Do spaying and neutering really make animals live longer?

Spaying and neutering pets are subjects that have stirred strong feelings and lively debate for years among dog and cat owners, veterinarians and animal lovers alike. Many people are convinced that these procedures do a great deal of good, both for the animals themselves and for the community they live in. Shifting approaches to managing pet populations, together with the growing number of homeless animals, make spaying and neutering more relevant than ever. In this article we look at the benefits these procedures bring and consider why they are a key part of responsible pet ownership. 

Why spaying and neutering pets matter

Spaying and neutering play a key role in managing pet populations, which matters both for animal health and for the wellbeing of the wider community. One of the main reasons these procedures are important is that they prevent uncontrolled breeding, which produces large numbers of homeless animals that end up in shelters or on the street. Spaying and neutering also help reduce the risk of many diseases, among them tumours of the reproductive organs, and they cut down on unwanted behaviour such as aggression or running off in search of a mate. The procedures improve animals’ quality of life by removing the stress that comes with the reproductive cycle and keeping them out of dangerous situations such as fights with other animals. In the longer term, spaying and neutering not only bring health benefits but also support a sustainable animal population, which is good for society as a whole. Owners are therefore encouraged to make informed decisions about these procedures, which have a positive effect on their pets’ lives and on the world around them.

Spaying and mammary tumours: evidence for a longer life

One of the strongest arguments for spaying female dogs is its marked effect on the risk of mammary tumours, and hence on how long these animals live. Studies show that spaying a young bitch before her first season reduces the risk of mammary tumours as much as 200 times compared with bitches that are not spayed. Where the operation is carried out between the first and second season, the risk falls 13-fold. Given that mammary cancer is the most common form of tumour in unspayed bitches, the benefits of early spaying are considerable indeed. A lower cancer risk not only improves quality of life but also lengthens it, which is strong evidence that spaying is good for animals’ health and welfare.

Preventing uterine disease

Spaying pets, and female dogs in particular, is crucial in preventing serious diseases of the reproductive system such as pyometra and uterine tumours. Pyometra is a dangerous infection that often requires costly treatment and frequently ends tragically, with the loss of the animal. It is a common problem in unspayed bitches and usually appears after a season. Uterine tumours are relatively rare, but they too carry considerable health risks and expensive treatment. During spaying the uterus is removed entirely, which eliminates the risk of these dangerous conditions.

How neutering affects the quality and length  of a dog’s life

• One of the key benefits of neutering is that it prevents most prostate disorders in male dogs. In older, unneutered dogs the prostate often becomes enlarged, infected or affected by other serious conditions such as acute or chronic prostatitis, tumours of the perianal glands or prostatic abscesses. Studies show that most of these disorders are far less common in neutered dogs.

• Many unneutered males display aggressive behaviour, which can take various forms including dominance aggression, fear aggression and aggression towards other males. Neutering is a significant part of treating and preventing aggression: around 50% to 75% of dogs neutered because of aggression problems show an improvement in behaviour, and in some cases the aggression disappears altogether. Good upbringing and training are equally important, but neutering is a meaningful step towards a calmer and safer life for the dog.

• Removing the testicles during neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer. Neutering also helps prevent and treat a range of conditions, both infectious and non-infectious. Unneutered dogs, for example, may develop feminisation syndrome linked to hormonal disturbance, which does not occur in animals neutered at a young age. Neutering also reduces the risk of perineal hernia and removes problems caused by sex hormones. In some breeds, moreover, it can help prevent or treat skin conditions.

Spaying, neutering and the fight against homelessness

Spaying and neutering pets play a key role in reducing homelessness and straying, which are serious problems in many communities. The main reason the numbers of homeless dogs and cats keep rising is uncontrolled breeding, which produces a surplus of puppies and kittens that later often end up on the street or in a shelter. Owners who decide against spaying or neutering expose their pets to the risk of running away, especially during oestrus or a season, when animals go looking for a mate. Situations like these lead not only to unplanned litters but also to the risk of road accidents, disease or cruelty. By having pets spayed and neutered, the number of homeless animals can be reduced, helping to create a safer and healthier environment for animals and people alike.