H&G Open House: Spay & Neuter: Navigating Whether (or not), When, and How

Conventional wisdom in the US is to spay and neuter dogs at an early age, for supposed benefits to male temperament and to avoid reproductive system cancers, as well as to prevent unwanted puppies. But breeders and breed clubs (including NEMDA) increasingly recommend keeping dogs intact until later in life, to decrease the risk of orthopedic problems, cancers, and other health issues. Meanwhile, European dogs are often kept intact well into adulthood. How can a responsible Entlebucher owner make sense of all of this? Should we spay or neuter our Entlebuchers? If so, at what age? And what are the options for spay and neuter methods?

Dr. Michelle Kutzler, DVM, PhD, DACT, is a veterinary specialist in reproductive health and a full professor at Oregon State University. She has been closely following and contributing to the changing conversation around spaying and neutering our canine companions. Join Dr. Kutzler for an eye-opening discussion on this topic, including:

• The original rationale for spaying and neutering in the US, and what has changed
• Updated science on the risks of pyometra and mammary cancer in females and testicular and prostate disease in males, for traditionally spayed and neutered vs. hormonally intact dogs
• Risks associated with removing the canine reproductive tract, including cancer and orthopedic disease, changes to behavior and cognitive function, urinary incontinence, and weight gain
• Options for spaying and neutering without altering dogs’ hormonal function, and how to determine if these options are right for your dog and your lifestyle

Dr. Kutzler is a leading speaker on this important topic, and we are honored to have her present and answer questions for our club.

For more information about the Health & Genetics Open House Series, CLICK HERE

The H&G series is just one of the ways NEMDA membership supports Entlebucher breed education, health research, and other great things. Not a member?JOIN US!