World Spay & Neuter Day: Should You Spay or Neuter Your Dog?
- katierussi
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Today is World Spay and Neuter Day – a day that traditionally advocates for the spaying and neutering of dogs, cats and other animals to help prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of animals entering rescue.
And while that message absolutely has its place, I think it’s also important to say this:
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
It can sometimes feel like the expectation is that every dog should automatically be neutered. But in reality, this decision should be made for each dog as an individual, considering their health, breed, age, temperament and lifestyle.
Before I go any further, a quick (but important) note:
I’m not a vet, and this is not medical advice. Any decision about spaying or neutering should always be discussed with your vet team. My aim here is simply to give you things to think about so you can have an open, informed conversation with them.
Timing Matters
Unless there is a veterinary reason to do so earlier, ideally our dogs should be fully grown before being spayed or neutered. Hormones play a crucial role in growth and development.
Research has shown that dogs neutered under six months of age can be 2 to 5 times more likely to develop more than one joint disorder compared to intact dogs. Early neutering can also delay growth plate closure, which may impact overall skeletal development.
Growth hormones aren’t just “extra” – they’re part of how a dog’s body matures properly.
Potential Benefits
There are clear benefits to neutering, and these are important to acknowledge.
In females:
No unwanted litters
Prevention of pyometra (a potentially life-threatening infection of the womb)
Reduced risk of mammary tumours (particularly if done before certain ages)
In males:
Elimination of the risk of testicular cancer
Reduced risk of certain prostate diseases (the prostate shrinks after neutering)
For some dogs, these health benefits will weigh heavily in the decision.
Potential Risks for Both Genders
However, neutering is not risk-free, and this is the part that often gets less airtime.
For both males and females, neutering has been associated with:
Increased risk of cruciate ligament disease
Increased risk of hip dysplasia
Higher likelihood of certain musculoskeletal issues
Increased risk of obesity (although this is very manageable with appropriate diet and exercise)
Hormones also influence behaviour.
Less time exposed to natural hormones can be linked with:
Increased reactivity
Increased fearfulness
Excessive barking
Aggression towards unfamiliar people or dogs
This is particularly important because neutering is often suggested as a solution for behavioural issues. In reality, it is unlikely to resolve reactivity, and in some cases, may actually worsen fear-based behaviours.
For male dogs especially, testosterone isn’t just about mating behaviour — it also plays a role in confidence. A dog who is already lacking confidence may not be an ideal candidate for neutering, as reducing testosterone can increase anxiety and fearfulness.
Different Surgical Options for Females
Many people don’t realise there are different types of spay procedures available:
Full Spay (Ovariohysterectomy)
Removal of both the uterus and ovaries.
Ovary-Sparing Spay
The uterus is removed but the ovaries remain.This means the dog retains her natural hormones, which may help with behaviour and reduce risk of some cancers and cruciate issues. It prevents pyometra but does not reduce the risk of mammary cancer.
Ovariectomy
The ovaries are removed but the uterus remains.By removing the hormonal driver, the risk of pyometra is reduced and the risk of mammary tumours is lowered. This procedure is often performed laparoscopically, which can mean a shorter recovery time.
Not all practices offer all options, so it’s worth asking your vet what’s available and appropriate for your dog.
Options for Males: Chemical Castration
For male dogs, there’s also the option of chemical castration via a temporary implant placed under the skin.
This typically lasts around 6–12 months and can be helpful as a “trial run” if neutering is being considered due to behavioural concerns. It allows you to observe how reduced testosterone may affect your dog before making a permanent, irreversible decision.
So… Should You Neuter?
There is so much to consider.
Your dog’s breed.
Their age.
Their physical health.
Their temperament.
Their environment.
Your ability to manage an intact dog responsibly.
This post hasn’t aimed to tell you whether neutering is right or wrong. Instead, I hope it encourages you to look at the pros and cons, and to have an open discussion with your vet rather than feeling pressured into a blanket decision.
It’s personal. It’s individual . And it deserves careful thought.
As with so many things in dog training and behaviour, there rarely is a simple black-and-white answer.
If you’d like to chat about how hormones may be influencing your dog’s behaviour, or you’re unsure whether neutering is likely to help (or hinder), I’m always happy to have that conversation alongside your vet’s advice.
Because when it comes to behaviour — especially with rescue or reactive dogs — hormones are only one small part of a much bigger picture. If you’d like some support working through that bigger picture, you can read more about my 1-1 behaviour services here.
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