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!”