Can Early Spay/Neuter Really Cause Cancer?

The answer may surprise you: yes, early spaying or neutering can potentially increase the risk of certain cancers in pets. This is one of those longstanding veterinary practices that now deserves some rethinking.

I have spent years learning about the various factors that can contribute to cancer in dogs and cats. These factors include diet, genetics, and environmental toxins. But there is one supplement that every veterinarian agrees on as being beneficial for our pets’ health: Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

The Role of Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Preventing Cancer

Numerous studies have shown that Omega 3 fatty acids can have significant protective effects against cancer. These essential fats help reduce inflammation, support immune function, and may prevent the growth of cancer cells. Whether you’re concerned about your pet’s health now or in the future, adding Omega 3s to their diet is an easy and highly beneficial step.

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Omega 3 Formula for Dogs and Cats

If you’re looking for a high-quality Omega 3 supplement for your pets, look no further than Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Omega 3 Formula. This formula is 100% natural, full-spectrum, and made with organic Antarctic Krill Oil. It’s rich in EPA, DHA, Phospholipids, and Astaxanthin, all of which work together to promote optimal health and help prevent cancer.

Risks Associated with Spaying and Neutering Your Dog

As a veterinarian, I have traditionally recommended universal spaying and neutering of dogs, ideally by six months of age. This practice was widely encouraged to reduce the stray pet population, prevent reproductive diseases, and lower anesthetic risks associated with early procedures on young puppies.

However, recent studies have started to challenge this approach, revealing both positive and negative impacts of spaying and neutering on four key areas of canine health: weight, urinary tract health, orthopedic disease, and cancer.

Let’s explore these in more detail.

Weight Gain After Spaying and Neutering

One of the most common concerns following spaying or neutering is weight gain. It’s been well documented that spaying and neutering dogs increase the risk of obesity. While other factors, like lack of exercise or excessive calorie intake, play a role, early spay/neuter makes it much easier for dogs to gain weight. This is something to consider when deciding the best time for the procedure.

Urinary Tract Disease in Spayed Dogs

Another issue linked to spaying is an increased risk of urinary tract disease, particularly urinary incontinence. Studies suggest that between 5% and 20% of spayed dogs develop this condition. Larger dogs, particularly those over 45 pounds, are at a higher risk, with incidences ranging from 12% to 31%.

In addition to incontinence, there’s also an elevated risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Since incontinence can result in a partially open bladder, it creates an environment where bacteria can easily enter, increasing the likelihood of infection.

For comparison, dogs that are not spayed rarely experience incontinence, with only about 1% of them affected. This raises the question of whether spaying is always beneficial for urinary tract health.

Orthopedic Disease Risk

The risks of orthopedic diseases are most pronounced when dogs are spayed or neutered before reaching skeletal maturity. When growth plates haven’t closed yet, early spaying or neutering can delay their closure, resulting in disproportionately long limbs. This alters the way weight is distributed and the amount of stress on the joints, which increases the risk of orthopedic diseases like cranial cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and hip dysplasia.

This risk is particularly high in large and giant breed dogs (those weighing over 50 pounds). These dogs’ growth plates close later than smaller breeds, so I recommend waiting until they reach skeletal maturity—typically between 16 and 24 months of age—before spaying or neutering.

Cancer Risks Linked to Spaying and Neutering

When I was in veterinary school, I was taught that early spaying or neutering eliminated the risks of certain cancers like mammary cancer, testicular tumors, and pyometra. However, recent research has shown that early spaying and neutering may actually increase the risk of some cancers in certain breeds.

Mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and osteosarcoma have been shown to occur more frequently in spayed and neutered pets. For example, studies have found that Rottweilers spayed before 1 year of age have nearly three times the risk of developing osteosarcoma, and neutered males have nearly four times the risk of developing prostate cancer.

For Golden Retrievers, spaying or neutering at any age has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, with the risk increasing by 5% to 15%, depending on the age at which the procedure is done.

What Should You Do?

With all this information, the decision of when to spay or neuter your dog should be based on several factors, including breed, weight, and the dog’s overall health. Here are my general recommendations:

• Small breed dogs (under 30 pounds): Spay or neuter around 6 months, though I personally prefer waiting until 1 year of age for optimal health.
• Large breed dogs (over 50 pounds): Wait until after skeletal maturity—around 16-24 months—for female dogs, or any time after skeletal maturity for male dogs.
• Certain breeds (like Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers): Delay spaying or neutering until at least 24 months.

My Personal Opinion

In my opinion, for most dogs, it’s better to delay spaying or neutering until at least 12 months of age. Allowing them to reach skeletal maturity can help prevent some bone and joint disorders, reduce the chances of incontinence, and lower the risk of cancer.

Personal Experience and Prevention

Having had two of my own dogs succumb to cancer, I take the health of my pets very seriously. To help prevent cancer in my current dog, Tula, I’m giving her a variety of supplements that I believe may help. One of the most effective and studied supplements for cancer prevention is Omega-3 fatty acids. Both Tula and I take Omega-3s daily as part of our routine.

If you’re interested, we offer a high-quality Omega-3 Krill Oil supplement for pets. It’s one of the best-selling and most effective options for cancer prevention, and it’s available through our website.