If you decide to delay spaying or neutering your dog, for whatever length of time or whatever reason, here is something else to consider- Some people just may not be cut out to deal with an intact male or female dog in their household. Here are some caveats and considerations:
1. Female dogs bleed when they come into heat.
Female dogs do not get menstrual periods like humans, as some people mistakenly believe; they come into “heat,” or “season,” once or twice a year – the three to four days in their cycle when their unfertilized eggs ripen. (Though both biological processes involve bleeding, it’s inaccurate to compare a woman’s monthly cycle, which is an infertile time, to the heat in the female dog, which is quite the opposite. Dogs get pregnant while bleeding.) Some dogs cycle every six months; more primitive breeds, such as Basenjis or Tibetan Mastiffs, come into heat only once a year.
Get more facts on dogs in heat at Dogster.com.
2. Female dogs can only get pregnant when they’re in heat.
A dog will begin her heat cycle after about 6 months of age. Some females will show physical signs of readiness – their discharge will lighten in color, and they will “flag,” or lift their tail up and to the side. Others will show no behavioral changes; still others will “stand” and accept a suitor at any time in their cycle, even days before or after they are fertile. If you cannot be absolutely certain of identifying the signs of heat in your female, and securing her during this time, spay her. Intact males are frighteningly persistent in reaching the object of their desires; they will hurl themselves through glass windows, and might even attempt (and succeed) at breeding a female through the wires of a crate.
3. Unneutered male dogs can get forceful.
You cannot leave a female in heat unattended for one moment outside, not even in a fenced yard. Whether or not she is in that narrow window of time when she can get pregnant, she might attract a male, and they might breed anyway. There is no way to predict how a male dog will act when a nearby female is in heat. Though dogs have been mating for millennia, it is not a process that is without risk of physical harm to one or both dogs.
4. Unspayed female dogs will attract stray males – from miles away.
If there are stray dogs where you live, walking a female in heat is asking for trouble. Ideally, have a secure, fenced area where your female can do her business, always supervised by you. If you must take her out in public to walk her, carry an umbrella that you can open to ward off unwelcome males, but know that you still might not be able to keep them apart.
5. Unspayed females need to wear sanitary pads while in heat.
Dogs stay in heat about three weeks, but the female will neither bleed heavily nor bleed every day. Nonetheless, to protect your carpets and furniture, it is smart to invest in “bitch’s britches,” which are dog-proportioned panties that can be fitted with a disposable sanitary napkin.
6. You cannot keep intact males and females in the same house.
If you have an unneutered male dog in your household, and you want to let your female go through one or more heat cycles before spaying her, the smartest and safest thing is to remove one of them for the duration of the female’s heat. It is difficult to describe the stress, restlessness, and sheer loss of sanity that a male dog can exhibit in the face of a female in standing season. It will be close to unbearable for you, to say nothing of him. Plan a vacation for one of them, ideally the male. (And if you plan to use a boarding kennel, females in heat will be too big a disruption there in the event other unneutered dogs are there, too.)
7. You cannot spay a dog while she is in heat.
Once your female has started her heat, don’t change course. Many veterinarians are reluctant to spay females in the middle of estrus; the uterus, preparing for pregnancy, is very vascular, and the risk of internal bleeding is higher. Instead, schedule spay surgery at a hormonally “quiet” time, ideally midway between heats. Depending on the individual dog, unneutered males can be trained through consistency and positive reinforcement not to urine-mark in the house. Ditto for discouraging “humping.” Do not tolerate these behaviors at any time.
8. Unneutered male dogs are always fertile.
As with unspayed females, unneutered male dog behavior must be under your control and supervision at all times. It is the height of irresponsibility to allow them to wander. Unlike females, unneutered males can procreate all the time, and they can create a neighborhood population explosion in no time at all.
9. Intact dogs are less welcomed in public.
Remember that in the larger world outside your door, intact dogs are the minority. By choosing to have an unneutered male (in particular, because he is visually easy to identify), you restrict your options and access to different environments, including dog runs and doggie day care. You will likely be required to explain and defend your decision not to neuter your dog; be prepared, be polite, and have a very thick skin.
I guess none of you understand that when you neuter a male dog, or desex I should say, the not well equipped adrenal glands are forced to produce testosterone. Why? Because he needs testosterone to live a healthy life. Problem is the adrenals often become sick for having to perform a function they are not intended to. Neutered male dogs often develop Addison’s disease and die young. The thinking of removing the testicles to prevent possible prostate cancer is ludicrous. Should we remove all human testicles for the same reason? Shame on you. If your an irresponsible pet owner then sure better to neuter your dog. But call it what it is. It’s not for his health. Let’s remove all the breasts in the world and eradicate breast cancer! Human logic at its finest. SMH
Interesting. I am the owner of a 15 month male Aussie who is intact. He is completely submissive to all “neutered males” and never mounts any other dogs in social situations. My vet advised me NOT to neuter until 8 years and only if to prevent a medical condition. I have no interest in breeding, either. My issues are with the General US Public that is shaming me for not neutering. Our local rural 5 acre dog park has a sign that requires dogs to be spayed or neutered. My dog never has shown any aggression, but has been a target of Neutered Males being hostile to him. Thus, I am shamed and blamed for breaking the laws. I don’t understand why my submissive intact male is the victim here? Yet, I cannot fight City Hall. I often feel that people in the US are brainwashed into thinking all dogs and cats must be altered. It’s gotten ridiculous. Even out in the country.
