The most recent research has shown that spaying and neutering pets as puppies and kittens can affect their growth. Early spaying and neutering increases the length of time that the bones grow, which results in a taller pet. The concern is that increased growth may affect how joints align.

Are there benefits to waiting to spay a dog?

Even though waiting to spay your female dog may reduce her bone cancer risk, this benefit is not outweighed by the risk of mammary cancer, which increases every time your dog goes into heat.

What is the best age to spay a female dog?

Larger breeds sometimes do not start their first heat until they're closer to 12 months of age or beyond. It is recommended that you spay your female dog between 6 to 9 months of age, preferably before a heat cycle to reduce the future risk of mammary cancer.

What happens if you wait too long to spay a dog?

Delaying a spay increases the chances of mammary tumors and there is a risk of pregnancy. Delaying neutering can increase roaming and potential behavioral issues. Additionally, with each heat your female dog is at risk of developing pyometra (a dangerous infection of the uterus).

What are the benefits of delayed spaying?

Research has shown that early spaying and neutering can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as osteosarcoma and transitional cell carcinoma. By delaying sterilization, dogs can maintain their natural hormonal balance, which may help protect against these types of cancer.

Stop Spaying or Neutering your Dog!!

Why wait 2 years to spay or neuter?

Unfortunately, we don't yet know the age at which this growth effect ceases. So many orthopedic surgeons recommend waiting until skeletal maturity to spay and neuter pets, especially those predisposed to orthopedic disease, such as large dog breeds.

Why you should wait to spay your dog?

Studies have shown that large dogs spayed before 6 months of age experience some higher risk of orthopedic problems and certain cancers and that risk is statistically reduced at 12 months.

Why do vets recommend waiting to neuter?

Most veterinarians now recommend waiting to neuter male dogs after they reach full skeletal maturity, especially large breed males. Allowing these dogs to grow under the influence of their sex hormones means they grow more naturally, resulting in healthier joint angles and structure.

Should you let a female dog go into heat before spaying?

We know that spaying before the first heat cycle reduces the incidence of mammary cancer by 99.5% while spaying after the first heat cycle but before the second decreases the incidence by 92%. Spaying after the second heat cycle decreases the incidence rate by 74%.

Is 3 years old too old to spay a dog?

The recommended time to spay or neuter a dog is six to nine months. But if your dog is healthy, there is no specific age limit to having the procedure done.

Do female dogs change after being spayed?

Females may show less aggression towards dogs and humans after they're spayed. By getting your pet spayed, you can also eliminate the chances of hormonally driven defensive behavior. Female dogs will sometimes behave aggressively if other pets or people try approaching or touching their puppies.

Will spaying calm a female dog?

Spaying can frequently make a female dog calmer, but it doesn't work the same for every dog. This procedure can help reduce hormonal issues, prevent unplanned pregnancies, and lower the chances of health problems that can affect your dog's behavior.

Is 3 months too early to spay a dog?

No matter the size, puppies should wait until at least six months of age before spaying. This just helps their body handle the anesthesia and surgery with less stress. However, smaller breeds also reach sexual maturity at a younger age, so sticking with that 6–12-month mark works well for most dogs under 40 pounds.

Is it healthier for female dogs to be spayed?

Health benefits

Spaying female dogs and cats can prevent uterine infection and reduce the risk of breast cancer. Neutering males can eliminate their risk of testicular cancer and reduce their risk of developing enlarged prostate glands (known as benign prostatic hyperplasia).

Are there cons to neutering your dog?

His team found that early spaying and neutering is associated with an increased risk of joint disorders among large breed dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherd Dogs.

What happens if I never get my dog spayed?

Pyometra, which is a severe infection of the uterus, can be fatal to dogs and cats when untreated. In intact animals (those that aren't spayed yet), the chronic effect of sex hormones can result in overstimulation of certain cells within the uterus called cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH).

What is the best time to spay a female dog?

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.

Do female dogs still have their period after being spayed?

The simple answer is no. Once a dog is spayed, she no longer has the organs that produce the hormones triggering the heat cycle. Therefore, she won't exhibit the behaviors or physical changes associated with going into heat.

Why does it cost more to spay a dog after the first heat?

Cost of Dog Spay Surgery

Some practices may have additional fees if your dog is overweight or in heat at the time of spay because of the increased risks and time spent performing the procedure. If your dog is overweight, your vet may recommend they lose weight before surgery to reduce the chance of complications.

What age is best to neuter a dog?

The bottom line

Pet parents can get their small- to medium-sized dog spayed/neutered around 6 months of age. Spay/neuter is best at around 5 to 15 months for large-breed dogs. You can get the procedure done at a private veterinarian office or a local spay/neuter clinic.

Why I chose not to neuter my dog?

Negative Consequences – Reasons Not to Neuter Your Dog

Increased risk of developing cancer and dying of cancer. Increased risk of some orthopedic conditions like cranial cruciate ligament injury, hip and elbow dysplasia. Increased risk of osteoarthritis (affecting some breeds more than others)

Why do vets push neutering?

In males, neutering decreases the chances of developing prostatic disease and hernias, and eliminates the chances of developing testicular cancer. It also reduces problems with territorial and sexual aggression, inappropriate urination (spraying) and other undesirable male behaviors.

What are the benefits of waiting to neuter your dog?

Overall, waiting until maturity to neuter will reduce/prevent the chance of many issues like joint disorders, soft tissues injuries, fearful or aggressive behavior, many types of cancer, hypothyroidism, obesity, recurring UTI's, adverse reactions to vaccines, sound sensitivity and more.

What are the pros and cons of spaying after the first heat?

Spaying before the first heat can help prevent unwanted pregnancies, eliminate the heat cycle, and reduce the risk of certain health issues. On the other hand, spaying after the first heat may allow for natural maturation, preserve fertility for breeding, and potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Is it OK not to spay a female dog?

Should I have my dog spayed? It is generally recommended that all female dogs are spayed.

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