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I’m all for Spaying and Neutering your pets. In America, too many people are breeding, which is why we have a massive overpopulation problem. But did you know there are some not-so-good side effects of early spaying and neutering? Luckily, there are some things you can do to support your pet’s endocrine system after the surgery and beyond.
Until humans value animal life over money, early spaying and neutering are essential to keep pets out of shelters. MILLIONS of healthy pets are put to death each year because of irresponsible humans. This is the stuff that keeps me up at night. So I will never say “don’t spay or neuter”.
With that said, losing the sex-hormone-secreting organs at an early age affects more than your pet’s demeanor. Because in the US, we don’t simply sterilize our pets, we desex them by removing the testes and the ovaries. In doing this, we increase the risk of certain cancers, joint disorders, and weight problems. Let’s break some of these down…
Many people spay and neuter their pets to calm them down. This does not always work, but it shows promise. When your dog slows down due to a sudden hormonal imbalance, they tend to gain weight.
Pets in America have an obesity problem, as many humans do. Most dogs live on processed food, i.e., kibble, which does not support a healthy weight throughout their lives.
Some cancers that have been linked to early spaying and neutering are:
- Lymphoma – Cancer of the lymph nodes.
- Hemangiosarcoma – A rare and aggressive blood vessel cancer.
- Mast Cell Tumors – Cancerous skin tumors.
- Osteosarcoma – Bone Cancer.
Some breeds are more prone to cancer than others. Golden Retrievers and Labradors show a stronger association between early spaying and neutering and lymphoma than many other breeds. A 2013 study on Goldens found that spaying and neutering before 12 months of age significantly increased their risk of developing these types of cancers, among other diseases.
The Effects of Early Spaying and Neutering
Early spaying and neutering, especially in large-breed puppies (typically before 12 months of age), has been associated with several health and developmental concerns. These dogs exhibit growth patterns distinct from those of smaller dogs. Hormones play a crucial role in their skeletal and physiological development. Here are the key problems linked to early desexing in larger breed dogs:
🦴 1.
Orthopedic Problems linked to early spaying and neutering
- Increased risk of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears, and joint disorders.
- Growth plates remain open longer without sex hormones, leading to abnormal bone growth and joint alignment.
- Studies show higher rates of joint disease in dogs desexed before 12 months, especially in breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German Shepherds.
🎗️ 2.
Cancer Risks
- As mentioned above, there may be an increased incidence of certain cancers, such as:
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- Hemangiosarcoma (a cancer of blood vessel cells)
- Lymphoma
- The risk varies by breed and sex but tends to be higher with early sterilization, particularly in males.
🧠 3.
Behavioral Issues
- Fearfulness, aggression, and anxiety may be more common, especially when the procedure is done before social maturity.
- Some dogs exhibit increased reactivity or noise phobias.
⚖️ 4.
Obesity and Metabolic Concerns
- Spaying/neutering affects metabolism and increases the risk of obesity, which in turn worsens joint health.
- May also contribute to insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders.
✅ Best Practice Recommendation
For most large and giant breeds, many veterinarians now recommend:
- Delaying spay/neuter until at least 12–18 months of age, depending on the breed and individual dog.
- Consider alternative sterilization methods (like vasectomy or ovary-sparing spay) when reproduction prevention is needed but hormone retention is desired.
Supporting Your Dog After Early Spaying or Neutering
You adopted a new dog from a rescue or shelter that gave you no choice but to spay or neuter. Now what?
Many rescues require spaying and neutering BEFORE you can take your pet home. That was the case with Laila. She was spayed at four months of age. So what are some ways to support their health in this case?
Here’s how you can best support your dog post-early sterilization:
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1. Joint and Bone Health Support After Early Spaying and Neutering
Early desexing can affect bone growth, so joint support is crucial:
- Joint supplements: Use products with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, or green-lipped mussel.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Anti-inflammatory support for joints and overall health.
- Vitamin D and calcium balance: Avoid over-supplementation but ensure appropriate levels for bone integrity.
- Avoid high-impact activities until growth plates close (around 18–24 months in large breeds).
- Low-impact exercise: Swimming, leash walks, and controlled play protect joints while building strength.
- Desicated sex organ hormone supplements for male and female dogs: Symplex M for male dogs and Symplex F for female dogs.
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2. Maintain a Lean Body Condition
Early desexed dogs are prone to weight gain:
- Feed a species-appropriate diet, preferably whole fresh foods, in a gently cooked homemade diet.
- Measure food portions carefully; avoid overfeeding.
- Monitor body condition score (BCS) regularly to keep your dog in ideal shape (you should be able to feel ribs easily without seeing them).
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3. Hormone-Sensitive Support
Hormones regulate more than reproduction. You can support the body in their absence:
- Adrenal and endocrine support: Consider herbal or glandular supplements designed to balance endocrine function.
- Monitor thyroid function: Long-term, early spay/neuter can increase hypothyroidism risk.
- Use functional mushrooms (like reishi or cordyceps) to support immune and hormonal health.
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4. Behavioral & Emotional Support
Without the calming effects of sex hormones, early-neutered dogs may need extra help emotionally:
- Routine and enrichment: Daily structure, training, puzzles, and sniff walks help reduce anxiety.
- Socialization: Ongoing exposure to calm, balanced dogs and people helps prevent fear-based behaviors.
- Consider calming supplements (L-theanine, chamomile, or CBD if appropriate and legal in your area).
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5. Monitor for Long-Term Health Risks
- Schedule regular veterinary checkups to screen for early signs of orthopedic issues or cancers.
- Consider baseline bloodwork and monitor over time (especially thyroid and metabolic panels).
- Keep a health journal tracking changes in weight, activity, behavior, and mobility.
It is possible to provide support to your dog after they are spayed or neutered. These supplements can be added at any age. If you would like some guidance on your dog’s diet and supplements, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Schedule a 15 minute consult to see if it would be a good fit for you and your dog.
Until then… wag on my friends.
