health-wise, advantages for not spaying a dog?

Question

i have been on many different sites, and people from europe seem to think that americans are too quick to neuter animals. i would be interested in hearing reasons, other than the obvious get em fixed so there aren't too many, and take out the organs, less chance of cancer.
i am interested in hearing from the other side, what health benefits are gained by holding off on neutering
i am a very responsible pet owner, treat them as my children, and want the best for them.
thank you

Answer 1

for me i think neutering above the age of maturity which is between 1 to 2 is fine for the pets. i don't think there are any health benefits gained by not neutering them unless you consider having puppies.

for female dogs especially, there would not only be cancer but other complications may also arise when they are not sterilised, for male dogs and females dogs, the advantages also includes not ''humping'' people-decreased sexual desires which may not seem nice to visitors.

i'm from singapore by the way, and we are encouraged over here to neuter pets when they reach maturity to prevent more strays and also to prevent diseases, complications, bad behaviour like humping humans. it saves the pet further pains in the future and doesn't harm them. =)

Answer 2

Advantages to *not* spaying? None. Sorry, but that's the truth. I've seen entirely too much of the problems that come with not spaying to believe that there are any benefits.

Advantages to not neutering? Depends on what you do with your dog. I may wait a few years to neuter some of my boys, because they are working sled dogs and I believe (by my own experience and the experience of others) that hormones seem to produce better muscle development in a young male dog. Once they fully mature, however, they're neutered (unless I'm planning on using them in my breeding program or showing them).

For the average pet owner, however -- once again -- none. Which is one of the (many) reasons all of my pet puppies are placed on spay/neuter contract.

Answer 3

There really isn't any health benefit to NOT spaying your animals. It's been proven through numerous studies that spaying/neutering your dog will extend their life, often by several years. Their behavior will be better (especially females) - they will not get dominant or aggressive, etc. I've worked in a vet's office and been a vet student for 3 years, and I don't know of any benefits of NOT spaying.

Answer 4

You have basically answered your own question except for the problem of the time going through the cycle and the inconvenience of that time.I believe some people have a problem with that and the possibility of the Dame seeking out other Dogs and vicversa,or other male Dogs coming around.The female becomes venerable for breedeing during that time.If your Dog is small you may barely notice the cycle,however the larger the Dog the bigger the problem.Good Luck!!!!

Answer 5

There have been studies linking spaying with health problems such as increased risk of bone cancer and early senility. I'm not at my usual computer, so I don't have ready access to the articles in question. Spaying also affects growth of the animal, especially when done at a very young age.

OTOH, unspayed females are susceptible to mammary cancer and pyometra. Also, when my older female developed incontinence we were unable to treat the problem with hormones because she had stopped having her heats and the hormones would have started them again.

Then there is also the inconvenience of dealing with a female in season (bleeding, keeping her away from males, behavior issues). Are you responsible enough to deal with this?

I strongly suggest doing a lot of research on the subject and making up your own mind.

Answer 6

I have never heard of any benefits of not fixing an animal. You obvoiusly know about the cancer part, and that's the main reason i think it is best to neuter.

Answer 7

the sooner the better actually. look at it like circumcisions, i mean come on, r u gunna give i 10 year old one . its better to do it sooner because they wont remember the experience as much as if they are older. all animals are a pain in the a$$ when they are in heat and if you have kids its not a very good idea to breed. good luck hope this helps

Answer 8

If you don't plan to breed and I assume you don't, then there is no good reason not to neuter.