We all know that spaying (removing the uterus and ovaries) and neutering (removing the testicles) prevents unwanted pregnancies in animals. It is our responsibility as pet owners to avoid over-population from unplanned litters. But did you also know that there are other huge medical and behavioral benefits that make spaying or neutering the best choice for your dog? Here, we will discuss some key reasons to schedule these elective surgeries for Fluffy and Fido.

Medical Benefits

Female dogs will live longer, healthier lives when they are spayed. The spay procedure prevents a life-threatening infection of the uterus called pyometra. Pyometra can occur about 6 weeks after a heat cycle. The infection causes severe illness, and, if left untreated, it can lead quickly to death. Also, heat cycles greatly increase the risk of developing malignant mammary cancer. Mammary tumors are stimulated by estrogen, so it is important to spay your dog even if she is already an adult.

Male dogs can also avoid some serious health issues after surgery. Neutering prevents testicular cancer and greatly reduces the risk of perineal hernias in adult male dogs. Another important advantage to surgery is prostate health. Neutering allows the prostate to shrink, preventing prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis. After surgery, we can also see a reduction in preputial discharge, in some cases.

Behavioral Benefits

Heat cycles occur twice yearly for about 6-12 days each time. When a female goes into heat, she can exhibit clingy, nervous behaviors. She may become more vocal and urinate more, attracting unwanted male dogs in the area. Females in heat can also make a mess, getting discharge on the floor, walls, and furniture. Spaying your little angel ends her heat cycle, eliminating these troublesome problems.

Intact males are prone to finding creative escape routes from the house. Once away from home, he is at risk of busy roadways and fights with other creatures. Neutered dogs, on the other hand, are less likely to roam in search of a girlfriend. They are also unlikely to mark territory with urine spraying around the house, and neutered males exhibit fewer mounting behaviors with other dogs and people after surgery.

Age of Surgery

The answer to the question, “At what age should I get my dog spayed/neutered?” depends on the size of the dog. We still recommend that small-breed dogs be spayed (or neutered) around 6 months of age. This timing ensures that surgery comes before a heat cycle and before hormones cause any unwanted behavioral issues. In large breed dogs, that recommendation has changed more recently. Early spay/neuter surgery can delay growth plate closures, resulting in a taller dog and altered physical forces in the joints. Because of that, we now recommend waiting until skeletal maturity for these dogs to avoid future orthopedic problems, such as ruptured cruciate ligaments.

Through spaying and neutering, we can eliminate many serious risks to Scruffy's health without altering his playfulness or winning personality. The behavioral benefits after surgery are also clear. Spaying or neutering is an important choice to make for every pet.

Dr. Susan O'Dell grew up in Michigan, where she received her Bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Michigan and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduating, she has practiced at animal hospitals all across New England, with a particular focus on educating small animal clients.