Dog Spay and Neuter Controversy: What is the Right Time?
The Dog Spay and Neuter Debate: What Really Is the Best Age?
In my recent video on delaying the spaying and neutering of dogs, I stirred up quite a bit of controversy. One of the most common reactions I received was along the lines of, “But my vet says there aren’t any studies to support that!" Another frequent concern was, “What about the risk of mammary cancer if we wait?" For years, as a practicing veterinarian, I gave the same advice: “Mrs. Jones, it’s really important that we spay little Fluffy here before her first heat cycle. This will help decrease the risk of her developing mammary gland cancer."
The Traditional Approach
This advice was ingrained in us during veterinary school. We were taught two main things: first, that spaying or neutering before six months of age helps control the animal population; and second, that it provides health benefits, especially in reducing the risk of mammary cancer. The prevailing wisdom was clear: spay your pets early to prevent cancer and avoid contributing to overpopulation.
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Emerging Research: New Findings and Implications
However, recent studies are challenging this long-held belief. Researchers like Benjamin and Lynette Hart have shown that early spaying and neutering can actually increase the risk of joint disorders and certain types of cancers in many dog breeds. Their findings indicate that dogs spayed or neutered early are two to four times more likely to develop these issues.
For example, in breeds like the Golden Retriever, spaying at any age was linked to a higher risk of developing cancers like lymphoma. Similarly, in male Doberman Pinschers, the recommendation is now to avoid neutering altogether due to the increased risk of joint disorders and certain cancers.
Interestingly, the research found no significant increase in joint disorders in small breeds. However, it did reveal that specific small breeds, like the Boston Terrier and the Shih Tzu, had a higher risk of developing cancers if spayed before six months of age.
I’ll include links to these studies and a diagram showing the suggested age for spaying or neutering 35 different breeds in the description box below.
Balancing the Risks: A New Perspective
So, what about the risk of mammary cancer? Yes, there is a slight increase in the risk if a female dog goes through a few heat cycles before being spayed. However, it’s essential to balance this risk with the potential consequences of early spaying. Delaying spaying or neutering may reduce the likelihood of your dog developing joint disorders and various types of cancers, such as lymphoma, bone cancer, and hemangiosarcoma.
The Importance of Questioning Established Norms
Another critical point to consider is that even experts can be wrong. Just because someone speaks with authority doesn’t mean their advice is beyond question. I’ve learned a lot from my own mistakes and encourage you to do the same. It’s important to step back and look at the big picture. Sex hormones play a crucial role in your dog’s body, influencing everything from muscle and bone development to overall health. Removing these hormones too early can have significant repercussions, which may explain the increase in joint disorders and certain cancers.
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My Current Recommendation
If I had a little Poodle puppy right now, despite her being a small breed, I would wait until she was at least two years old before having her spayed. The research suggests that waiting can significantly benefit her long-term health.
Finally, even though I’m seen as an authority on this subject, I urge you not to take everything I say at face value. Question it, do your own research, and make the best decision for your pet’s health. Thank you for watching this edition of Veterinary Secrets. Don’t forget to click up there to subscribe, hit the bell for notifications, and click the link in the box below to get a free copy of my book.
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Study Source: Study on Optimal Age to Spay and Neuter Dogs: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00388/full
