We crave simple answers. After all, the mind loves certainty. Wouldn’t our lives as pet companions be so much easier if we could answer the question should I spay or neuter my dog with a yes or a no? But spaying a dog is not a simple question.
Life is full of uncertainty. Moreover, there is so much grey in between yes and no answers. Those who can flex according to situations tend to be more grounded and at ease with complexity. When it comes to your dog, the decision to spay or neuter them essentially depends on their situation and lifestyle, regardless of whether you buy or adopt them.
Why the Big Debate on Spaying A Dog?
Our views and opinions are influenced by so many factors including our backgrounds and cultures but also our current environments.
So, for example, most shelters and animal charities tend to encourage neutering a male dog and spaying a female dog. Essentially, their aim is to manage the dog population. And spaying and neutering are still the most effective approaches for that purpose.
But that’s not the complete view.
More Recent Research Findings
When spaying a female dog, a large part of their internal system is removed. That system doesn’t just cover reproduction, it’s also a critical part of the endocrine system. In other words, by removing it, you remove the production of critical hormones that regulate other parts of the dog’s body.
As this New York Times article by Alexandra Horowitz who runs the Horowitz Dog Cognition Lab summarises, more recent studies, specifically by researcher and veterinarian Benjamin Hart, show that removing those critical hormones causes other issues.
The article gives examples of joint diseases but other studies show that desexing causes other problems. For example, a study on immune disorders shows an increase in problems in the thyroid, pancreas and other areas within the body.
Of course, spaying a dog makes it easier to manage unwanted puppies. It also avoids that messiness when a female dog is in heat. Nevertheless, there are alternatives and as dog companions, we owe it to them to respect them as whole beings.
Let’s not forget that by desexing dogs, we are also changing the gene pool. As this research paper on widespread neutering explains, perhaps we need to think about the long-term impact we are causing.
In short, the pros and cons of spaying a dog:
- Pro = manage unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of problems with reproductive organs later in life.
- Cons = fundamentally changes a dog’s body and removes critical hormones needed for a healthy life.
Alternatives to Spayed and Neutered
The world is grey and messy and there will always be research to prove whatever point you want to make. Therefore, as a dog companion, it’s important to take in as many views as possible. You can then weigh up what’s best for your dog for their situation and lifestyle.
As you reflect, remember that there are alternatives to neutering a male dog and spaying a female dog.
1- Vasectomy
Just like for humans, a vasectomy is when a surgeon ties or blocks the tube that carries the sperm from the testicle to the outside. To block it, a vet will inject a polymer gel.
As this vet article on alternatives to neutering explains, it is a safe procedure and lets the testosterone do what’s needed for the rest of the body.
For instance, testosterone helps keep ligaments and bones strong such that osteoporosis stays away.
And if you’re worried about aggression, there is research that both proves and disproves that castration to remove testosterone actually makes the big difference we hope for. Moreover, you can train a dog and resolve, for example, food aggression.
2- Calcium chloride sterilant
Another option instead of neutering a male dog and keeping their hormones functioning is to inject calcium chloride into the outer skin of each testicle.
The challenge with this procedure, as explained in the American Kennel Club article on alternatives, is that it takes a skilled vet to do it and many are not trained.
3- Ovary-Sparing Spay (OSS)
When it comes to spaying a female dog, again, there are options to preserve her hormones. In this OSS approach, only the uterus and cervix are removed but not the ovaries.
Again, this surgery takes skill but there are vets who can do it.
4- Tubal litigation
The easiest option for females is probably this one which is the same we do for human women. Essentially, a surgeon ties the fallopian tubes to block the pathway from the ovaries to the uterus so that an egg can’t go through.
The risk that many people fear with this option is pyometra. This infection of the uterus can happen in both humans and dogs. Although, just like for any infection, the best way to manage these things is for regular check ups with full blood analyses.
5- Birth control pills
These are pills that stop pregnancy for dogs, for example mibolerone, as described by the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs.
Whilst these are effective, the challenge for most people is that, like the pill for humans, they need proper monitoring and follow ups.
6- Sterilisation implants
To avoid the intrusive surgery required for spaying a dog, you can also simply inject an implant under their skin with a testosterone suppressant, for instance Suprelorin, into male dogs.
In short, it’s a chemical castration for male dogs that you can reverse if need be.
Making the Right Decision for Your Dog
Living with a dog is a partnership where you find ways to meet both your needs together. Of course, they depend on us and we make decisions for them. As such, we have a responsibility to consider their well-being above our convenience.
Every decision in life comes with risks, including whether they are spayed and neutered. The only thing we can do is to manage and balance out that risk. So, do your research and get information from various viewpoints but remember that there are always alternatives. And then, simply do what you feel is right for your dog.
