Living with Dogs That Are Not Spayed or Neutered: What to Know

There are many important health, behavioural, and practical reasons to consider spaying and neutering your dog, but some owners choose to keep their dogs entire for valid reasons such as breeding or working roles. Living with a dog that is not spayed or neutered requires an understanding of the unique challenges involved, so you can provide the best care while managing potential risks responsibly.

Why Timing Matters: When to Spay or Neuter Your Dog

UK veterinary experts generally recommend spaying or neutering dogs around six months of age, although surgeries can be safely done earlier, even from eight weeks in some cases, with swift recovery. However, recent research shows that for larger or giant breeds, early neutering may increase risks of certain orthopaedic issues like cruciate ligament injuries and hip dysplasia, as well as certain forms of cancer. Early spaying in females may also increase the risk of urinary incontinence later in life. Therefore, it's crucial to discuss your dog's specific breed, size, and needs with your vet to decide the ideal timing, balancing health benefits with any potential risks.

Living with an Unspayed Female Dog

An entire female dog will typically come into season twice a year, ranging from five to nine months apart, though this can vary by breed; some smaller dogs may start cycling at six months, while larger breeds might only experience their first season at one to two years old. Notably, breeds like the Basenji often come into season just once annually.

During season, lasting around two to three weeks, you will notice signs such as vulva swelling and bloody discharge which can last from three to seventeen days. The scent released naturally attracts male dogs, so walks should be kept short and your dog should not be let off the lead. At home, using special doggy pants can help manage discharge and prevent males from accessing your female dog. You must also supervise any garden access closely to prevent unwanted mating or escapes, as male dogs may attempt to jump fences.

Health Risks for Unspayed Females

Unspayed female dogs are at significant risk of pyometra, a severe and potentially life-threatening uterine infection requiring emergency veterinary surgery. Symptoms include vaginal discharge, increased thirst, vomiting, lethargy, and frequent vulva licking. There is also a higher chance of developing mammary tumours, which can be benign or cancerous; spaying before the first heat greatly reduces this risk.

Living with an Entire Male Dog

Contrary to popular belief, not all entire male dogs mark territory or hump obsessively, particularly if well socialised. However, hormone-driven behaviours may include roaming in search of females in heat, territorial marking by urination, and sexual behaviours such as humping dogs or objects. Testosterone does influence muscle tone and may enhance working or competitive abilities in intact males, which motivates some owners to defer neutering.

Behaviourally, intact males can be more aggressive towards other male dogs, especially non-intact dogs, due to differences in scent and dominance instincts. Training and early socialisation are essential to teach acceptable behaviour and control territorial or sexual urges. When they mark indoors, prompt cleaning with odour-neutralising products helps prevent repeated marking in the same spot.

Managing Behavioural Challenges

Intact males may experience a distinctive odour especially during adolescence, often from urine soiling. Regular grooming helps control this temporarily. Unruly or untrained entire males should be kept on leads near other dogs to prevent incidents. A consistent, gentle corrective approach works best to modify unwanted behaviours like humping or leg grabbing.

Practical Considerations and Responsible Ownership

Living with an entire dog demands vigilance to prevent unwanted pregnancies and manage associated behaviours successfully. Dogs that roam or escape pose risks such as traffic accidents or fights with other animals. Responsible ownership includes secure containment, attentive supervision during dogs’ reproductive cycles, and training to mitigate behavioural issues.

It is also important to recognise the broader community impact. Not spaying or neutering contributes to pet overpopulation, increasing the strain on rescue centres and shelters in the UK. Unplanned litters often result in homeless puppies, many of whom face uncertain futures. Supporting ethical breeding and adoption practices benefits both individual dogs and the wider pet community.

Conclusion

Deciding when to spay or neuter your dog is a nuanced choice that should always involve veterinary guidance considering breed, size, and individual health. While keeping dogs entire can fit certain lifestyles or purposes, owners must be prepared for the behavioural changes, health risks, and practical management involved. Understanding and proactively addressing these factors helps ensure your dog's wellbeing and contributes to responsible pet care in society.

For those seeking to find reputable breeding or looking for puppies, it is recommended to start with puppies and reputable breeders who prioritise health and ethical practices.