I have a submissive intact male Cavalier King Charles spaniel. He does very well at the local small dog park, he stands his ground when picked on by altered males, and they usually have a fun time playing together. I, too, feel shamed for not neutering him because so many public facilities such as dog parks and/ or doggie daycares require neutering. Fortunately, my Cavalier has long hair so his balls are not apparent to the casual observer, so we are rarely questioned about him being altered. I’m still planning to have him neutered at some point, but I figured I should wait until at least 2 years of age when the growth plates close. My husband prefers we keep him intact. We are adding a second Cavalier male puppy soon, wondering if anyone has any input about keeping two intact male Cavaliers together in one home? They are a very relaxed and agreeable breed so would love to keep them intact and healthy
100% agreed. My dog is 3 now, black lab-coon hound mix. He gets humpy with pillows sometimes but other than that, he’s very good natured and not aggressive ever. These same people that advocate for male neutering are likely the same people that advocate for cutting away organs and body parts for no good reason other than “it’s the thing to do” (aka, removing breasts in case I get breast cancer, cutting foreskins off their babies, removing tonsils, list goes on and now that it’s 2020, we know so much more. All these procedures are not necessary and are in fact criminal when performed on non-consenting individuals. These advocates are herd-minded (sheeple as I like to call them) and don’t think critically nor do they keep up with scientific literature or even understand scientific literature. Sad to see many sheeple in society. And you can tell they’re dumb, narrow minded individuals when they get upset at the dog park when they see an intact dog – it’s the primitive emotional parts of their brains getting activated because they just don’t have the intelligence or foresight to cope in these situations.
The truth is that the vast majority of dogs won’t get testicular cancer. My eldest Lab bitch had a Laproscopic (keyhole) spay, and some people tried to tell me that a full spay was better as the dog couldn’t get Pyrometre (excuse spelling), but I chose the less invasive procedure, and Polly was fine in a few days. My younger Lab, which we hope is pregnant, will have the same later this year.
Hello RustyNuts,
I’m sooo interested in the laparoscopic procedure you mentioned. Where? How? Please share. We have a household of two purebred collies, girl and a much younger boy. She joined us at 5 years of age and we survived the first heat because the boy had no idea what to do, being only 7 months. I am on the side of keeping dogs intact but we don’t want pups, so the less invasive surgery with keeping some of the reproductive organs intact would be ideal.
My dogs are all intact. The male visits my son when the girls are in heat, unless I want a litter of puppies. Raising puppies is a chore, but I enjoy every minute of it, and my girls seem happiest when they have a litter of puppies. Then- they totally lose interest in them after a couple of months, thankfully, because I had originally worried about them grieving their loss. I think that if you wait until 8-10 weeks, this isn’t a problem.
Anyway, I had a very bad experience when I was breeding miniature beagles. I was referred by the local beagle club, sanctioned by AKC to a breeder who had beagles, and two males were miniatures. I took my female to this recommended breeder, and she had to have a hysterectomy at 5 weeks because the puppies were almost as big as she was. I am sure that the miniatures were not interested in doing the job, so she used one of her larger dogs. So, I would never allow my females anywhere near any male dog but my own. And, I figured out that, not only are papers irrelevant when considering the value of a dog, since breeders can tell you anything, but papers are also irrelevant when considering the value of a breeder.
Lotsa hostility in this comment section….
How prevalent is prostate cancer to begin with? Does anyone even know?
And if intact males are more likely to get it, then *how much* more likely?
This article could elaborate with just a bit more pertinent facts to help people make informed decisions.
One thing I know for sure is that male dogs can indeed get prostate cancer at any given time for no discernible reason whether they are intact or not. Maybe neutering does decrease that risk, but by how much is the question at hand. If prostate cancer is super uncommon to begin with and the increase of risk is small enough or negligible then that would change the conversation here.
There are a plethora of other health AND even some behavioral/emotional benefits that come with keeping a male intact. There can also be some drawbacks as well. Weigh the pros and cons of each before jumping to conclusions and decide which positive aspects appeal to you and what you are or aren’t willing to tolerate from the negative column.
The most important point that really needs to be made here is that people and dogs are all very different and should be respected as individuals.
Its incorrect and unethical to pass judgement on a pet owner based on whether they decided to neuter or not. Every dog is different and “you’re way” of doing things, whichever you choose, isn’t the “only way” things should ever be done.
Well said. The sun can give you cancer too, just sayin’.
But in all seriousness, I do believe it to be somewhat more of a safer choice to get your male altered especially when socializing is concerned.
Despite being an owner of an intact male myself. I did have plans of getting mine neutered but it just wasn’t a priority at the time. He’s 11 years old now with a clean bill of health but I can not risk having him off-leash in some places because he will go after an in-tact male.
My Yorkie who believes to be Bull-Mastiff is about 14 pounds soaking wet with ears the size of antennas, he also thinks he is the only one allowed to have his balls. Nevertheless, he’s still perfect in my eyes of course.
Actually, neutering increases the risk of prostate cancer by a factor of 3. However prostate cancer is uncommon at 0.6%. Really it’s hardly even worth mentioning. The only cancer castration prevents is testicular cancer, and while this cancer is fairly common in intact male dogs, it usually has a very good prognosis provided the dog is treated quickly, which happens quite often because it’s one of the easiest cancers to spot, so long as you keep an eye out for it.
