Should I Spay or Neuter My Golden Retriever
Should I Spay or Neuter My Golden Retriever
Should I Spay or Neuter My Golden Retriever? Golden Retrievers are friendly, loyal, and popular worldwide. As a good pet owner, you may be thinking about when to spay or neuter your Golden Retriever. This choice isn’t simple and can affect your dog’s health and behavior, so it’s important to uncover information to help you make that decision.
This article will provide information regarding current research, benefits, and risks of Neutering or spaying your Golden Retriever.
What does it mean to spay or neuter?
Simply put, it’s the surgical removal of genitalia. The genitalia are best known for a dog’s ability to reproduce offspring. As important is the role genitalia play in the production of key hormones, which impact your dog’s growth, development, and health. Education Resources Link
Better defined:
Females are spayed. Spaying is the surgical extraction of a female dog’s reproductive components, encompassing the ovaries and uterus.
Males are neutered. Neutering is the surgical removal of a male dog’s testicles.
Hormones are important!
Ovaries, in females, and testes, in males, are responsible for hormone production. These hormones influence skeletal development. More specifically, they are responsible for bone growth plate closure, which has a significant impact on disorders like hip dysplasia Link, elbow dysplasia Link, and cranial cruciate ligament Link
What is the best age to spay or neuter my Golden Retriever?
The predominant recommendation of spay or neuter timing was predicated on population control. The common recommendation is surgery at 6 to 9 months of age.
More current research indicates health benefits to waiting. As discussed before, hormones are important. The full impact that hormones have on the health isn’t seen until the dog reaches maturity. A study funded by the American Kennel Club’s Canine Health Foundation and conducted by the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine found differentiation between neutering done at 1 year of age or sooner (early), and that done after 1 year (late), in Goldens was very telling. When all three musculoskeletal disorders were combined to determine the risk of an early neutered dog acquiring at least one of these disorders, there was a risk of about 25% in males and 20% in females, compared to a 5-6% risk in intact dogs (non-spayed/neutered). Of the cancers, lymphoma was significantly increased in both female and male dogs neutered at or before 1 year. Mammary cancer was very rare in both intact and neutered females, as was pyometra. Reports can be found here
Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Golden Retriever
Health Benefits
Spaying or neutering your golden retriever can have several health benefits. It can significantly reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer and uterine infections. It can also help prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of your dog contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
Behavioral Benefits
Spaying or neutering your golden retriever can also have behavioral benefits. It can help reduce aggressive behavior, such as biting and fighting, in both male and female dogs. It can also help reduce roaming tendencies, which can lead to your dog getting lost or injured.
Population Control
Spaying or neutering your golden retriever is also an essential step in controlling the pet population. Every year, millions of dogs end up in shelters, and many of them are euthanized due to overpopulation. By spaying or neutering your dog, you are preventing unwanted litters and helping to reduce the number of homeless animals.
Family Benefits
Female Golden Retrievers have a heat cycle, on average, two times per year starting between the ages of 6-24 mos. Most of our Golden Retriever females at PBG Kennels initiate their heat cycle around 12- 14 months. The heat cycle has four stages, lasting 2-4 weeks. The first stage is the most obvious as the female leaves blood spots. So, families with intact (non-spayed) females spend 2 months a year sequestering their female from any male dog and diapering their female to protect furniture, floors, and clothing from blood stains. Spaying your female eliminates the hassle.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After spaying or neutering your golden retriever, you may notice some changes in their behavior and appearance. Female dogs may experience a decrease in appetite and activity level for a few days after the surgery. They may also have a slightly swollen abdomen and discharge from the incision site, which is normal and should subside within a week.
Male dogs may also experience a decrease in appetite and activity levels after the surgery. They may also have a slightly swollen scrotum and discharge from the incision site, which should also subside within a week.
It’s essential to keep an eye on your dog’s incision site and make sure they don’t lick or chew at it. If you notice any excessive swelling, redness, or discharge, contact your veterinarian immediately.
When Not to Spay or Neuter Your Golden Retriever
While spaying or neutering your golden retriever has many benefits, there are some instances where it may not be recommended. These include:
- If your dog is too young or too old, the procedure may not be safe for them.
- If your dog is pregnant or in heat, spaying a pregnant dog can be dangerous and should only be done in emergencies. It’s also not recommended to spay a dog while she is in heat, as it can increase the risk of complications.
