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For many years, neutering has been standard practice for dogs as a responsible measure to manage populations, subside undesirable behaviours, and promote better health. However, recent scientific investigations have uncovered the harm this widely accepted standard procedure can do. Are the benefits of neutering worth it, or does the practice carry more risks than we've been led to believe? This article explores the question: "Is Neutering Your Dog Riskier Than You Think?" As we delve into this topic, we'll challenge traditional beliefs, and empower you to make informed decisions and judgments about your canines welfare. It's time to rethink the age-old practice of dog neutering.
The Standard Arguments for Neutering
For many dog owners, the decision to neuter their pets has been automatic, guided by tradition and veterinary advice. Here are the arguments that have made neutering a widely accepted practice:
Controlling the Population of Dogs:
Prevention of unwanted litters is one of the biggest reasons for neutering. Many countries are struggling with a pet overpopulation crisis, leading to millions of stray and euthanised animals every year. During 2009, the number of dogs and cats that entered UK rescue charities was estimated to be 131,070 and 1297431. Neutering has been suggested as the only critical tool for reducing these staggering numbers.
Spaying female dogs and neutering male dogs not only prevent them from reproducing but also contribute significantly to addressing the issue of overpopulated pets. By reducing the number of unplanned litters, neutering helps alleviate the burden on animal rescues and other charity organisations, which often struggle to accommodate and care for the overwhelming number of homeless animals worldwide. Additionally, neutering can help reduce the number of stray dogs roaming the streets, ultimately leading to safer communities for both humans and animals9.
Reducing the Risk of Health Concerns:
Another common reason for neutering is the belief that it can lower the risk of specific cancers in dogs. For female dogs, spaying before their first heat cycle has long been thought to decrease the chances of mammary tumours dramatically. Similarly, in males, neutering has been associated with a reduced risk of testicular cancer. This preventative measure is often recommended by veterinarians to help safeguard the long-term health of our beloved canine companions8.
Stopping Undesirable Behaviours:
Many dog owners have been advised to neuter their pets to mitigate undesirable behaviours, particularly in male dogs. It's widely believed that neutering can make dogs more manageable and less prone to conflicts with other dogs and people. This belief stems from the idea that neutering reduces the levels of certain hormones, such as testosterone, which are associated with behaviours like aggression, mounting, and roaming. Additionally, neutering is often recommended as a way to prevent mating-related behaviours such as marking territory and escaping in search of mates. However, while neutering may indeed alter certain behaviours, the extent to which it effectively addresses behavioural issues remains a topic of debate among experts. Behavioural training and socialization techniques can be just as effective, if not more so, in addressing problematic behaviours in dogs without resorting to surgical intervention.
The controversy begins: New perspectives emerging
For years, these standard arguments for neutering have influenced dog owners, and they've recently come under scrutiny as the scientific community takes a closer look at them. The emerging research and changing perspectives are challenging the long-standing beliefs about neutering.
Health Risks Associated with Early Neutering:
Dogs have traditionally been neutered at a young age following veterinary care advice, this is often done before they reach sexual maturity. In a recent study, it was shown that neutering before 6 months of age was associated with increased risks of joint disorders 2-4 times the amount of intact dogs2. However, there's increasing concern about the potential health risks associated with early neutering.
Additionally, spaying female dogs before the age of 3 months has been associated with an increased risk of urinary incontinence 3. While the benefits of preventing certain cancers may outweigh the cons, fortunately, there is a growing awareness of the trade-offs, leading to re-evaluating the optimal timing for neutering.
Impact on Behaviour:
It's commonly believed that neutering can solve behavioural issues like aggression and territorial marking in dogs, but recent research suggests it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Studies show that the effects of neutering on behaviour vary greatly from dog to dog, influenced by factors such as their training history and genetics. Surprisingly, in some cases, neutering can even lead to negative outcomes like increased fear and anxiety.
For instance, a study conducted at a university in Germany compared the behaviour of castrated and intact male dogs, revealing that castrated dogs exhibited more signs of stress. Additionally, another study found that leaving female dogs intact until they reach 10 years old could influence their behaviour positively, resulting in a decrease in reported undesirable behaviours such as fearfulness and aggression.