What is relevant, however, is that desexing significantly increases the risk of 4 of the 5 most common cancers, many of which are extremely deadly with a very poor prognosis. These cancers are; hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and mast cell tumours. The first 3 of these are basically death sentences, though in some cases you can buy your dog a little more time with treatment, but not much.
Neutering can not prevent prostrate cancer. It can Only prevent testicular cancer because the testicles are removed. Testosterone helps the dog have a stronger immune system. Cancer is an immune system gone awry.
Most other countries do not advocate for desexing their dogs and the rate of cancer in canines is far lower than in the US. There are ongoing studies looking into this “phenomenon” (see GRLS).
Melissa, I agree with you that the best thing is for the owner to become informed rather than just listening to the official narrative of the veterinary industry. Each dog and each situation is different so the decision to de-sex one’s dog is an individual decision and best made with a lot of thought and research. I understand why the veterinary industry has promoted de-sexing over the last 40 years to the extent of insisting that it is healthier even though that is a lie (to reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats). However, truth in medical science is important too. For responsible dog owners who want to do everything possible to have a healthy pet, they need to understand that it is important to at least delay de-sexing as long as possible.
My small dog is one year old and I have decided not to neuter him because it is a fact that all the health benefits of being intact far outweigh the exaggerated, propagandized health risks. However, if he, for example, were to develop a penchant for roaming (despite my training and care), I would neuter him as escaping and roaming sets up an extreme health risk of being hit by a car or being stolen. If he were to suddenly start marking in the house because of an increased hormone drive, that would be sufficiently inconvenient and so I would neuter him. In other words, I will leave him hormonally intact for as long as i can because of the proven/known health benefits but I will also consider the practical aspects of his life as a pet.
I have talked extensively with his breeder about this subject and it is her opinion that there are some male dogs who become frustrated and unhappy when left intact yet un-allowed to breed and in that case, one should go ahead and neuter. I do think that would be a good reason to neuter my dog if we encounter that problem. That problem, however, depends on two things: 1) The inborn personality of the dog (more alpha vs. less alpha) and; 2) The environment with respect to the presence of intact females. For example, in the case of my breeder, her sphere involves mainly intact male and female dogs (at her friend’s homes, at shows, on her own property) whereas in my sphere (at least currently), none of my neighbors have intact females. So, for sure, in her situation, if she keeps a male dog as a pet and will not be breeding him, his life will be better as will hers to get him neutered after he has reached full bone growth, endocrine and mental maturity (which is between one and two years for a small breed and maybe older for a larger breed).
I am forced to comment,,,intact males are not more prone to “cancer”…do your research people…taking the testosterone from a male dog forces his other glands to produce more…causing a host of problems…we don’t neuter men as babies because they might get prostate cancer do we, …cause that’s the only cancer an intact dog is more prone to get.,,just start having them examined yearly and if there is any prostate swelling…neuter them then…
Neutering a male dog will naturally make testicular cancer impossible, but it does have undesirable side effects. Studies (and my own experience with my last male OES) indicate that neutered purebreds are 25% more prone to osteosarcoma. In long haired breeds, like my OES, neutering makes them more prone to skin and coat problems, such as hot spots.
additionally, neutering too soon causes joints and bones to grow more, and be weaker, than if the dog is intact, as the hormonal signal to growth process is absent.
Neutering is not just a sterilization process, it removes a primary source of hormones that regulate growth and other developmental aspects of dogs and other species.
Thank you.. Someone with an brain.
The age at neutering makes a big difference in health, according to studies I’ve read about. Too soon is not good, but that doesn’t mean never is better.
Owners of intact animals must also remember that pet overpopulation results in millions of pet deaths a year, and many of these would be prevented by more pet owners spaying and neutering responsibly (not too soon, not too late). And if you are determined to become a breeder, you’d better really study dog genetics and understand how to breed for temperament and health as well as conformation so that you help to improve the breed. If you’re not dedicated to serving the needs of dogs, please don’t do it.
Thanks for your insight! I was told to wait until my male Golden was 1 yo before neutering him, due to latest studies. He’s turning 9 months in one week and after 5 months many places won’t let them mingle with other dogs . There are too many unwanted Puppy’s and kittens running around without proper homes to love and shelter them. Many end up euthanized ! Do the responsible thing if you are a pet owner, neuter and spay your animals !!
We have had two golden retrievers in the past 40 years. Both males were intact, and we never noticed any problems with them trying to get to any females. We did try to breed our first one once, but it was unsuccessful. We were all “virgins” and needed someone with more experience. After reading this, I probably would neuter another dog if we got one, though that’s not in the plans now.
I would NEVER neuter the dog without reason. I mean if he was agressive or anything of the sort, i even hate how it’s called ”fixing” a dog. Oh so stupid.. Besides.. i’m planning on breeding my dog when he’s older.. just not with her sister whom we’re trying to stop him from getting prego.
You’re exactly the kind of person who shouldn’t be breeding dogs.
I had a female in heat, locked in the house with the windows partially open. While we were gone, a male came in our fenced yard, and they did their best to tear the screens from the windows to get to each other. All my dogs now get “fixed” as soon as possible.
