When Should You Get Your Dog Spayed or Neutered? How About Never?
I get asked this question a lot: “When should I get my dog spayed or neutered?” Now, don’t get mad, but my honest answer is: How about never?
I know what you’re thinking—you’ve probably been told it’s the responsible thing to do. But here’s my question: responsible for whom? Is it really necessary for your dog, or is it just another way for organizations to make money?
The Truth Behind the “Pet Overpopulation Crisis”
Let’s talk about the pet overpopulation issue for a moment. Many people feel that the crisis isn’t as severe as it’s made out to be. In fact, some believe it’s just another money-making scheme. Just like vaccinations, heartworm preventatives, and all the other services pushed onto pet owners, spaying and neutering has become part of the same profit-driven cycle.
I once came across a vet in Florida who was bold enough to post on her website that spaying and neutering was the easiest money she ever made. She even laughed at the idea that pet owners were lining up like lambs to the slaughter. Can you believe that? I nearly fell over when I read it! Sadly, I lost track of her website, but I’ve been trying to find it again—if I do, I’ll be sure to share it.
The Real Risks of Surgery
To answer the question more directly, let’s look at some facts. For females, there’s about a 0.5% chance of dying during the surgery, even if you wait until she’s six months old. The risk might be lower for males, but the fact remains: surgery always carries risks, and not all outcomes are perfect.
Some argue that spaying or neutering prevents cancer, but I call that a farce! That’s like telling women to remove their breasts just to avoid breast cancer—ridiculous, right? I’m so open to having a conversation about this, and I even plan to create a dedicated page on cancer soon.
Post-Surgery Complications Are Real
Here’s something vets often don’t tell you—many dogs develop incontinence after being spayed or neutered. I sold a puppy to a woman once who had a Doberman with this exact issue. She tried everything mainstream vets suggested, along with holistic remedies, and even my own advice, but nothing worked. It’s heartbreaking. Imagine a large dog like a Doberman having accidents all over the house. Despite the frustration, she didn’t give up on her dog, especially since her daughters adored him. What a shame that no solution could be found.
And then there was a woman who lost her six-month-old Yorkie during the surgery. Can you imagine? She was devastated. Thankfully, she later got a puppy from me and told me it was the best decision she ever made. She said she would never get a puppy from anyone else again—what a relief for her!
Consider the Long-Term Effects
Let’s not forget, just like women who experience weight gain, depression, and migraines after a hysterectomy, female dogs can experience similar issues after being spayed. And, wouldn’t you know it, some vets are even diagnosing dogs with depression and prescribing drugs. Tell me that isn’t all about money.
Holistic vets recommend waiting until your dog is at least a year old if you do decide to go through with the surgery. But if you ask me, why do it at all?
What About Females in Heat?
Another common question I get: What about female dogs bleeding?
Don’t worry—this doesn’t happen as often as you might think. A female dog will go into heat roughly once every 9 to 12 months. It’s usually very light bleeding, and you might not even notice it. If you’re concerned about your furniture or carpets, doggie pads will do the trick.
When she’s in heat, this is the time she can get pregnant, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on her. You’ll know it’s coming because she’ll act a little friskier, especially around male dogs. Her heat cycle will last about 13 days, but again, it’s nothing like what we humans experience.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, spaying and neutering are decisions you should make based on what’s best for your dog, not because it’s what everyone else says is the “right” thing to do. Take the time to consider the risks, the potential health complications, and the long-term effects on your dog’s wellbeing.
I’m always open to a conversation about this, so feel free to reach out if you have questions. But for now, my stance remains: how about never?