These findings challenge the notion that neutering is a straightforward solution to behavioural issues in dogs. Instead, they highlight the importance of considering individual differences in behaviour and the potential impacts of neutering on a case-by-case basis. Understanding these complexities can help pet owners make more informed decisions about their dog's health and well-being.
Breed-Specific Considerations:
Recent studies have emphasized the importance of considering a dog's breed and individual health needs when making neutering decisions. What works for one breed may not be appropriate for another.
In 2014, a study was done on the effects of neutering on golden retrievers and Labradors at different ages. Neutering before 6 months increased joint issues more in Golden Retrievers than Labrador Retrievers and in female Golden Retrievers, neutering at any age up to 8 years old significantly increased their risk of cancer6.
Another study from 2016 looked at 1170 German Shepherds over 14.5 years. They found that 7% of male dogs that weren't neutered had joint issues. But a much higher 21% of males neutered before they turned 1 year old had joint problems. For female dogs, 5% of those not spayed had joint troubles, while 16% of females spayed before 1 year old had joint issues7.
An alternative: Ovarian-Sparing Spaying
An alternative to traditional spaying is ovarian-sparing spaying, which removes the uterus and cervix while preserving the ovaries. This procedure aims to maintain the hormonal balance in the dog as the ovaries are a major gland, potentially reducing the risk of certain health issues associated with full spaying4. Ovarian-sparing spaying is gaining attention as a compromise between the benefits of neutering and preserving important hormones.
New Approach To Neutering
The decision to neuter your dog is typically made without too much thought, however, it should be made with careful consideration of the individual dog's breed, health, and behaviour. While the standard arguments for neutering have their merits, the emerging perspectives highlight the importance of having a more thoughtful approach to this common practice.
As a responsible dog owner, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest research and consult with your veterinarian to make the best decision for your canine companion. By acknowledging that the benefits and risks of neutering are not one-size-fits-all, you can provide the best possible care for your dog and contribute to a more thoughtful and informed approach to pet ownership in our ever-evolving understanding of canine health and well-being.
References:
- Clark, C.C., Gruffydd‐Jones, T. and Murray, J.K., 2012. Number of cats and dogs in UK welfare organisations. Veterinary Record, 170(19), pp.493-493.
- Hart, B.L., Hart, L.A., Thigpen, A.P. and Willits, N.H., 2020. Assisting decision-making on age of neutering for 35 breeds of dogs: associated joint disorders, cancers, and urinary incontinence. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, p.388.
- Howe, L.M., 2015. Current perspectives on the optimal age to spay/castrate dogs and cats. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, pp.171-180.
- Mattravers, M., 2017. Ovary sparing spay in canines: an alternative to traditional ovariohysterectomy.
- Kaufmann, C.A., Forndran, S., Stau-ber, C., Woerner, K. and Gansloßer, U., 2017. The social behaviour of neutered male dogs compared to intact dogs (Ca-nis lupus familiaris): Video analyses, questionnaires and case studies. Vet Med Open J, 2(1), pp.22-37.
- Hart, B.L., Hart, L.A., Thigpen, A.P. and Willits, N.H., 2014. Long-term health effects of neutering dogs: comparison of labrador retrievers with golden retrievers. PloS one, 9(7), p.e102241.
- Hart, B.L., Hart, L.A., Thigpen, A.P. and Willits, N.H., 2016. Neutering of German Shepherd Dogs: associated joint disorders, cancers and urinary incontinence. Veterinary Medicine and Science, 2(3), pp.191-199.
- Starling, M., Fawcett, A., Wilson, B., Serpell, J. and McGreevy, P., 2019. Behavioural risks in female dogs with minimal lifetime exposure to gonadal hormones. PLoS One, 14(12), p.e0223709.
- Sandøe, P., Jensen, J.B., Jensen, F. and Nielsen, S.S., 2019. Shelters reflect but cannot solve underlying problems with relinquished and stray animals—A retrospective study of dogs and cats entering and leaving shelters in Denmark from 2004 to 2017. Animals, 9(10), p.765.