Beacons Dog Training

14/10/2026

✂️🥜🐶 WHAT IF WHEN YOU SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR DOG MATTERS JUST AS MUCH AS WHETHER YOU DO IT?

Preventing unwanted litters matters. But is it time to rethink HOW we sterilize dogs? Hormone-sparing procedures, including hysterectomy and vasectomy, can prevent reproduction while preserving natural s*x hormones.

🔬 NEW 2026 PEER-REVIEWED RESEARCH

Over 10 years, researchers reviewed records from 56,254 veterinary patients, including 313 dogs with mast cell tumors and 638 tumor-free comparison dogs. The study was accepted for publication in The Veterinary Journal.

🤯 1. TIMING MATTERS!

Dogs spayed or neutered before age 2 had 343% higher odds of a mast cell tumor diagnosis compared with intact dogs. Dogs sterilized after age 2 showed no statistically significant increase.

🐕 2. SIZE MATTERS!

Compared with small dogs, medium dogs had 2.6 times the odds and large dogs 5.2 times the odds.

⚖️ 3. WEIGHT MATTERS!

Overweight dogs had 80% higher odds than dogs at an ideal weight.

🧬 4. BREED MATTERS!

Compared with mixed-breed dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers had 7.5 times the odds and Boxers 3.9 times. Some breed groups were small.

❤️ 5. WHAT ABOUT SURVIVAL?

Neutering status wasn’t significantly associated with survival after surgery. Tumor grade and size were more important predictors.

🔬 WHY MIGHT HORMONES MATTER?

S*x hormones influence immune function and development. Researchers propose that early hormone removal and changes in luteinizing hormone (LH) may play a role, but this remains unproven.

🐾 THE BIG TAKEAWAY

Preventing unwanted litters doesn’t always mean removing hormone-producing organs. It’s time for individualized conversations with veterinarians about WHEN and HOW we sterilize dogs.

📄 Download the FREE PDF with the latest research surrounding Spay & Neuter Syndrome. Link in comments!

12/10/2026

Although we’re coming into winter in the UK, after last summer I think this needs to be shared more ready for next year, as I think these hot summers may become the rule rather than the exception 👌

10/10/2026

A new study that tracked dogs' aging by reading tiny chemical tags on their DNA found that larger dogs aged more quickly.

12/09/2026

26/06/2026

This 👇

22/06/2026

https://yappily.co.uk/defra-announces-changes-to-exemption-conditions-for-xl-bullies-and-other-prohibited-types/

DEFRA has updated XL Bully exemption rules. Insurance requirements end on 1 July 2026 and new child supervision rules begin on 1 November 2026.

22/06/2026

Please don’t walk your dogs I’m temperatures over 25 degrees, ideally cooler than that, which means over the next few days, if you can’t get your dog out before 7am, forego the walk, it won’t kill them but the heat can, and don’t forget, no tarmac walks, grass only. Tarmac and artificial grass gets unbearably hot in this weather. Play it safe, particularly with heavy coated dogs and Brachycephalic breeds.

11/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18mdKczj5m/?mibextid=wwXIfr

This IS tongue in cheek but genuinely - for the past 20 years - this analogy has served me SO well when talking to friends and family about “which dog is right” (and usually, which dog isn’t right…so, you’re choosing to buy a tank rather than a Volvo when you’re a family of four who like visiting busy family places and have people around because…).

So, I thought I would chuck out a little infographic you can use when you’re persuading your 96 year old neighbour not to get a Ferrari and your 6 stone, city dwelling 18 year old influencer cousin not to get a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon as her first car. Enjoy x