What are the disadvantages of spaying and neutering dogs? Explaining the three risks with and without the surgery

• "Should I have my dog ​​spayed or neutered?"
• "Is it necessary to spay or neuter my dog? What are the disadvantages of spaying or neutering?"

As you can see, many pet owners are concerned about whether to have their pet spayed or neutered.

Spaying your dog has benefits, including preventing unwanted pregnancy and disease. However, even if you understand the benefits, you may be hesitant to make a decision because of the disadvantages.

In this article, we'll explain in detail the disadvantages and risks of spaying and neutering. Please be aware of both the benefits and the disadvantages before deciding whether or not to have your dog spayed or neutered.

Spaying is one way to extend your dog's life

As dogs age, they become more likely to develop cancer of the reproductive organs and mammary glands. Therefore, by having your dog spayed or neutered in advance and reducing the risk of cancer, you can help your dog live a long and healthy life.

Spaying your dog can also help prevent unexpected pregnancy, allowing you to travel with peace of mind. Spaying or neutering your dog can also help reduce the stress your dog may experience due to heat.

The necessity and benefits of spaying/neutering are explained in detail in the article below, so please refer to it.
→ Spaying/Neutering Female Dogs

3 Possible Disadvantages of Surgery

Sterilization surgery has not only advantages but also disadvantages. The following three are possible disadvantages:

• Suture-Reactive Granuloma
• Hormone-Reactive Urinary Incontinence
• Decreased Daily Metabolic Rate

Let's take a closer look at the disadvantages of each.

Suture-Reactive Granuloma

Spaying a dog is performed through a scalpel. For this reason, sutures are required after removal of the uterus or ovaries. However, in rare cases, the body may develop an inflammatory reaction to the sutures.

This condition is called "suture-induced granuloma." It can lead to severe inflammation around the sutured area or the formation of tumor-like granulomas. If granulomas develop, surgery may be necessary.

Hormone-Responsive Urinary Incontinence

Neutered dogs have a decreased level of female hormones, which can cause the urinary sphincter to become loose. Although the urinary sphincter can be controlled voluntarily, if it becomes loose, urine leakage during sleep, when control is lost.

This condition is called "hormone-responsive urinary incontinence" and is common in middle-aged to older, medium- to large-sized female dogs. If hormone-responsive urinary incontinence occurs, hormone therapy can restore the urinary sphincter muscle and resolve the symptoms.

Decreased Daily Metabolic Rate

Spaying a dog changes hormone balance, which tends to decrease daily metabolic rate. As a result, they may become obese, so it's important to carefully manage their daily diet after spaying.

It's also a good idea to give them moderate exercise through walks and play.

[Surgery, Post-Surgery, No Surgery] 3 Possible Risks

Spaying a dog involves surgery, so there are certain risks. There are also corresponding risks if you do not undergo sterilization surgery.

The main risks are as follows, divided into surgery, post-surgery, and no-surgery.

• 【Surgery】General anesthesia
• 【Post-surgery】Infection
• 【No surgery】Increased incidence of disease

From here, we will explain each risk in detail.

【Surgery】General Anesthesia

Spaying is performed under general anesthesia. General anesthesia can cause side effects such as decreased internal organ function, low blood pressure, and difficulty breathing, so it cannot be considered 100% safe.

However, a "pre-anesthesia test" is performed beforehand to determine whether the dog is ready for general anesthesia, reducing the risk of side effects.

【Post-Surgery】Infection

Dogs may be concerned about the stitches after surgery and lick the wound. This can cause the wound to suppurate and become infected, so it's important to prevent them from licking.

After surgery, use an Elizabethan collar or clothing to prevent your dog from licking the wound.

【No Surgery】Increased Disease Incidence

Unspayed dogs may have a higher disease incidence.

Female dogs menstruate once or twice a year, but they do not experience menopause and can go into heat at any age. However, as they get older, they are more likely to develop conditions such as pyometra, a buildup of pus in the uterus, and mammary tumors, so caution is advised.

Dogs in heat can become irritable and lose their appetite, making them prone to stress. Their genitals can also swell and bleed, so use diapers or diapers to protect your dog's body and the room from soiling.

Consult with your veterinarian before the appropriate age

The optimum age for spaying/neutering is said to be around 6 to 8 months of age, before your dog goes into heat. While this is the best time to perform the procedure, it is also possible to spay/neuter your dog after the appropriate age.

However, if you are not planning on breeding or litter size, we recommend consulting your veterinarian early to reduce the risk of disease. When consulting with your veterinarian, be sure to ask about the necessity of spaying and neutering, possible risks, and ways to avoid them.

Consulting with your veterinarian early will help you prepare for the procedure without rushing.

Summary

This article explains the risks and disadvantages of spaying and neutering.

Spaying has the benefits of reducing your dog's risk of illness and preventing unintended pregnancy. However, because the procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, it also carries certain risks and disadvantages. Many owners may be reluctant to put a scalpel into their healthy dog's body.

However, not spaying or neutering your dog may increase the risk of developing certain diseases.

Ideally, owners should make the appropriate decision after fully understanding the pros, cons, and risks of spaying or neutering. To do so, consult with your veterinarian before the appropriate age.

We want to provide the maximum support possible to ensure our beloved dog lives a long and healthy life.