Why Delaying Spaying and Neutering is Healthier for Small Dogs

Spaying and neutering are common procedures that offer undeniable benefits, such as controlling pet overpopulation and preventing certain diseases. However, recent peer-reviewed studies have shown that delaying these surgeries until small dogs are fully grown can significantly enhance their health and well-being.

By waiting, you can reduce the risk of joint problems, improve metabolic health, and even lower the chances of developing certain cancers. This blog highlights the research-backed reasons why timing matters for small breeds.

The Science of Timing: Why It Matters for Small Dogs

Small breeds, such as toy or miniature dogs, mature faster than larger breeds. While large dogs may continue growing until they are 18-24 months old, small breeds usually reach full maturity between 12-18 months. Spaying or neutering too early can interfere with their natural growth and development, leading to avoidable health challenges (PLOS ONE, 2020).

Key Benefits of Delaying Spaying and Neutering

1. Joint Health and Proper Growth

Spaying and neutering can significantly impact your dog’s growth plates—the areas of cartilage near the ends of bones where growth occurs.

• Growth Plate Closure: Early procedures can delay or disrupt the natural closure of growth plates, leading to uneven bone growth. A study on Golden Retrievers found that early neutering doubled the risk of hip dysplasia in males and significantly increased cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears in both sexes (PLOS ONE, 2020).

• Small Dog Consideration: While the risk of joint issues is more pronounced in larger breeds, small dogs can also experience joint problems if their growth is not complete before surgery.

By waiting until your small dog is fully grown, you ensure their skeletal system develops correctly, reducing the risk of these painful and costly disorders.

2. Cancer Prevention

Hormones play a significant role in your dog’s health, and removing them prematurely can increase the risk of certain cancers.

• Increased Risks: Early spaying or neutering is linked to hemangiosarcoma (HSA) and mast cell tumors (MCT) in female dogs (Cambridge University Press, 2018).

• Mammary Tumors: While early spaying reduces the risk of mammary tumors, delaying the procedure ensures a better balance between cancer risks and other health benefits (AKC Canine Health Foundation, 2021).

Balancing hormonal development provides your dog with natural defenses against some cancers while allowing you to make an informed decision about their overall health.

3. Hormonal and Developmental Benefits

Hormones do more than regulate reproduction—they are crucial for overall growth and development.

• Bone and Muscle Strength: Delaying spaying/neutering allows hormones to aid in muscle tone, bone density, and tissue development (Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2022).

• Metabolic Health: Early spaying/neutering can lead to imbalances that increase the risk of diseases like Cushing’s or diabetes. By waiting, you allow your dog’s endocrine system to mature, reducing these risks (Veterinary Practice, 2020).

For small breeds, these hormones are vital to ensuring they grow into strong, healthy adults.

Endocrine and Metabolic Health Impacts

Cushing’s Disease

Spaying and neutering influence the adrenal glands, which regulate cortisol levels. Early procedures can lead to conditions like Cushing’s disease, characterized by symptoms such as:

• Muscle weakness

• Excessive thirst and urination

• Skin problems

Allowing your dog’s endocrine system to mature can prevent these issues, supporting their overall well-being (Petcube, 2020).

Diabetes and Insulin Regulation

Hormonal disruption can interfere with insulin production, potentially increasing the risk of diabetes. By waiting to spay or neuter, you give your dog’s body time to develop a more stable hormonal environment, promoting healthier blood sugar regulation (Veterinary Practice, 2020).

Behavioral Considerations

One of the most common concerns about delaying neutering is behavioral issues, such as marking or aggression. However, these behaviors can often be managed effectively with training and consistency.

• Training Tips: Teach your dog commands to discourage unwanted behaviors like marking.

• Tools and Routines: Use tools like belly bands for males or create consistent routines to help manage problem behaviors.

Many of these issues are temporary and can be addressed with positive reinforcement, making it easier to wait for the right time to spay or neuter.

Conclusion

Choosing when to spay or neuter your small dog is an important decision that affects their health and happiness. Delaying these procedures until your dog is fully grown promotes joint health, reduces cancer risks, and ensures proper hormonal and metabolic development.

Always consult your veterinarian to determine the best timing based on your dog’s breed, age, and overall health. By making an informed decision, you’re setting your furry friend up for a healthier and happier life.

FAQs

1. Does delaying spaying/neutering increase behavioral problems?Some behaviors like marking can occur, but they are manageable with training and tools like belly bands. Proper supervision and positive reinforcement help address these issues.

2. How do I know when my small dog is fully grown? Small breeds typically mature between 12-18 months. Your vet can assess your dog’s growth and advise the best timing.

3. Are there risks to waiting too long? Delaying spaying or neutering can slightly increase the risk of mammary tumors in females, but the overall health benefits often outweigh the risks.

4. How does spaying/neutering affect metabolism? Early procedures can disrupt hormonal balance, increasing the risk of metabolic issues like diabetes or obesity. Waiting allows your dog’s endocrine system to stabilize.

5. Is early spaying/neutering ever necessary? In some cases, such as if a dog has a health condition or is at risk for reproductive cancers, early procedures may be recommended by your vet.

Sources

• PLOS ONE: Study on spaying/neutering effects on joint health.

• Cambridge University Press: Research on cancer risks associated with early spaying/neutering.

• Frontiers in Veterinary Science: Hormonal development and its role in growth.

• AKC Canine Health Foundation: Mammary tumors and cancer prevention.

• Veterinary Practice: Insights on metabolic health, including Cushing’s disease and diabetes.

• Petcube: Effects of spaying/neutering on endocrine health.