What is a Spay ?

A spay (ovariohysterectomy) is the surgical removal of both ovaries and the uterus.  The operation requires entry into the abdomen.  It is a major surgical procedure and is done under general anesthesia.

Why Spay ?

There are several advantages to spaying:

1. To eliminate heat cycles and unwanted pregnancies.

2. To prevent common and life threatening infections of the uterus in the middle-aged and older dogs.

3. To prevent false pregnancies which are common in the middle-aged and older dogs.

4. To very significantly reduce the incidence of breast cancer (when spaying before the first heat).

5. To reduce the incidence of diabetes.

When to Spay ?

Contrary to old wives’ tales, there is no advantage for a dog to have a heat or pregnancy.  If there is no intention to breed the dog, the ideal time to spay the dog is at 5 to 6 months of age.  This is prior to a heat, thus eliminating the nuisance of a heat.  At this age the operation is both easier and more economical.  Also, as mentioned above, spaying at this time significantly reduces the incidence of breast cancer.
If it is the intention to breed the dog, she should still be spayed at the end of her litter-bearing years.  This is done 2 months following a heat and before the next heat.

Why not Spay ?

There are some minor disadvantages to spaying:

1. The obvious being that the dog is no longer useful for breeding.

2. There may be a very minor weight gain.  However, the old myth that spayed dogs become fat and lazy is just not true.

Urinary incontinence is an extremely uncommon complication of spaying dogs.  This uncommon side effect can normally be controlled with the use of medication.

What is Neutering ?

Neutering of the male dog may also be called castration or orchidectomy. The procedure involves removal of both testicles through a small incision, just in front of the scrotum. This is, of course, done under general anesthesia. Home care following surgery is minimal.

Why Neuter a Dog ?

There are several advantages to neutering a male dog.

Behavioral Advantages:

1. Elimination of normal but embarrassing and obnoxious male behavior such as mounting, urine marking, and masturbating.

2. Helps prevent wandering in search of female companionship.

3. Reduces aggressive behaviour towards other male dogs.

4. Reduces the tendency of many male dogs to dominate even their owners.

Health Advantages:

1. Eliminates prostatic enlargement and infection which are otherwise probable in the older male dog.

2. Reduces the incidence of anal adenomas which are common tumors of the older male dog.

3. Prevents the development of perineal hernias in the older male dog.

Why Not Neuter a Dog ?

There are very few disadvantages to neutering a dog.  The only one that is significantly noticeable is weight gain.  In most instances this weight gain is not even detectable. Weight gain is certainly more noticeable in dogs neutered at an older age.  Control of diet and exercise will minimize this unwanted weight gain.  Now there are also diets that are significantly reduced in calories such that normal food intake and normal weight are compatible.  In general, side effects are far outweighed by the improved behavior and health of the pet.  Owners find a neutered dog to be a better overall pet.

When to Neuter ?

Male dogs should be neutered at six months of age.  This is prior to the onset of “male” behaviour.  Neutering before the onset of the behaviour eliminates the possibility of the behaviour becoming learned.  Neutering after the onset of such behaviour may be effective in eliminating the behaviour but has a less predictable success rate.  Too often the behaviour or aggression has become learned.  Older dogs may be neutered to try to alter behaviour or even more often as a form of treatment for prostatic disease as well as the above mentioned tumors or hernias.  However, neutering at an early age would have prevented these problems.