some will do this inside as well as outside

• Risk of pyometra, a uterine infection in unspayed female dogs.  1 in 4 intact females will get Pyometra.  It is a life threatening infection.

• Higher risk for mammary problems, including mammary cancer, which can be fatal.

Why are females at such a high risk of uterine infection if not spayed?

• Human females shed their uterine lining with each menstrual cycle.  Dogs only shed this lining when they give birth, thus making them at a much higher risk for life threatening infections of the uterus.

Should my female have a litter before being spayed?

• There is no research to support a benefit of a female dog having a litter before being spayed

• Having a litter of puppies does not change your dog's personality or behavior

• Pregnancy, deliver, and post-delivery complications can put your dog at risk of complications an inexperienced person may not recognize the signs of or be prepared for

What are the risks of early spay/neuter?

Per my research, the most common thing I have found against early spay/neuter is orthopedic consequences. Puppy bones are protected by soft cartilage called growth plates. Like the skull of a baby the growth plates will close.  This happens for puppies at around 18 months of age. As puppies grow they release hormones supporting the development their bones. As this process completes the growth plates close.  When puppies are spayed/neutered too early, it slows the closure of the growth plates. Because of this it can cause puppies to grow in to taller dogs than they should be and are prone to injury and hip dysplasia. Additionally, Early spay can cause incontinence.

Please consult your vet for details and other risks and concerns with early spay/neuter as breed and size can make a difference as well.

When do I spay/neuter my dog?

I can only speak to my own opinion and research on the topic.  And, I can only speak to my experience with Australian Shepherds. I recommend all of my pet parents to spay or neuter their Australian Shepherds at or around the age of 18 months.  I believe this gives them the access to the hormones they need to grow and develop appropriately. That being said, you should always take the advice of a trusted veterinarian, consider your life style and ability to control and protect your intact dog until it's time to spay/neuter, and of course based on the health and condition of your dog.

If you choose wait until 18 to 24 months for your female, please consult your vet on what to look for in reference to Pyometra.  And, I would not suggest allowing your female to have more than 2 heat cycles before spaying.  In regards to your male, I think it is important to consult your vet on the appropriate vet checks to ensure the health of his reproductive organs.

If you have a puppy from Tucker Acres with a pet contract, the contract includes spay or neuter by the age of 2 years old.