BENEFITS OF SPAYING & NEUTERING YOUR DOG
Responsible pet ownership includes making thoughtful decisions that support your dog's long-term health and well-being. Spaying and neutering are safe, routine veterinary procedures that offer lifelong benefits for dogs and cats, helping them live healthier, happier lives. Beyond preventing unplanned litters, these procedures play an important role in reducing certain health risks and supporting positive behavior.
Spaying and neutering also benefit the broader community by helping reduce pet overpopulation and easing the strain on shelters and rescue organizations. By choosing to spay or neuter, pet owners are taking a proactive step to protect their pets, support animal welfare efforts, and help ensure fewer animals face homelessness. Below, you’ll find information on the benefits, recommended timing, and resources to help you make the best decision for your pet. Also, visit our Arizona trusted Veterinarians page.
Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Dog
At P.A.W.S. (Pound Animals Worth Saving), we spay and neuter all of our dogs before adoption. Choosing to spay or neuter your pet is a proactive step toward supporting their lifelong health and well-being. These common veterinary procedures prevent reproduction and are safely performed by licensed professionals every day. Beyond population control, spaying and neutering contribute to longer life expectancy, improved health outcomes, and a better quality of life for pets.
Increased Longevity
Dogs that are spayed or neutered often live longer than those who remain unaltered. University of Georgia and Banfield Pet Hospitals analyzed over 70,000 dogs and found that the spayed/neutered dogs generally live longer than intact dogs, with altered males living ~14-18% longer and females ~26-23% longer. This study showed sterlized dogs living almost 2 years longer.
Improved Health Outcomes
For female pets, spaying removes the risk of uterine infections and cancers and greatly lowers the chance of developing mammary tumors when performed early. Male pets benefit from the elimination of testicular cancer risk and a reduced likelihood of prostate-related conditions. Sterilization also lowers the risk of transmission of certain reproductive diseases.
Positive Behavioral Changes
Spaying and neutering can decrease behaviors linked to mating instincts, such as marking, roaming, mounting, and aggression. Pets who are altered are less likely to wander away from home or engage in fights, reducing the risk of injury or accidents.
Financial Benefits
Preventing serious reproductive health conditions through spaying and neutering can reduce long-term veterinary expenses. Treatments for infections or cancers related to reproductive organs can be costly, making early sterilization a cost-effective choice for many pet owners.
Saving Pets Lives
Widespread spaying and neutering have played a key role in lowering shelter intake and euthanasia rates. By preventing unintended litters, these procedures help reduce overcrowding in shelters and support efforts to ensure more animals find and remain in loving homes.
When to Spay or Neuter
Dogs can safely be spayed or neutered at a young age, sometimes as early as six weeks old. Altering dogs before they reach sexual maturity can help maximize health and behavioral benefits while preventing accidental litters. Procedures performed earlier in life are often less complicated and may allow for a faster recovery.
For small-breed dogs, early spaying or neutering is commonly supported by current research. For large-breed dogs, the best timing can vary based on breed, size, activity level, and overall health. Pet owners should work closely with their veterinarian to determine the most appropriate age for their individual dog. Dogs adopted from PAWS will all be spayed or neutered prior to any adoption.
Where to Spay or Neuter
The best place to start is with your veterinarian, who can help you schedule a spay or neuter procedure and answer any questions about your dog’s specific needs. All dogs adopted at PAWS Fur the Cause are spayed or neutered.
If cost is a concern, low-cost spay and neuter options may be available through local animal shelters, nonprofit organizations, or community clinics. These programs are designed to make spaying and neutering more accessible while maintaining safe, high-quality care.