I wish I could print this. It is great information and I am trying to convince my neighbor not to become a backyard german shepard breeder. He thinks the dog is going to give birth and he will make a bunch of money. He paid $900 for his dog. How many fools like him does he think are around?
That makes me soo angry! There is absolutely no need for him to do this and he is not doing anything but hurting the dog! I hope he does not go through with that plan!
Your stupid.
you’re hilarious! Your name is spelled wrong too? Is this a joke??
You’re***
You are the one who is stupid can not even differentiate between your you’re. Smh
My Golden is 3 years old and intact. I plan to keep him that way. It is healthier. He does not mark. He is not aggressive. In fact, he is so calm, we check that he has a pulse sometimes …. just kidding. He doesn’t hump my older female dog, only a stuffed elephant. I understand that some intact males can be a handful, but my guy is super-mellow and will remain intact unless I see that neutering is needed.
It is not healthier!
Agreed! If unaltered, the males are prone to cancer.
Cancer is a genetic issue, it has absolutely nothing to do with if a dog has their balls or not. Neutered dogs can still get cancer as much as any other dog. Boxers and Rottweilers are very cancer prone. The same as GSD’s are prone to hip dysplacia due to bad breeding endorsed by the AKC. My dog is 11 years old now and is intact with just 1 ball he was born with and is 100% healthy. How about trying to think for yourself for a change and not be a sheep following the herd? Might be a good idea.
People only neuter dogs because they lack the common sense, foresight, and critical thinking to care for a dog. That’s all there is to it.
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True! But you know vets make lots of money from spay/neuter.
Couldn’t agree more!! Well said.
An intact male is more likely to get testicular or prostate cancer. If he’s neutered her will never get prostate or testicular cancer because they no longer have those organs.
SO MANY YESes to your response! Also, people don’t even think about the food they give their dogs! They wanna be lazy and just feed them dry crap food and processed food and think not mutating their dogs is the reason for their cancer. It’s like someone eating Mc donalds their whole life times and saying that mutating their bodies is gonna save them! how does that make ANY sense? Vets like to make money so they don’t even question this insanity. Innocent dogs are healthy and complete as they are they just need to exercise and eat good food like all other living beings. You’d think this is a no-brainer but NO! boils my blood
Did your vet tell you it was dangerous for your dog to not get neutered do to he has only one testicle? My vet just told me that and im so scared to have him neutered Ive never neutered any of my fur babies.
So thanks! It is really all scare, cause fear. Also lie! My breeder for my amazing 5 yo intact boy never neuter’s his boys. He say, makes a problematic dog. To neuter a dog. But so many people who are not responsible. So it gets done. But we who are in the know, and do not do this. Also know too train the dog. is all bout training . Dogs, never trained, will be not be in control. My fuji, when he was taken care of , by his breeder, at 3 yo, for our vacation. Never bothered his females’ that were in heat, when he was there. A matter, once again of training .Also making sure the breeding of the dogs are with parents that are not a mean, problem dog, also what a top breeder will do.
Well said! I completely agree….
Eric, you are spot on with your comment. There’s a lot of myths out there about Neutering dogs. Unfortunately I have come across a lot of behavioural issues with males due to castration.
It’s about critical thinking and doing your own research.
Well said, don’t be a sheep and follow the others in opinions and actions
Correct, and thank you! It is an old wives tale about neutered/spayed is healthier! Those gonads are for more than just reproduction, those hormones impact all the major organs as well! Without them and especially if done at an early age, can enhance a chronic illness, including cancer!
Also large breeds need the testosterone to reach full size.It helps their joints,bones to grow properly.Ive always had my dogs fixed accept for 2 of them.What kind of dog do you have ?Is it a working dog or do you intend to breed?I agree with this gentleman you must do your homework.Bloodlines,dna, genetics, temperament the breeder your getting them from or a rescue or pound the most info you can get.Dont ever buy anything from the Amish they take advantage of people without knowledge.I paid $3500 for my last dog but I see Amish,back yard breeders selling same breed starting at $900.You get what you pay for,the money you spend trying to help/save your dog you will spend more than I did ,most likely you will end up putting down a young dog with poor genetics.If you disagree with me that’s fine but please do the research.
AGREED.
People want to talk about prove this and that when they know there are arguments and research made for both the intact and those whom those humans mutilated.
Because information is always interpreted and different for everyone…this is about respect…
This is about the golden rule. The golden rule applies to all beings.
Societies create small worlds…with small minds…with small spaces or “large” that they call life and expect nature to fully comply?
It’s no wonder some humans are thankfully learning the same pain and karmic consequences of such actions, and what better way than a global plague right? c0v1d
When nature has had enough and it has had enough…it wont be long till the animals have had it…and rightfully so…
They say its a population issue…wrong…its a confined style of living issue…
They say its rampant diseases…wrong… its misinformed info and unhealthy foods…
Every excuse that they have towards nature is only a lens as to the real problem…and that is the selfish self imposed contradictions and limitations humans have been taught to live that many cling onto thinking they are free and wise…when really…the right thing to do is always felt…
Cancer can be genetic but not always. Most cancers are caused by uncontrolled replication of cells that did not go through cell division correctly. (Abnormal cells)
Cancer is a very tricky subject and is unpredictable in many different ways. I am not against fixing animals but I’d like you to spread the correct information. Spaying or neutering can help because they are removing organs which means just one less place cancer can occur, so of course the rate of cancer will drop. I’m leaving my male intact because we are going to do sports and messing with hormones before they’re finished growing will cause issues with their development. If we weren’t doing sport then I’d have him neutered because his balls will serve me no purpose if I’m not breeding.
