Gold and white dog laying on play equipment

When should I spay or neuter my dog is a question that many pet parents often ask.  Guidelines for this are ever evolving and the best answer is…it depends.

History

History has a long standing relationship with spaying and neutering pets.  It became more accessible to the general population in the 1930s and in the 1950s became a solution to the pet overpopulation issues in larger cities.  By 1975 the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals (SPCA) recommended early neutering to prevent the overpopulation and euthanasia of dogs and cats.  Today, two-thirds of states require that dogs adopted from animal shelters or rescue groups are spayed or neutered.  Some parts of the country have mandatory spay-neuter laws for all dogs.  Read more from the ASPCA about companion animal birth control https://www.aspca.org/about-us/aspca-policy-and-position-statements/companion-animal-birth-control

Health Considerations

Why Spay or Neuter your Dog early?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are health benefits to spaying and neutering  your dog.  “Established health benefits include protection against some potentially serious diseases. Spaying female dogs and cats can prevent uterine infection and reduce the risk of breast cancer. Neutering males can eliminate their risk of testicular cancer and reduce their risk of developing enlarged prostate glands (known as benign prostatic hyperplasia).”  https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/spaying-and-neutering#:~:text=Health%20benefits%20Spaying%20female%20dogs%20and%20cats,prostate%20glands%20(known%20as%20benign%20prostatic%20hyperplasia).

The Humane Society of the United States cites a Banfield Pet Hospitals study that looks at data from 2.2 million dogs that correlates increased longevity with spayed and neutered dogs.  For more information https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/why-you-should-spayneuter-your-pet

Additionally, spaying a female prior to her first heat cycle can significantly reduces her risk for mammary tumors.  Moreover, it also eliminates the potential for uterine infections, which can be common in un-spayed female dogs.

Why wait to spay or neuter my dog?

Drs Benjamin and Lynette Hart, professors at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine set out to identify the ideal time to spay or neuter in a study conducted on Golden Retrievers in 2013.  https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0055937.   The study examined the health records of 759 Golden Retrievers noted an increased incidence of joint diseases in the dogs examined neutered early.  Over the past decade, some studies have indicated that neutering early can have adverse effects on certain dog breeds.  Furthermore, an additional study was conducted at UC Davis that was published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science that extended the research to include more breeds.  They additionally looked at correlation for joint disorders, cancers and urinary incontinence. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1322276/full

Ultimately, you should always consult your veterinary professional for what is best for the health of your dog.  They are able to help you make an informed decision.

Why does Dogtopia require spay and neuter at 7 months?

We understand that there are many important factors in deciding to alter your dog.  At Dogtopia of Viera, we focus on the health and safety of all the dogs that come to play with us.  We require all dogs to be spayed or neutered by seven months of age. This ensures the highest safety standard.  Unaltered dogs have hormones that can create tension and reduce the safety of our playrooms.  It is not always the unaltered dog that creates the tension.  Detectable hormones released by an intact dog can trigger other dogs to behave more aggressively.

Can unaltered dogs be in doggie daycares safely?

Dogtopia of Viera’s top priority is the safety of all of the dogs in our care.  Hence, we do not allow unaltered dogs over the age of seven months. Doggie daycares that allow unaltered dogs in an open play environment are taking unnecessary risks with the safety of all the dogs in their care, not only the unaltered pups.  In all likelihood, unaltered dogs are not kept with the general population of dogs in an open play environment, and may be let out for condensed playtime with other unaltered pups of the same sex.  If you plan to take your unaltered dog to an open play environment, please understand the daily routine and safety measures that are in place to prevent unwanted behaviors.  Ask lots of questions!  Certainly, be very wary of a facility that will not explain nor show you their processes.

Book your meet and greet!

Without a doubt, Dogtopia of Viera wants to meet your pup! If you’re interested in booking any of our daycare, boarding, or spa services, please fill out our online contact form.  Call us at 321-294-4102 to arrange a meeting with our team. We can’t wait to welcome you and your pet to their new home away from home and show you the benefits of Dogtopia of Viera’s doggie daycare.