Podcast Episode 24: Spaying and Neutering Dogs
This episode discusses the risks and benefits of spaying and neutering dogs. Studies have shown that we need to make some changes. It is often advocated to sterilize dogs to protect them from cancer. However, it turns out the opposite is true. A study published at UC Davis in 2013, titled Long-Term Health Effects of Neutering Dogs: Comparison of Labrador Retrievers with Golden Retrievers found that sterilization of Golden Retrievers before six months of age increases their risk of joint diseases later in life by 400% to 500% percent! Similarly, for Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds (separate UC Davis study in 2015) by 300%. These are alarming numbers.
Related Article: My Thoughts on Spaying and Neutering
References for Spaying and Neutering Dogs
- Early Neutering Poses Health Risks for German Shepherd Dogs, Study Finds (UC Davis, 2016) (PDF)
- Neutering Dogs: Effects on Joint Disorders and Cancers in Golden Retrievers (UC Davis, 2013) (PDF)
- Long-Term Health Effects of Neutering Dogs: Comparison of Labrador Retrievers with Golden Retrievers (UC Davis, 2014) (PDF)
- Find a board-certified veterinarian in your area: Parsemus Foundation.
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