Top 3 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Dog

Spaying or neutering your dog addresses the issue of overpopulation. It can also reduce the risk of dog-specific cancers.

Jan 27, 2025byKelley McFarland

top reasons to spay neuter your dog

 

A crucial part of being a responsible pet owner is spaying or neutering your dog. This routine surgical sterilization prevents your pup from breeding and has other benefits as well.

 

Most dog rescue organizations, shelters, and breeders include a spay or neuter clause in their contracts to prevent unwanted litters or irresponsible breeding practices. Many dog parks and boarding facilities often don’t allow intact dogs to use their facilities. If you’re on the fence, here are the top three reasons to spay or neuter your dog.

 

1. Spaying/Neutering Prevents Dog Overpopulation

dogs in shelter
Dogs in a kennel. – Image from the Record

 

There are too many dogs and not enough families willing or able to adopt. Over 3 million dogs enter the shelter system in the United States each year. The ASPCA notes that more than 300,000 are euthanized for overcrowding, aggression, or illness while in shelters. There just aren’t enough homes for the dogs that already exist. 

 

Many dogs are surrendered to shelters due to behavior issues their owners cannot resolve. Ideally, volunteers will work with the dogs on their behavior to get them adopted, but most just don’t have the time to work with every dog that needs help, so most of the consistent training must be done at home. Many people see that stress and commitment as a dealbreaker and would rather purchase a new puppy from a breeder to avoid that extra baggage. 

 

dog sleeping on beach
A stray dog sleeping on the beach. – Image by Henning Leweke on Wikimedia Commons

 

If you’ve just purchased your new furry buddy from a reputable breeder, it may be tempting to allow your dog to have a litter or two to recoup some of the cost. Looking at the bigger picture, the potential impact on the overpopulation problem and additional breeding expenses make this a venture that should not be entered lightly. 

 

You’ll spend a lot less to spay or neuter your dog than it would cost to raise a litter of puppies that you may or may not be able to sell. The easiest way to help ease the heartbreaking dog population issue is to spay or neuter your own pet and talk to your friends and family about doing the same. 

 

2. Sterilization Prevents Problematic Behaviors

chocolate lab in grass
A chocolate Lab on grass. – Image from PetHelpful

 

Dogs that are not neutered will eventually want to find a mate. This strong natural instinct can lead to a dog doing anything in his power to escape his yard and roam the neighborhood. He’ll jump a fence, dig a hole, or run out the door to sniff out a female. Nothing can stand in the way of a dog on the prowl. He’ll make it his job to mark his territory with frequent urination, inside and out, to achieve his ultimate goal of finding a new girlfriend. 

 

Similarly, a female dog will seek out a male counterpart. The good news for females is that this behavior is only present during times of heat, which occur about twice a year and last two to three weeks. During this time, you’ll have to deal with bloody discharge and increased urination. Indoor accidents are common during this time. 

 

Spaying and neutering will curb these mating instincts but won’t instantly turn your hyper dog into a mellow fellow. Although it would be fantastic if all dogs emerged from their sterilization surgery as perfect puppy angels, most dog behavior problems are only solved through consistent training and patience. 

 

two dogs at park
Two dogs at the park. – Image by Slyronit on Wikimedia Commons

 

If you’ve ever experienced a dog’s incessant humping, you know that most people correlate that behavior to an unneutered male. In fact, this is more of an expression of dominance than an actual attraction to your friend’s unassuming leg. Neutering your dog will certainly reduce the sexual desires in your dog, but a happy humper will need an attentive owner to help burn some excess energy and stop that habit.

 

Aside from humping, dogs that are on the hunt for a mate will often become aggressive with other dogs and people who get in the way of their instincts. This can lead to a dangerous situation for your dog and your family. 

 

3. Spaying/Neutering Reduces Cancer Risk

pug wearing cone
A black Pug wearing a cone. – Image from Instagram

 

Spaying and neutering prevent common cancers that affect dogs, particularly those affecting the uterus, ovaries, mammary glands, prostate, and testes. As a result, experts have found that dogs that have been spayed or neutered live longer than their intact puppy pals. Lower cancer risk and less roaming leads to healthier and safer lives for these dogs. 

 

The optimal age to spay your precious pup varies, depending on size and breed. The general rule of thumb is that smaller breed dogs should be spayed or neutered around six months old, before their first heat. Many vets recommend waiting until 12-18 months to spay or neuter larger dogs, as they have found that early sterilization led to increased eye, joint, or cancer risks. 

 

It’s best to consult your vet, who will have the most up-to-date scientific information about the optimal timeline to spay or neuter your precious pup.

 

golden retriever puppy
A Golden Retriever puppy. – Image from BetterDog Training

 

Once you make the decision to spay or neuter your furry friend, your vet can easily handle this routine procedure. In some cities, you may be able to find cost-effective clinics that are more than happy to schedule a visit. As a result, you can sleep easy knowing that you aren’t contributing to the dog overpopulation problem and that your new little buddy has the best chance at a happy and healthy life.

 

 

 

Kelley McFarland
byKelley McFarland

Kelley is a life-long animal lover who has experience caring for goats, alpacas, chickens, and dogs on a 3-acre hobby farm. Since moving to the Dallas suburbs, she enjoys exploring the neighborhood with Finn and Cody, her chocolate Labradoodle and spunky Boston Terrier Pug.