Spaying and neutering dogs were considered for decades a routine and almost mandatory practice of responsible ownership. However, modern veterinary science and new research are now questioning this approach, pointing to serious long-term health consequences for dogs and cats.
How the Professional View on Spaying and Neutering Has Changed
For many years, it was believed that the ideal time to neuter a dog was around the second year of life, after growth and development were completed. Yet, long-term experience in working with dogs, monitoring behavior and health issues, and reviewing scientific studies have shown that routine spaying and neutering dogs is not a universal solution.
Today, there is a growing emphasis that these procedures should be viewed exclusively as a therapeutic model, not as a preventive measure applied without individual assessment.
WSAVA Changes Recommendations: Spaying Only When There Is a Medical Reason
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has officially changed its recommendations regarding spaying and neutering dogs. In an executive summary published in 2024, it states that due to increasing evidence of harmful health effects of traditional gonadectomy, responsible owners are encouraged to leave dogs and cats intact unless there is a clear medical reason.
Special attention is drawn to the increased risk of:
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Malignant diseases
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Joint and skeletal disorders
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Hormonal imbalance
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Metabolic problems
WSAVA emphasizes that spaying and neutering dogs younger than six months is not recommended, as it significantly increases the risk of long-term health consequences within the human dog relationship.
When Spaying and Neutering Dogs Is Justified
According to modern guidelines, these procedures have justification:
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In cases of malignant diseases of the reproductive system.
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When there is a clear therapeutic reason.
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In special circumstances such as shelters, with the use of alternative methods that carry lower health risks.
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WSAVA changes its position on routine gonadectomy.
WSAVA also points out that although population control is important, it is not clear whether mass low-cost sterilization programs have truly reduced the number of abandoned animals, nor whether TNR programs bring long-term results.
Responsible Ownership Means an Individual Decision
Spaying and neutering dogs are not a question of morality but of medicine. A modern approach requires individual assessment of each dog, its health, environment, and real risks. Routine decisions without analysis are no longer in line with current science.
At Integrative and Holistic Grooming Education, we advocate for decisions based on biology and individual needs. Respecting the dog’s hormonal integrity is a key part of the Order of Harmony. Explore our philosophy: Linktree Sasha Riess