Agreed old wifey tales on in neutered dogs my boy is 3 years old and I don’t plan on getting him nuetered neither .I’m a camping man and have yet to take my boy with me but I intend to hopefully he will not run away from me .
Not true not proven. Do all intact humans get cancer or is it what they eat? I have never neutered my dogs and never had cancer. They get a good diet of real food and lots of enzymes and probiotics. I have lots of energy from my dogs, I don’t get that I don’t care attitude. When you do performance sports you want that high energy.
It is healthier please google “dr Karen Becker” on YouTube and search for her anti dog neutering video. You’ll learn a lot about the health of your dogs. Neutering dogs is ONLY beneficial to the owner not the animal. Dogs are exposed to more types of cancer by neutering. Please do some research. You might have already given your dog a lesser life span by blindly listening to one vet or popular belief.
I am so happy I found your comment and watched the video! I already had a appt set to neuter my Boston terrier but was extremely nervous and debating I now do not think I will do it! Thank you
Dr Becker is a fantastic source of information. Definitely worth a read.
Higher risk of other cancers by Neutering, which vets don’t inform people.
Exactly. Unless there is a medical necessity, the ONLY reason people neuter their dogs is for human convenience, even if that convenience is the misguided belief that neutered dogs are healthier. There are plenty of studies out there about the negative aspects of neutering. It’s not that hard to do some research. I guess following like sheep is just easier. The US is the only country that automatically neuters its dogs as if it were the normal thing to do. What is “normal” about ripping out an animal’s healthy organs for no reason other than human convenience?
Yes!!! Hormones are a very necessary part of boilocical function. If a human gemale is “spayed” she gets osteoperosis, atrhritis, is MUCH more likely to develope high blood pressure, heart disease, hot flashes, certain kinds if cancer and other health issues. It is SO DAMAGING, in fact, that tens if millions of dollars a year are spent in hormone therapies to compensate for the loss of hormones. Humans are mamals, are we the only mamals that need a natural hormone balance to be healthy? Ummmmmmmm…. duh!
Oh shut the hell up about that. There is NO WAY cutting off the genatalia that the animal was born with is ‘healthier’.
Castration is not the answer for your dog’s health. It makes you feel better. –Also, for the comment about facing people in public. I would love it if some moronic ‘Karen’ or ‘Darren’ came up to me and gave me shit about my dog not being neutered. They need to mind their own business.
Once again, the brainwashing of the people! And then they think, that they can tell you what to do with your dog. And the vets get to make their $ Neutering, spaying. Along with yearly vaccinations, that another story of total brain washing. Along with the money for the vet. If want real info on this, goggle Vaccination Protocol. Part of it I loved on it said, if you vet is still doing yearly vacc, as in over vaccinating your dogs, SHAME ON THEM!! I am sure vets never over vacc their dogs. If needed, tiers will let you know if they need too be vacc.. I had too stand up for my self , when the vet said the shot that my dog needed. They did titers. And called to tell me he was good. I said, that is why I do not over vacc my dog!!
It is healthier, testosterone is healthy for fighting other types of cancer. And there is a very low chance that your intact dog will develop testicular cancer. Human men can get testicular cancer too, but u don’t see us getting our balls chopped off just to rid ourselves of the slight chance of testicular cancer.
It is healthier!
Healthier? Says who?? Intact dogs are more prone to cancer. Even if your guy is super mellow, those hormones will kick in at some point and he WILL catch the scent of an in season female and do whatever he had to, to get to her. Is it really worth risking losing your baby by taking away those hormones thus making him no longer attracted to female estrus..
Healthier? Says who?? All new studies since 2017 are proving that intact dog’s CAN be healthier then fixed dogs. Also comes down to the owner I know many people with intact dog’s male and female all are living very healthy lives. So don’t act like its the devil to not fix your pet.
Thank you Chris, seems most on here are referring to old outdated information. Sigh.
Idiot what does him smelling a female in heat have to do with him developing cancer?
Lmfao only in the US people neuter dogs. That’s why dogs in other countries live longer and healthier lives because they have all parts of their body. Hear me out if a human removes a part of a organ for no reason will he /she be healthy? Lol I think not
Hormones are needed but too many or too less are danger like poly cystic ovaries syndrome, hypothyroidism and the rest of them all. Cancer is a bugger but cut the balls / ovaries off and you can’t get the cancer and no babies.
If dogs were not meant to have reproductive organs .They would Not be born with them.
How would you like your bitS taken away without your consent.
If it is healthier for dogs to be neutered.Then why has it been proven dogs are more likely to get various cancers elsewhere (none mammary or none testicular) If they are neutered.
Unfortunately we are still dealing with outdated beliefs and practices.
That they will be healthier if desexualised.But The Truth in fact is the opposite!
They need their hormones to grow into healthy adult dogs.Being neutered effects endocrine function.Bone growth and density.Neutering young causes growth plate issues also.then don’t get chance to close.especially in larger breeds.Who need longer to become fully grown.
Hormones also affect the immune system.So when taken away can cause many issues.With irreparable damage and very poor health for the rest of the dogs life.
