If you’re a new pet parent considering getting your dog spayed or neutered, you may wonder about the procedure’s benefits. Or maybe you’ve noticed some peculiar behavior, and you wonder if it can be attributed to the fact that they haven’t yet been spayed or neutered. Spaying refers to female and neutering to male sterilization surgeries to prevent them from being able to reproduce.

Whatever your reason for being here, we’ve collected a list of benefits for spaying and neutering, ranging from reducing and preventing health risks to behavioral changes. Read on to find out exactly how this procedure will benefit your dog.

The 9 Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Dog

1. Reduces the Risk of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Neutering your male dog reduces the chance of some prostate problems later in life, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A dog produces a lot of testosterone if it hasn’t been neutered, and over time this can cause the prostate gland to become larger than normal.

BPH is incredibly common and develops in male dogs that haven’t been neutered. It can happen at any point in their life, but it is generally more common after 7 years of age. Luckily, for most dogs, it doesn’t cause a problem, but for some, it can result in the prostate getting so big that it gets in the way of their ability to urinate and defecate.

In severe cases, the prostate can become infected, which is a condition called prostatitis. The dog can also develop cysts which cause further problems.

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2. Prevents the Risk of Certain Cancers

Ovario-hysterectomy prevents the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, and it also greatly reduces the occurrence of breast cancer if done before the 2nd heat cycle. Neutering removes the risk of testicular cancer.

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3. Prevents “Seasons” or “Heat” in Female Dogs

When a female is in heat she will experience changes. She will urinate more often, there will be bleeding from the vulva, the vulva will be red and swollen, and she will tend to lick her back end more often. Not only that, but her behavior will change.

Getting your dog spayed will eliminate all of these behaviors and keep wandering males from visiting your property.

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4. Behavioral Differences

The most obvious behavioral difference between a dog that has been neutered or spayed is the need to “roam.” When a female is in heat, she will become a male’s entire focus if he catches her scent. He will go to extreme lengths to get to her, even leaping over fences or tunneling under them.

The scent of a female can travel far, and it makes containing a male even more difficult. Your male dog may stop eating, become aggressive, and increase its marking.

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5. Prevents Womb Infections (Pyometra)

If your female dog hasn’t been spayed and is over the age of 6, she is at particular risk of developing an infection inside the womb (pyometra). This risk is due to hormonal changes during a season/heat. Once the heat is over, most dogs return to normal, but some develop complications that lead to an infection (pyometra).

As pyometra develops, it is particularly dangerous because the womb will fill with pus, which can lead to kidney failure, blood poisoning, peritonitis, and eventually death. Pyometra can be either “open” or “closed.”

Open describes the womb entrance as open, where you are likely to see blood and pus coming from your dog’s vulva. The womb entrance is shut when it is closed, and you are unlikely to see the troubling signs. This is particularly dangerous because of the risk of uterine rupture.

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6. Prevents Pregnancy

Unwanted pregnancies can be tricky and expensive, especially if you’re not sure what you’re doing. Pregnant females require good quality dog food, worming, certain vaccinations and may need regular veterinary visits.

Your dog can experience complications when giving birth, and they can be fatal for the puppies and/or the mother. Veterinary intervention is costly, and there is the added time and cost to raise the puppies. Food to support puppies and a nursing mother all add up, as do the regular checkups and medication the puppies will require as they grow.

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7. Prevents Phantom Pregnancies

Even if you are careful not to let a male near your dog when she’s in heat, she can still suffer from a phantom pregnancy. Phantom pregnancies generally develop 4–9 weeks after a season and last a few weeks. You will notice nesting behavior like collecting toys, clothes, or blankets, and mothering of an item like a soft toy.

Besides this being distressing for your dog, treating false pregnancy symptoms can be costly.

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8. Reduced Risk of Some Infections

There are sexually transmitted illnesses that can occur in canines as with most other mammal species. Canine Brucellosis, Herpes Virus and Transmissible Venereal Tumour are amongst the most common sexually transmitted infections. Sterilizing your pet will reduce their exposure to these infections.

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9. Fewer Homeless Pets

If more pet owners neutered or spayed their dogs, local animal shelters, which are so often overpopulated, would experience a reduction in their populations. This means fewer animals on the street and fewer dogs being euthanized. It also means an increase in the space available to dogs that would otherwise be homeless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Neutering Make Your Dog Fat?

It’s a myth that neutering will make your dog fat, but because of the hormonal changes your dog will experience, it will need fewer calories once spayed or neutered. If you find your dog is putting on weight after it’s been neutered, talk to your vet for advice on how best you can get them back into shape.

Will Neutering or Spaying Change Your Dog’s Personality?

If your dog is well-socialized, confident, and happy, neutering will not change its personality. However, if your dog is fearful or has behavioral problems, neutering can make it worse. Sex hormones, such as testosterone, are known to boost confidence. This means a reduction in these hormones might make them more aggressive and fearful. If this is a concern for you, speak to your veterinarian or registered behaviorist for advice.

What if You Think It Isn’t Worth the Risk?

There have been studies that show an increase in the occurrence of joint diseases (like hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament rupture), and some cancers in neutered dogs of certain breeds.

However, it’s also argued that animal studies often contain few numbers of animals to make species wide decisions. Instead, it is recommended that each individual pet and pet parents’ concerns be tailored to a decision appropriate for that pet.  We recommend speaking to your vet if you are unsure about the procedure.

Final Thoughts

There are several benefits associated with neutering or spaying your dog. The procedures can reduce escape attempts, prevent unwanted pregnancies, and reduce the chances of contracting severe health issues.  Whatever you are thinking of doing, it isn’t a decision you have to come to alone. Your vet can give you medical insight based on your dog’s health. But we hope this list has given you some reassurance that spaying or neutering your dog can be beneficial in more than one way.

Related Reads:

• Surprising Canada Cat & Dog Neutering Statistics to Know
• Beware of Over-Vaccinating Your Dog: Vet Reviewed FAQ & Recommendations

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Featured Image Credit: Tyler Olson, Shutterstock