11/02/2025
When I was in Vet school 27 years ago, I was taught that early spaying and neutering was beneficial for health reasons and part of being a responsible owner. Over the past 10 years, views about this topic in the Vet profession have changed as more research has become available. Dr. Michelle Kutlzler, DVM, PhD, DACT board-certified reproduction specialist and professor at Oregon State University con, conducted some of the main research studies.
Growing research shows that removing your dog’s reproductive organs and the hormones they produce can have significant long-term health and life-span consequences such as joint injuries, arthritis, chronic inflammation, organ dysfunction, certain cancers, and behavioral issues such as anxiety and aggression. Studies have found that early neutering increases the risk of certain cancers, such as lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and hemangiosarcoma.
As of 2024, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) no longer recommends routine spay/neuter for all dogs. Instead, they advise considering hormone-sparing alternatives that protect your dog’s health and well-being.
When s*x hormones are absent as a result of traditional spaying or neutering, your dog’s body compensates by increasing levels of luteinizing hormone (LH). Research studies confirmed that chronically high LH often leads to inflammation, injuries, organ disease, tissue degeneration, higher risk of cancer and behavioral problems.
Canine reproductive expert Dr. Michelle Kutzler, DVM, PhD, DACT joins Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM, HMC for the Part 2 discussion on health impacts of spaying and n...
