The Importance of Late Spay Neuter
I know what you are thinking, "Wait?? Did she actually say that?!"
It is a common misconception that responsible owners spay and neuter their pet ASAP. Recently studies show that hormones play a vital role, especially to the growing body. Although, I'm not surprised. We already know the importance hormones play in growing children, or even young women, when it comes to joint and bone health, as well as various other health related problems, to think that it would be any different in any other animal is silly.
It is a common misconception that responsible owners spay and neuter their pet ASAP. Recently studies show that hormones play a vital role, especially to the growing body. Although, I'm not surprised. We already know the importance hormones play in growing children, or even young women, when it comes to joint and bone health, as well as various other health related problems, to think that it would be any different in any other animal is silly.
Health issues associated with early spay/neuter
Early spay and neuter has been associated with an increase in various orthopedic issues, including bone cancer, arthritis, and hip dysplasia. Of course, keeping a dog in tact has an increase in ovarian and testicular cancer. I find this statement funny though, of course you have an increased chance of getting cancer in an organ you have versus an organ you don't have.
Beyond bone cancer, there is a significant increased risk of other cancers in early altered dogs as well, including lymphoma. The AKC states, "Consistent with previous studies on the topic, the results showed increased likelihood of hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and canine cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in neutered dogs. " When you look at this, it is hard to not reconsider whether or not early spay/neuter is the right thing to do to your dogs.
One reason that hormones increase orthopedic issues is that the body needs hormones to tell it when to stop growing. Taking away these hormones at an early age often leads to uneven growth. In both dogs and horses you see that "fixed" animals tend to be taller and leaner. Meanwhile, animals with the same genetics that are intact tend to be thicker and shorter (not saying abnormally short for their breed though, of course you aren't going to find a short great dane lol).
Beyond bone cancer, there is a significant increased risk of other cancers in early altered dogs as well, including lymphoma. The AKC states, "Consistent with previous studies on the topic, the results showed increased likelihood of hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and canine cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in neutered dogs. " When you look at this, it is hard to not reconsider whether or not early spay/neuter is the right thing to do to your dogs.
One reason that hormones increase orthopedic issues is that the body needs hormones to tell it when to stop growing. Taking away these hormones at an early age often leads to uneven growth. In both dogs and horses you see that "fixed" animals tend to be taller and leaner. Meanwhile, animals with the same genetics that are intact tend to be thicker and shorter (not saying abnormally short for their breed though, of course you aren't going to find a short great dane lol).
When should you spay/neuter?
There is no real good answer for this. In my contract, for my health guarantee to be in affect, I require that you keep your pooches intact until they are 2 years of age. However, this is NOT practical for everyone. Having an intact dog is a big responsibility if you want to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Not to mention, intact males require lots of training or they can become obsessive markers and aggressive with other dog. You need to make sure that they don't wander. If a very sweet, well trained male, may act "off" if a neighbor's dog is in heat (or one a mile down the road!). Females are no easier. When they go into heat it can look like a murder scene happened in your kitchen! Some dogs bleed heavy, while others barely bleed at all. Diapers can help this but diapers don't stop dogs from breeding! Neither do kennels! Where there is a will there is a way. Dogs must be separated entirely when a female is in heat if you don't want an "oops" litter. You also have to keep a closer eye on your female. Her smell will attract any male nearby that isn't neutered. I guarantee you that "Spike" down the road isn't going to be offering puppy support so if you don't want that "oops" either I suggest watching your girls closely!
For those out in the country, there is a whole other issues when it comes to females in heat... coyotes! They are attracted to the smell too. While they may fight with, or even breed, a larger female, they will most definitely eat a pembroke if given a chance! (although that will NOT be an easy meal!). I experienced this first hand when my LGD when into heat for the first time.
Health wise, the best time to wait is when the body is finished growing. This happens around 18 months to 2 years of age. If you are experiencing behavior problems, spaying/neutering is usually not going to fix this, for that you will need a dog trainer. If you can't deal with the responsibility of having an intact dog though and can't 100% guarantee that there won't be any accidental litters then your best bet is to spay/neuter your pooch.
The best thing is to look at your individual situation and pick what is best for you and your dog.
It is also important to consider the fact that there are other alternatives to your normal spay/neuter options. Alternatives such as ovarian sparing spays and vasectomies can take away some of the hassles of owning an intact dog, specifically the risk of an accidental litter, while also still providing your dog with the vital hormones their body needs.
For those out in the country, there is a whole other issues when it comes to females in heat... coyotes! They are attracted to the smell too. While they may fight with, or even breed, a larger female, they will most definitely eat a pembroke if given a chance! (although that will NOT be an easy meal!). I experienced this first hand when my LGD when into heat for the first time.
Health wise, the best time to wait is when the body is finished growing. This happens around 18 months to 2 years of age. If you are experiencing behavior problems, spaying/neutering is usually not going to fix this, for that you will need a dog trainer. If you can't deal with the responsibility of having an intact dog though and can't 100% guarantee that there won't be any accidental litters then your best bet is to spay/neuter your pooch.
The best thing is to look at your individual situation and pick what is best for you and your dog.
It is also important to consider the fact that there are other alternatives to your normal spay/neuter options. Alternatives such as ovarian sparing spays and vasectomies can take away some of the hassles of owning an intact dog, specifically the risk of an accidental litter, while also still providing your dog with the vital hormones their body needs.
Resources and further information
AKC Canine Health Foundation
Dogs Naturally Magazine (an article discussing different studies that have looked into the affects of early spay and neuter as well as discusses the other options available)
UC Davis German Shepherd Study
Dogs Naturally Magazine (an article discussing different studies that have looked into the affects of early spay and neuter as well as discusses the other options available)
UC Davis German Shepherd Study