Fixing vs. Not Fixing your dogs

[Weeg]

I would any female I have now. I learned the hard way about pyometra. Look it up it's nothing nice

I've read about this to. Definitely risks on both sides. Thanks for sharing this.

 

[HKG]

Hey everyone, this is something I've done a lot of research on lately. We've had labs in the past and always got them fixed. This time, I decided to do some research on the topic. I found a very informative article against fixing your dogs. Its written on Dogs Naturally, and very large, informative, and trustworthy source for holistic/natural medical care for dogs. I use it for a lot of my dog questions. Point being, they talked about a lot of study's in the article showing that intact dogs are less likely to get hip dysplasia, joint disease, cancer, and behavioral issues. I've also found that this is a very controversial topic. Theres lots of article claiming the exact opposite. I'm interested to see everyones opinion. I personally am leaning towards not spaying my pup. I'll link the article I read below. I also never liked how invasive it is. Vets remove the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovaries. The entire reproductive system. Plus it immediately cuts off hormones, which play a big role in the immune system.
Anyway, this is just want I've read. Wondering what everyone else opinions are. If you don't spay your dog, please feel free to add what you do to prevent pregnancy. I know, and agree that dog over populations a major issue, but I also think that measures can be taken to prevent intact females from becoming pregnant, it just takes a responsible owner. I know this is a touchy topic and others may have strong opinions. Lets try to keep this discussion friendly and informative. Thanks everyone!
Article- https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/three-reasons-to-reconsider-spayneuter/

We have never spayed our dogs. We don't have puppies all the time because we don't have any male dogs and when the dogs are in heat we watch them closely when they are let outside.

 

[Weeg]

I have done both and there certainly IS a difference in the overall health of the dog. Though my experience is with male dogs. I am leaning more on not fixing animals. For proper development you want those hormones in their bodies. I understand why people would want their animals fixed. Again, my experience with male dogs... Unneutered males are generally healthier, better physically, and overall temperament is better. Cutting the nuts off is not a reason to develop "good" behavior. Each dog is different but I am talking in general terms. Nearly every dog that I have known or owned that was neutered had massive health problems earlier in life and did not live as long. With the opposite, there were nearly no health issues and lived a VERY long time with the dogs that were intact.

This is what I have been reading. I have to agree. I personally wish I would have done more research before neutering Comet. He has limped all his life, always been hard to put weight on, etc. I have no reason to think this is because of a neuter, but if I didn't neuter him it would have given me a reason not to consider it as an option.
This a very interesting post, thank you for sharing. Great input!

 

[NatJ]

they talked about a lot of study's in the article showing that intact dogs are less likely to get hip dysplasia, joint disease...

Yes, there is the question of spaying or not-spaying, but there is also the option of spaying at a different age. Spaying early affects how the dog grows (including joints). Spaying after the dog reaches full physical maturity means the joints are already done growing.

So if you do not intend to breed your dog, you might consider letting her completely grow up, and then spay her. That way you would not have to deal with as many years of her going into heat, and there would be less total chance for unexpected pregnancies. (I am not saying you "should" do it that way, just saying you might consider it.)

...ovary sparing spays for females... Though sadly their isn't that option for males.

Obvously you cannot do an "ovary sparing spay" on a male, because he has no ovaries, and he does not get spayed!

But a male dog could have a vasectomy. The effects would be about the same-- no puppies, but organs & hormones still present.

 

[Bonkerelli]

This is what I have been reading. I have to agree. I personally wish I would have done more research before neutering Comet. He has limped all his life, always been hard to put weight on, etc. I have no reason to think this is because of a neuter, but if I didn't neuter him it would have given me a reason not to consider it as an option.
This a very interesting post, thank you for sharing. Great input!

No problem. Like I mentioned.. I think it is better for animals to stay intact but there are SO many puppies and kittens that are from irresponsible pet owners. That is why I am on the fence. I agreed with an earlier post on why you have a dog. Unfortunately, I live in an area where the majority of people live below the poverty line. There is a plethora of people who think they can make money by breeding their dogs. Not professional businesses who specialize in a breed but random people. Our local no kill shelter is overflowing with rescues and x-puppy mill dogs.

 

[HKG]

For all of the intact female dog owners, any tips for keeping them without unwanted pregnancies? I don't think we're going to spay our Labrador, she's 10 months so could go into heat soon. So far I'm planning on keeping her tight, we bought toys, planning on walking more often (on a leash) and of course, we've got a few diapers on hand. She also eats homemade raw, and I've read maybe adding root veggies can help keep her fuller. Do any of you adjust the diet when there' in heat? Thanks for the help.
Any other suggestions?

Just don't let her around male dogs. I feel like it would be actually quite hard for her to accidentally get pregnant. When my parents tried to have our one dog bred it was really difficult, not because of reproductive issues with them but just they wouldn't do it. I don't think they get pregnant on accident as often as people think.

 

[Weeg]

Yes, there is the question of spaying or not-spaying, but there is also the option of spaying at a different age. Spaying early affects how the dog grows (including joints). Spaying after the dog reaches full physical maturity means the joints are already done growing.

Thank you for adding this! Yes! I've read this as well. Totally forgot to mention it. If I were to spay her, I would wait until she was fully grown and probably closer to 2 years old before doing an ovary sparing spay.

 

[Weeg]

Just don't let her around male dogs. I feel like it would be actually quite hard for her to accidentally get pregnant. When my parents tried to have our one dog bred it was really difficult, not because of reproductive issues with them but just they wouldn't do it. I don't think they get pregnant on accident as often as people think.

Thank you! This is my thinking to. We live in a small town and don't have any close neighbor's either, so I think we can handle twice a year.

 

[HKG]

Thank you! This is my thinking to. We live in a small town and don't have any close neighbor's either, so I think we can handle twice a year.

Honestly the biggest challenge to not fixing them is the blood they drip everywhere!!!

 

[Iluveggers]

Both of my current dogs are rescues from kill shelters. Our two dogs before them were rescues, one from a kill-shelter and the other a no-kill.

After seeing the dog shelters around here full to the max with dogs, and one of the shelters has only puppies saved from kill shelters, I will never not spay or neuter my dogs. I respect those who choose not to, and hope they will keep a close eye on their dogs. My dog will occasionally wander into my neighbors yard (her dog is out all day on an invisible fence and they are best buddies), and I am 100% sure if he were not neutered he would have already had a few sets of puppies. I also won’t buy from breeders or even rescue from puppy mills. There are dogs being put down every day because of a surplus. Although I understand the risks of spaying/neutering, I think it is the most responsible thing I can do if I cannot raise a little of accidental puppies myself.