- If your dog has an underlying health condition: If your dog has an underlying health condition, such as heart disease or diabetes, spaying or neutering may not be recommended. It’s essential to consult with your veterinarian before scheduling the procedure.
Conclusion
Spaying or neutering your golden retriever is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on your Golden Retriever’s health, behavior, and quality of life.
By spaying or neutering your golden retriever, you can help prevent certain types of cancer, reduce the risk of uterine infections, and control the pet population. It can also help improve your dog’s behavior and reduce the risk of them getting lost or injured.
As a responsible pet owner, it’s essential to consider the benefits and risks of spaying or neutering your golden retriever and make an informed decision. At PBG Kennels, we don’t believe there is a “one size fits all” in this critical decision. Our recommendation: consult with your veterinarian and make the best decision specific to your situation and your Golden Retriever.
“If you are lucky, a Golden Retriever, will come into your life, steal your heart, and change everything!”
Golden Retriever Club of America
Performance Bred Golden Retrievers
Commitment To Excellence: “Performance Bred Golden Retrievers” PBG Kennels
Nestled within the heart of the Piedmont Region of North Carolina lies PBG Kennels, a sanctuary where passion, expertise, and commitment converge to redefine the standards of Golden Retriever breeding, training, and care. At its helm stand Howard Jaekle and Clay Moose, two stalwarts whose dedication to Golden
Retrievers transcend mere breeding – it’s a lifelong commitment to excellence, genetics, health, and the pursuit of perfection.
Howard Jaekle: The Maestro of Genetics and Competition
Howard Jaekle epitomizes the pursuit of genetic perfection and competitive excellence with Golden Retrievers. With a profound understanding of breed genetics and a relentless dedication to the craft, Howard has elevated PBG Kennels to the pinnacle of success in the competitive arena.
His journey began over 25 years ago, fueled by a passion for Golden Retrievers that borders on obsession. Howard’s breeding philosophy is grounded in a meticulous approach to genetic selection, where every pairing is carefully curated to preserve breed integrity and enhance desirable traits. Through painstaking research and selective breeding practices, Howard has produced generations of Golden Retrievers that embody the epitome of breed excellence.
Beyond the confines of the kennel, Howard’s presence looms large on the competitive circuit, where PBG Kennel’s dogs consistently shine on the grandest stages. Howard’s dogs are a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and his unparalleled expertise in breed genetics.
Clay Moose: The Guardian of Training and Health
Complementing Howard’s genetic mastery is Clay Moose, the consummate guardian of training and health at PBG Kennels. With a wealth of experience in canine behavior and health management, Clay ensures that every dog that passes through PBG Kennels receives the highest standard of care and training. His journey in the world of Golden Retrievers is fueled by a passion for training and a deep-seated desire to unlock the full potential of every dog. Clay’s approach to training is rooted in patience, empathy, and a profound understanding of canine psychology, allowing him to forge deep bonds with each dog under his guidance.
Moreover, Clay’s commitment to canine health is second to none. Clay leaves no stone unturned in ensuring the well-being of every dog at PBG Kennels. His dedication to health and wellness extends beyond the kennel walls. Clay actively engages with veterinary professionals and industry experts to stay abreast of the latest advancements in canine healthcare.
A Legacy of Excellence: Commitment to Customers
Together, Howard Jaekle and Clay Moose embody the essence of PBG Kennels – a legacy of excellence, passion, and commitment to customers. Their unwavering dedication to Golden Retriever breeding, training, and health has set PBG Kennels apart as a beacon of quality and compassion in the world of dog breeding.
With each new litter, Howard and Clay reaffirm their commitment to providing the best possible experience for their customers. From the moment a puppy is born to the day it joins its new family, Howard and
Clay spared no effort in ensuring that every customer receives not just a pet, but a lifelong companion that embodies the essence of PBG Kennel’s commitment to excellence. In conclusion, Howard Jaekle and Clay Moose are pillars of passion, expertise, and dedication at PBG Kennels. Their unwavering commitment to Golden Retriever breeding, genetics, training, and health is a testament to their enduring legacy of excellence and their steadfast commitment to providing the best possible experience for their customers.
“If you are lucky, a Golden Retriever will come into your life, steal your heart, and change everything!”