How True are Spaying and Neutering Myths

Updated: April 27, 2022

Spay and neuter are general terms used to describe the removal of a male and female dog's reproductive organs, respectively. The difference between spay and neuter is ovaries will be removed from the female and the testes for the male.

Spaying and neutering are one of the most effective ways to avoid unwanted pregnancies and to prevent urinary infections & issues in dogs. But as helpful it may seem to parents, some are still in doubt.

Today, we'll debunk common spaying and neutering myths to help you set the record straight.

MYTH: It will make my dog gain weight.

Nope. Spaying and neutering your dog will not make him gain weight, overfeeding and not exercising your dog will.

"Spaying and neutering are one of the most effective ways to avoid unwanted pregnancies and to prevent urinary infections & issues in dogs."

Nope. Spaying and neutering your dog will not make him gain weight, overfeeding and not exercising your dog will.

Though spaying and neutering causes a shift on he hormone leptin which influences appetite and food intake, and insulin which controls blood sugar, these will result in a slower metabolism in your dog.

Your dog will gain IF no changes has been made to what and how much you feed after spaying or neutering.

spaying a female dog

MYTH: It causes behavioral changes.

Dogs who are not spayed or neutered are more likely to mark & urinate in inappropriate areas of the house and will leave behind a strong urine odor. Neutering can help your dog avoid some aggressive behavior that is caused by high levels of testosterone.

MYTH: It's expensive.

The cost of having your dog spayed or neutered is lesser compared to having to take care for a litter of pups! Accumulate needed birthing supplies ($150-$250), Prenatal vitamins for mother ($25-$50), Birth Expenses – Natural (have oxytocin, other drugs on hand for complications ($100-$200), Birth Expenses – C-section/Complications ($1500-$3000), More premium food for nursing mom & puppies ($300), Deworming and Vaccines (depending on the number of pups), etc.

There are now low cost spay and neuter clinics and services offered by veterinary clinics.

MYTH: It's risky, not healthy and an act of cruelty.

False! Many pet parents may think it's cruel and risky because like any surgical procedure, it is associated with some anesthetic and surgical risks, but the overall incidence of complications is very low.

Benefits of spaying and neutering?

To prevent unwanted pregnancies. If your female dog is not spayed, she will continue to go through heat cycles. And when she goes into heat, male dogs will always be lurking round and getting pregnant can be possible. Also, having a litter of pups is expensive.

To minimize behavioral issues. Spaying and neutering can also reduce certain behavioral issues in dogs like lessening their aggressive behavior (as mentioned above, but there's no guarantee), decreases their desire to escape and roam around to find a mate, helps marking and inappropriate urination.

To reduce risk of certain diseases. Unwanted breeding from different dog breeds can destroy or alter a breed's standards and qualities. So if ever your dog mates a dogs who has a different breed, certain health issues and temperament problems may arise in the litter.

"Many pet parents may think it's cruel and risky because like any surgical procedure, it is associated with some anesthetic and surgical risks, but the overall incidence of complications is very low."

The author

MICKA V.

Author Bio

Micka Virtudazo is a full-time content creator at Pet Parents® who lives with thirteen adorable American Bullies and a Shih Tzu-Maltese mix named Gretel. She especially enjoys writing how-to articles as she feels through this she can connect to other pet parents on a more personal level.

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