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This topic is presented to veterinarians every day across the country. While for decades it has been the conventional of practice to neuter/spay animals usually at 6 months, and even much more recently by numerous shelters at even 6-8 weeks in some pets, this practice is now being called into question by conflicting studies now showing that waiting on spaying/neutering animals until they reach sexual maturity at typically one year of age, as well as simply weighing the pros and cons of the procedure at all, ought to be considered on an individual pet-by-pet basis.
The many essential reasons for having animals spayed or neutered is in controlling the already substantial pet overpopulation problem. Unfortunately, every day across the country, numerous numbers of animals are euthanized because of in some cases unwanted pregnancies, and with the hard economic times, numerous animal guardians are cutting back on certain aspects of pet health care. However, from an individual pet basis, some studies have shown that animals that undergo spaying or neutering are at enhanced risks for certain cancers such as bone cancer (especially much more common in large or huge breed dogs), bladder tumors, prostate cancer, as well as hemangiosarcomas.
Urine incontinence is much more common in neutered or spayed animals, as well as certain hormonal issues like thyroid disorders, and even behavioral problems such as enhanced aggression in one study in spayed/neutered animals. A growing epidemic of canine cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries are considerably much more common in animals neutered/spayed before one year of age. On the flip side, early spaying of female dogs considerably decreases the risk of breast cancer, and will avoid a uterine abscess/infection known as a pyometra, which is seen on occasion in unspayed middle age and older female dogs.
My own feeling after taking a look at both sides of the issue is that if an individual animal guardian can be a responsible pet owner, in not letting an intact pet off leash or the chance to roam, if a guardian chooses to neuter or spay their canine that it be done at one year of age, rather than the prior earlier recommendations and what is done in shelter medicine and animals there. As with numerous things in life, there is no one appropriate answer to this essential health care decision.
A very essential consideration before spaying or neutering an animal is that by removing the sex hormones, there is a big tension put on the rest of the endocrine system, which all works together and not in separate parts in my opinion. I for that reason recommend both before and after spaying that a good natural diet is fed such as Azmira, Pet Guard or Wysong. It is also essential to have all animals, but especially neutered/spayed ones on a good multivitamin supplement such as VitaChews or very VitaChews, as well as a good quality Omega 3 fatty acid such as very Pure Omega 3, Be Well Dog, Be Well Cat, and Nordic Naturals Omega 3 pet supplement.
1800PetMeds has a fantastic endocrine package deal as well that includes a few of these in an economic, yet healthy threesome, including the antioxidant supplement Proanthozone, which can all work together in helping to maintain optimal health in neutered or spayed dogs or cats.
Pet Health