Humans need functionality of hormones for the same reasons.And if we were to start desexualising our selfs in the same manner we would not thrive.We would suffer Dearly as a consequence.Why do people think it’s different for dogs?
Manly because we have been indoctrinated for so long.we just go along with it because we’re none the wiser.So vets continue to profit from our pets being desexed and all the health issues that come with. Desexing Is one of the most profitable services the vet provides.That only serves to make up a huge sum of the vets earnings! Along with over vaccinating.
Time to Wake up! Vets are no different from our doctors profiting from lying.Both are Making and keeping us and our beloved pets from being Truly healthy”!
out dated practices witch only ensures any given vet access to even more of your money.
FACTS
Agree
Ha Ha !! More scare, fear! In America, there many dogs , out on the street these days, are a sad, pile of really bad crap! So some dog byers, they think a person using their dogs for money, sometimes charging much more that a ethical breeder, is a Breeder! Sad for us in the USA so untrue. They do not do any testing. Have no clue of what a petagray is, and go on to be sometimes legally, do not give the AKC papers, or charge for the AKC papers. And a another big red flag,, these people using their dogs for money, charge more for the freemales. Never happen with an ethical breeder. Also, mostly, pups leave their Moms way too early.
My pug died at age 12 due to complications from NOT BEING NEUTERED. She stopped going to heat at age 5 which isn’t supposed to happen as dogs do not go through menopause. She developed a massive vagina prolapse and died after surgery to correct it. Please please please neuter your pets. It drastically cuts down on the number of strays that need homes and may keep your pet from suffering like mine did
what did u feed that poor dog? dry dog food and processed dog food? that’s what happens. If you had fixed her, she’d probably die earlier.
What an absolutely monstrous response. The pug had surgery and therefore had seen a vet, so I’m sure the owners were specifically told, BY A PROFESSIONAL, why it got sick.
Go to veterinary school if you feel so compelled to tell strangers how and why their pets died.
My condolences on the loss of your beloved pug!!!! However I’m pretty sure a pugs life span would unfortunately have her checking out at around 12 years of age… fixed or not fixed!!!
That is a particular case. The fact that her heats stopped at 5 is a huge red flag and she should have been desexed then. But most dogs are not your dog and never have such complications. There is no reason to remove the sex hormone producing tissue from a perfectly healthy dog. That said bitches should have an ovary sparing spay due to the high risk of pyometra. And if you’re concerned about male dogs reproducing, vasectomy is a better option than castration. Both ovary sparing spay and vasectomy are effective means of sterilisation, the difference between them and castration and traditional spay is that one allows a dog to keep their extremely beneficial sex hormones, while the other doesn’t.
Says many very well set up studies done on large groups of dogs. Castrated dogs are 1.6x more likely to develop cardiac hemangiosarcoma, a very deadly and common cancer with a very poor prognosis. It also increases the (small) risk of prostate and urinary tract cancers, not to mention the significantly increased risk of hypothyroidism, progressive geriatric cognitive impairment, orthopedic disorders and adverse reactions to vaccinations.
Spayed bitches are 2x more likely to get splenic hemangiosarcoma and more than 5x more likely to get cardiac hemangiosarcoma. Then of course there are the significantly increased risk of orthopedic disorders, obesity, hypothyroidism, urinary tract infections and tumors, vaginal issues, and incontinance.
Pediatric desexing severely increases the risk of osteosarcoma in medium-large dogs. Osteosarcoma is a very deadly bone cancer and dogs rarely recover from it, even with extensive treatment. It also increases fear aggression and many other behavioural issues.
The only things desexing actually prevents are ovarian and uterine cancers which are both very rare, as well as testicular cancer which often has a very good prognosis, especially if it’s caught early, which it should be if the owner has been keeping a close eye on their dog. The main risk in bitches that spaying fixes is Pyometra, which can also be prevented just as well by an ovary-sparing spay. For cryptorchid males, the undescended testicle alone should be removed because there is an increased risk of cancer in that testicle and they should be vasectomised to prevent them from being able to breed, as it is a hereditary disorder.
Desexing increases the risk of all cancers save those that exist in the removed sex organs, including mammary cancer. There are 2 main forms of mammary cancer in dogs. Oestrogen receptive tumours and non oestrogen receptive tumours. While oestrogen receptive tumours are driven by oestrogen, they are also inhibited by it and tend to be slow growing. They are also the less deadly of the 2 forms of cancer. Bitches that were spayed at the same as their cancer was removed were found to be at increased risk for hemangiosarcoma.
TLDR; Desexing harms more than helps and if you’re concerned about population and breeding, your dog should be sterilized via ovary sparing spay and vasectomy, not traditional spay and castration.
Hello Skye – Many thanks. 1. what is the right age to get the ovary-sparing spaying?
2. Also, I am worried that not many vets are skilled in it so what if they leave some of the uterus behind which causes deadly complications. Any vets that you know that are skilled in this area? I am based in California but can go for the surgery for my puppy.
European studies show it’s healthier to leave your dog intact. Do your research. Spay and neuter is a big money maker here in the US.
Agree! Although a lot of people are spreading misinformation as to why it is healthier. By all means tell people but I wish they’d get their info right. Plus it also depends on the situations of the dogs. Poorer/more uneducated people adopt mutts so in my opinion those should be fixed up because those are the owners that cause all of the mixed breeds to exist. Well bred dogs prices would drop if people would stop making all these ‘designer breeds’ and breeding random things together because if mutts didn’t exist then there would be more of a demand for proper breeds.
