Spaying and neutering frees pets from the dangers associated with hormone-driven mating behaviors that can result in the spread of communicable diseases, injuries from fighting, and, of course, unwanted litters of puppies and kittens that will burden shelters.
Although there are health and behavioral benefits associated with spaying and neutering dogs, there is also the possibility of adverse effects.
Obesity
Obesity in dogs can lead to some of the same health problems as it does in humans. Spaying and neutering interrupts the natural balance of testosterone (male hormone) and estrogen (female hormone) in the body. The thyroid gland, which normally regulates hormones in the body, is thrown off balance, leading the pet to eat beyond its need or activity level.
Dog owners are often overindulgent to the pets, and may keep a constant supply of food available, as well as giving them fattening treats as rewards or as a show of affection. Be sure to only offer the correct amount of food for your animal's age and activity level.
Obesity in pets can cause heart disease, diabetes, and well as joint problems, particularly as a pet gets older.
Cancer
The development of certain types of cancer is dogs due to hormonal influences is similar to that of their human owners. Bone cancers in particular are affected, because hormones are closely associated with the development and integrity of the skeletal system.
According to some studies, the incidence of bone cancer is greatly increased in dogs that have been spayed or neutered. However, this is offset by a decrease in testicular cancer in male dogs (testicles are removed). Although it may seem counter-intuitive, the threat of prostate cancer, which feeds on testosterone in humans, is increased after a dog has been neutered and no longer produces it in large quantities.
Although the risk of bone cancer increases, the incidence of mammary gland cancer in female dogs is reduced, because like breast cancer in human females, it feeds on estrogen.
Adverse reactions to vaccinations after spaying and neutering
A proper balance of male and female hormones is believed necessary to create an immune response when vaccinations are administered. Because spaying and neutering interrupts this balance, it can lead to adverse reactions when vaccinations are received. Talk to your vet about the benefits of vaccines and if your animal would be at risk to poor reactions.
What are the available options to spaying and neutering?
Male dogs can have a vasectomy performed, which only disrupts the flow of sperm but allows testosterone to continue to be produced. They can also have injections in their testicles and kill sperm but leave testosterone unaffected. Females can have a hysterectomy performed that leaves the ovaries intact to produce estrogen.
These alternate methods of sterilization only remove the threat of unwanted litters of puppies, and don't produce the behavioral changes that many pet owners desire when deciding to spay or neuter their pets. For information on pros and cons, contact a company like Haverford Animal Hospital.
