Scientific Suggestion: The Best Time for Dog Spaying/Ne

It is advisable to spay a female dog after she has fully experienced her first heat cycle, and then to wait for an additional 3 to 6 months before the onset of her second heat cycle to perform the sterilization surgery.

Female hormones have a significant impact on various parts of the body, and it is crucial not to sterilize too early, as it can have overlooked effects.

For male dogs, sterilization is generally not recommended unless there is a case of undescended testicles. The act of mounting is a hallmark of a dog's maturity, and it is a behavior that can be improved with patience and proper training from the pet owner.

Should you insist on removing the testicles, please consider doing so after the dog is one year old. After all, once the testicles are gone, it's too late to regret the decision.

Why might some veterinarians suggest early sterilization?

Simply put, the surgery is easier to perform.

In detail, the reproductive systems of未成年 pets are less prone to excessive bleeding, and in some cases, they may not even require internal suturing during sterilization. Younger pets have less fatty tissue, which means there are fewer obstacles to surgery and suturing, and their wounds heal faster.

However, since the 1970s, numerous studies have consistently shown that sterilizing pets before the age of one can have serious negative effects.

Is sterilization good or bad?

This question does not have a straightforward answer. My role is to present the benefits and drawbacks of sterilization as comprehensively as possible, leaving the final decision to you.

I am not against sterilization; I am against the various widespread and foolish myths. Ignoring the dual nature of things and deliberately emphasizing only one side is either foolishness following the crowd or deliberate mischief.

Benefits of Sterilization:

1. Reduces the risk of breast tumors: The surge in hormones during heat cycles can lead to breast tumors, with a relatively low mortality rate of 6%.

2. Prevents pyometra: This condition, caused by excessive hormonal stimulation, results in the accumulation of pus in the reproductive system. The incidence in older female dogs ranges from 1% to 15%, and it can be treated surgically with a low risk of complications.

3. Prevents testicular cancer: The risk of testicular cancer in unsterilized male dogs is about 7%, most often occurring in older dogs. The tumor can be surgically removed, but the risk is particularly high in dogs with undescended testicles, making early sterilization after maturity advisable.

4. Lowers the risk of prostatic diseases: While rare, older unsterilized male dogs often suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia, which can be treated surgically or with medication.

5. Reduces the risk of anal tumors: This is one of the most common tumors in older unsterilized male dogs, with 80% being benign. Sterilization can lower the incidence of benign tumors, but the remaining 20% of malignant tumors are not affected by sterilization.

6. Eliminates heat cycles: This avoids the peculiar behaviors associated with heat cycles, such as frequent urination in male dogs and the estrus cycle in female dogs.

Drawbacks of Sterilization:

1. Abnormal skeletal structure: As animals grow, hormones from the reproductive system help determine bone length and shape. Early sterilization can disrupt this process, leading to abnormal growth, elongation, and proportion, which can threaten the dog's knees.

2. Increased risk of bone cancer: Osteosarcoma is more common in large breeds, and early sterilization can significantly increase the risk.

3. Hypothyroidism: Sterilized dogs are more prone to hypothyroidism compared to those that have not been sterilized.

4. Obesity and related diseases: Sterilized dogs tend to gain weight more easily, especially if sterilized before the first heat cycle. Obesity can greatly increase the risk of diabetes and can lead to weakened joint strength, structural abnormalities, and conditions like cruciate ligament tears, hip problems, and arthritis.

5. Urinary issues and incontinence: Sterilized female dogs are more susceptible to urinary tract infections and incontinence, which can be improved with hormonal therapy.

6. Increased risk of hemangiosarcoma: This condition is more common in dogs, and sterilized dogs have a higher incidence of hemangiosarcoma.

The above are based on studies with clear correlations. As for the impact of sterilization on a dog's behavior, there is significant individual variation and a direct relationship with the pet owner's training, so this is not within the scope of our discussion.

Regarding the impact of sterilization on a dog's lifespan, there is limited research, but the few studies that have been conducted suggest that unsterilized dogs live 30% longer than sterilized dogs.

Other research indicates that there is little relationship between pet sterilization and potential lifespan, effectively refuting the absurd claim that sterilization leads to a longer life.

In summary, there are many legitimate and reasonable reasons to sterilize pets, but the notion that "sterilization equals happiness, a longer life, and good health" is purely fictional.