(I’m not referring to the people who are educated and adopt whilst acknowledging that the dog shouldn’t have been bred though, those are also responsible owners.)
As Chris says, read the literature. It is NOT healthier to neuter. Just the opposite. Neutering is done for human convenience. If owners are so irresponsible they can’t prevent their dog from breeding, they don’t deserve to own one. And by the way, your dog is not your baby unless you gave birth to it. Nor is it adopted. Babies are adopted, dogs are purchased by owners, not parents. Here’s a thought. Do people neuter their children? No? Why not? Think about it.
Oh they are still attracted to them…VERY attracted.
So when he gets prostate cancer? Yeah that’s smart. I think you need to do a bit more research on the subject.we waited until our dog was about a year old before we neutered. That was to make sure he got a good dose of hormones for growth purposes. But in no way is it healthier to leave him intact indefinitely.
Ask yourself a question and answer honestly. Use logic and don’t spit out ignorant things you hear people spreading. Is it healthier for a human to be neutered? What makes you think that it’s any different for a dog? Every organ has a purpose. If you unnaturally and unnecessarily remove it, there will be consequences. I’ve seen so many dogs grow and change in my life. I haven’t heard a single case of cancer for intact dogs. I have heard tons of medical issues from spayed and neutered dogs. My first dog was a male who never bred and he died extremely old of old age!! If you can’t handle being responsible for your dog then neuter/spay by all means. Just note, it’s out of convenience not for their health so don’t kid yourself. Do some research and use critical thinking.
Love it! Well said.
Well said
Well said
My dog was 14 when he died, always intact, never got a lady pregnant, and never got prostrate cancer.
my 2 yr old Pit/Lab mix is not spayed and i have no plans to do so. Every vet under 50 she’s seen has recommended not to spay her if I CAN HANDLE her heats and keep her away from males that are not neutered. it’s all about convenience for the owners. and the 60 yr old vet told us we’re basically stupid for not cutting our dog open and mutilating her. obviously knowledge and understanding of these beasts changes over the years. My little Emma is a handful but good training outweighs everything.
My dogs name is Emma and she. Has gotten pregnant twice already and only close to 2 years old. I’ve tried everything to keep her from getting pregnant, but obviously my attempts aren’t working. Is it bad to spay her? Could that cause major health problems?
If I were you, I would probably spay her. At 2 years of age, she probably has most of her growth. At her age with 2 unwanted pregnancies, it would probably be a wise choice.
Are you unable to keep your dog on a leash while out for a few weeks during her season.
Why can’t you keep her away from other dogs .
Or is she getting pregnant from other dogs in the household?
I am sorry !
But I’ve shared my life with a female dog for ten years.And have not found it difficult at all to stop her getting pregnant.Its just never been a problem.So I find it difficult to understand why yours has gotten pregnant so many times.
Unless you leave her out on her own or leave her home alone with male dogs.
That’s is retarded I live in a house with several pit bulls , male and female all intact and have never had a bitch get pregnant. So are you just let her run free? How can that happen twice ? I can understand once , everyone makes mistakes but twice and she’s 2?
Thank you – can you share tips for managing the female dog during her cycles? I have a 8.5 month old beauty and I dont want to get her spayed, if I can handle it…
Dogs can can still get prostate cancer .
In fact prostate cancer is more prevalent in neutered dogs.As are the many other types of cancer in neutered dogs.
You need to research !
Prostate cancer has been reported to occur more commonly in neutered than intact male dogs in several case series. This study was undertaken to evaluate risk of prostate cancer in a large population database. The hypothesis was that castration is a risk factor for prostate cancer in male companion dogs.
I agree with you. Intact dogs are much healthier. It is a proven fact. Take the German Shepherd as an example. Some say that if you don’t spay your female she will get a reproductive cancer. Perhaps it’s true however depending on the age at which you spay your female she may develop cancer due to the spaying. If your dog is prone to cancer and you don’t care for it properly (the right food, exercise, etc.)…it will get cancer. Not spaying or neutering has nothing to do with it. Also….large female dogs are at risk for spay incontinence, again depending on what age you spay. Spaying and neutering has been pushed on the public because of irresponsible pet owners whose dogs get out of their control and run loose thereby getting pickup and placed in an animal shelter. You can’t have dogs in heat and intact males together in a shelter. It would be a place of total chaos. In Europe “very few” dogs are sterilized. But again…if you are an irresponsible dog owner….GET IT STERILIZED.
thank you. I have been shamed for not spaying my dog.
If you took my uterus out I would be saved from uterine cancer too. My dog is 12 and she has never let another dog mount her or come near her.
Wow, never spayed and she’s 12? Did you keep her home for the three weeks of her heat? How have her heat cycles changed over the years as she has aged?
I’ve got two 9 month old GSD sisters. The vets are pressuring us to get both spayed. We live in rural Canada and never are the dogs alone to get pregnant by a male that might be roaming.
I don’t want to get them spayed. My gut says no. I’m worried about urinary incontinence after the surgery too. We had a rescue Rottweiler with that and it was awful for the bitch and expensive for monthly meds.
