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Spay Neuter and Joint Disease

Society has grilled spaying and neutering dogs into the minds of pet owners for decades. There's even a popular daytime game show host who ends every episode saying “spay and neuter your dog to help keep the population under control.”

This topic has experienced backlash from pet owners who have different beliefs. The truth is health risks are associated when spaying or neutering dogs, especially when done at a young age.

 
Image Credit Pexels

The following information will help you decide if spaying or neutering your dog is the right thing for your pet.

Research has revealed that spaying and neutering puppies before 24 months of age can lead to joint issues and other medical problems throughout a dog's lifetime. Spaying and neutering can lead to joint disease which is directly related to the surgery that turns healthy puppies into unhealthy ones permanently.

Side Effects to Spaying or Neutering Your Dog

  • Hip dysplasia

  • Abnormal growth

  • Cancer of the bones also known as osteosarcoma

  • Diabetes

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Increased risk of cancers

  • Urogenital disorders

  • Obesity

  • Cognitive impairment

  • Adverse vaccine reactions

Risks of the Surgery

Anytime an animal has surgery and an anesthetic is involved it puts their life at risk. Many pet parents are spaying or neutering their dogs at a young age and don’t realize the consequences of the surgery itself can lead to death due to exposure to the anesthetic. Pet owners that take a chance with the surgery are putting their dog’s life at risk with the possibility of them not surviving.

The main reason pet owners should not sterilize their dog before 24 months is because the dog needs time for their growth plates to close. Sex hormones play a synergistic role in the growth and development of dogs without them it creates an imbalance in the body.

Sometimes it can take up to two years of age for the growth plates to close. Generally, the timing is dependent on the breed of the dog. Waiting for the growth plates to close is essential to the overall health and well-being of your dog.

Not allowing your dog to fully grow naturally can interfere with growth throughout the entire body which includes bones, organs, the digestive system and immune system which can also become compromised due to abnormal growth. However, hip dysplasia and bone disease are the main consequences found in dogs that were spayed or neutered before growth plates closed.

Deciding whether to spay or neuter your dog at a specific age or at all during their lifetime is up to you, the pet owner. As a responsible pet owner, you want to learn all of the risks involved in spaying or neutering your dog before making this very important decision.

Sometimes you think you are doing the right thing by sterilizing your dog before they have the chance to complete puppyhood. For years veterinarians often encouraged pet owners to spay or neuter their pets at a young age without discussing the harsh side effects their dogs can experience as they get older.

If you aren't sure spaying or neutering your pet is the right thing to do it's best to speak with a holistic veterinarian or a trustworthy dog breeder that keeps your dog's health top priority. An honorable dog breeder will be happy to guide you on your path to making good decisions on your pet's behalf.

If you have any questions for us, we can be reached at: 407-245-7350.

 

Image credit pexels

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