Should you spay or neuter your dog? This is a question many dog owners ask. It may be hard to imagine putting your dog under anesthesia for a surgical procedure. However, it's very important to consider spaying or neutering your dog.

Why Spay or Neuter Your Dog?

Pet sterilization has its supporters and opponents, but most experts agree that the average companion dog should be spayed (female) or neutered (male). Surgical sterilization makes reproduction impossible, therefore reducing pet overpopulation. Spaying or neutering can also prevent the occurrence of life-threatening health conditions associated with the reproductive system, including some cancers.

As the owner of your dog, you have the right to decide whether or not to have your dog sterilized. Responsible dog owners will choose the option that is best for the dog, the community, and the overall pet population.1 Intact (unsterilized) animals require extra supervision to prevent escape attempts and unplanned pregnancies. Dogs will go to great lengths to breed when their hormones take control. Unspayed females (bitches) will have vaginal bleeding (spotting) during estrus and may need to wear a protective garment. This may seem like a hassle to some owners.

Dogs that are spayed or neutered by six months of age are considered less likely to develop certain health and behavioral issues related to gender-specific hormones.1 However, there are some theories that spaying and neutering can lead to different issues. Research is still being conducted to learn about the long term effects (both negative and positive) of sterilization in dogs. Consult your veterinarian to help you make the best decision possible for your dog.

When It is Acceptable NOT to Spay or Neuter

Your dog is purebred, has valid breeding records, meets the ideal breed standard, and is part of a professional breeding program. These dogs will ideally participate in conformation prior to being bred. The dog may or may not have any unfavorable genetic traits it can pass along, however.2

Your dog has a health condition that makes surgery too high of a risk (as decided by your veterinarian).

You and your vet have decided to delay or forego sterilization, but you are dedicated to keeping your pet from accidentally breeding.