Our 8 year old intact Golden has never wandered, anywhere. We didn’t neuter because we had considered breeding, since he is from a Champion hunting line, is a fabulous hunting dog, extremely gentle, loving, smart and gorgeous.
At age eight we are having to decide whether to neuter him now, since he is undergoing another surgery for a giant lipoma.
I don’t have any issue with neutering per se, just adding more discomfort to him by making him have multiple incisions. Anybody else have any experience with this?
Yes. I had a Spinone Italiano with prostate cancer. I always intended to neuter him at 7 or 8 (as I read once they hit 9 they are more prone to prostate and testicular cancers). But 7 turned to 8 which turned to 9 and then it was too late.
He died at 11.
Hmmmm… Very interesting. Nobody here says that we should neuter male and female humans… just to protect them from all sorts of cancer! And many of you mention the uncontrollable sexual behavior of intact dogs. But that’s nothing compared with the mess that human beings do with their sexual activity! Yeah, right! Hormones…
That’s all I kept thinking reading all this Mark. At least I’m not alone in alone thinking
In that thinking*
Actually they do. People get single & double Mastectomies, Full & partial hysterectomies, and have their testicles REMOVED, specifically for the purpose of either removing cancer &/or preventing it. What are y’all even talking about with these ignorant responses? You guys act like y’all don’t know all this happens with people? Do you just forget humans are also going through this when it’s convenient for you?! I’m actually shocked at the amount of ppl here saying humans aren’t forced to remove their organs for reasons relating to cancer, every single day. Even major Celebrities have had to remove their hormone producing/ reproductive organs to prevent &/or remove cancer! So, with that being said, I know you all had to have heard of at least SOME people needing to do this. Not an easy decision, but an affective & necessary one nonetheless. I mean, provided they didn’t want to die & all. But It’s honestly so much more than just a bunch of celebrities… regular everyday people have their breasts, uterus/cervix/tubes, etc, testicles, kidneys, lungs, heart, gallbladder, & any other organ removed if it isn’t functioning, or the find out they’re at risk of, or already have developed cancer. After removal they either live without it, wait for a transplant, or use some form of hormone replacement therapy, respectively. Literally happening all over the world, every single day, ppl go through this, just to be able to… well… you know, LIVE! My point; human beings most certainly do go through this, & saying they don’t, just so YOU can justify following the “young“/“woke” herd is absurd. Reality is reality, no matter how you look at it or how old/young your eyes are.
Yes, but we don’t mastectomies or hysterectomies to 14 year-old girls or even 25 year-old women. Those surgeries are elective and typically are only undertaken when there is a very serious family history, and when the person carries a specific gene. We do not do preventative cancer surgeries as a matter of course which IS what is typical with dogs. We do these surgeries when they’re the equivalent of prepubescent and we do them as a routine, regardless of family history, genes information etc.
I had a terrible fight with an ex roommate bc after she strong armed me into neutering my 6 month old puppy bc he was peeing on the carpet still. I asked her to get her cat declawed bc he was tearing up the carpet & attacking me randomly. She said “no! That’s cruel! It’s like cutting off the tips of your fingers!” & I said “you made me neuter my dog & that’s cutting off his testicles!”
It is healthier and I totally agree with you on keeping dogs intact. I have a Rottweilers and these breeds are prone to cancer. If they are fixed before about 7 years the chances of cancer go up exponentially. the chance of cancer goes up in all dogs fixed but for Rottweilers it is a lot higher because the are prone to it. Fixing dogs does not protect them from cancer it gives them cancer,
Good! Not needed for behavior reasons. That’s just a vet’s excuse to make neutering money. If he’s not around females in heat, & my dog never is, no need to pay for an invasive surgery of gonadectomy.
Yes!!! Same with my boy!!!!
Unbelievable. My beloved Shih Tzu male just turned one and he is now a handful. 3 long walk per day still dont satisfy his restlessness. Geez.
All dogs go through puberty and become a handful for a while – one of the biggest reasons people give up dogs it adolescence. – My 3 year old sammy was an amazing puppy a bit of a naughty teen and has come out the other side as a wonderful dog – still intact. My friends neutered lab went through the naughty stage just as badly as my pup – they will come out the other side 🙂
My miniature poodle boy is a year old. Like your Golden, he is non-alpha and shows no excessive, mating-related behaviors that are inconvenient as a house pet. I have no intention of neutering him unless he develops such. I also have no intention of breeding him. He is currently in intermediate obedience class with an excellent trainer and I plan to keep up with his training his whole life. I think training is an important component of dog ownership and especially when we leave them intact.
Contrary to many of the comments above that repeat the propaganda from the veterinary industry, intact, male dogs are not less healthy than neutered ones. On the contrary, they are much healthier and much less prone to obesity, joint problems, and hemangiosarcoma. Of course neutered dogs are “less prone” to testicular cancer but next time your vet says that ask him/her the percent risk of that rare disease in dogs. I would bet money they have no idea and just spouting off the official narrative.
Intact females, on the other hand, who are not allowed pregnancies and nursing do have an increased chance of mammary cancer. This is because mammary tissue does not fully differentiate until it has cycled through a full pregnancy and producing milk. Undifferentiated cells are more prone to mutation and therefore pose a higher statistical risk of mutating into a cancer cell.
Agree đź’Ż
Agree that I would not neuter my dog either. I have 3 and all are well mannered & calm. Also very healthy & athletic.