Spaying and Neutering Myths: Debunked

Spay and neuter surgeries are among the most common veterinary procedures performed on pets, yet misinformation and myths still abound.

Author: Emi Kooyman | Founder

These misconceptions can often discourage pet owners from making informed decisions about their pets' health. Let's explore some of these myths in-depth, understand how they originated, and clarify the facts based on veterinary expertise and credible sources.

Myth #1: Spaying or Neutering Causes Pets to Gain Weight

Misconception Explained:

This myth likely originates from observing pets that become overweight after surgery. Pet owners may incorrectly attribute post-surgery weight gain directly to spaying or neutering, rather than recognizing related lifestyle factors.

Facts:

Spaying or neutering itself does not directly cause obesity. However, the procedure removes reproductive hormones (such as estrogen and testosterone), which can decrease a pet's metabolism and increase appetite. If pet owners continue feeding their pets the same amount without adjusting for these changes, weight gain can occur. There are many altered pets who are athletes and/or have great body condition scores. Spaying/neutering your pet does not have to lead to obesity.  .

Preventive Measures:

1. Talk to Your Veterinarian: Every pet is unique, and their caloric needs can vary based on factors like age, breed, size, and activity level. Consult your veterinarian to determine the ideal caloric intake for your pet post-surgery. They can help you create a tailored feeding plan that ensures your pet stays lean and healthy while meeting their nutritional requirements. 

2. Maintain a consistent feeding schedule with measured portions.

3. Provide regular physical activities to keep your pet healthy and fit.

Myth #2: Spaying or Neutering Will Change My Pet’s Personality Negatively

Misconception Explained:

Some pet owners fear that their pets will lose their unique personalities after surgery. This misconception arises from confusing personality traits with hormone-driven behaviors.

Facts:

Spaying or neutering does not negatively alter your pet's core personality. Personality is shaped primarily by genetics, socialization, and environment—not reproductive hormones. What spay/neuter procedures do influence are hormone-driven behaviors such as aggression, territorial marking, roaming in search of mates, and vocalization during heat cycles. Reducing these behaviors typically results in a calmer, more focused pet that is less distracted by reproductive instincts.

Positive Behavioral Outcomes Include:

1. Reduced roaming tendencies.

2. Decreased aggression toward other animals.

3. Less territorial marking (urine spraying).

It’s important to note that while spaying and neutering will likely reduce hormone-driven behaviors, they will not take all ‘bad behaviors’ away. Humping, for example, is not always sexually-motivated but can also be excitement-driven.

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Considering whether you should spay/neuter your pets? Learn here and find out "Why Neutering Your Dogs Might Just be The Best Decision You Make."

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Myth #3: Female Pets Should Have at Least One Litter Before Being Spayed

Misconception Explained:

This myth stems from outdated beliefs suggesting that having a litter provides health or emotional benefits to female pets.

Facts:

There are no medical or psychological benefits for female pets having "just one litter." In fact, allowing a female pet to have even one litter increases her exposure to estrogen, significantly raising her risk for mammary tumors and uterine infections (pyometra). Veterinary experts strongly recommend spaying before the first heat cycle to maximize health benefits and minimize cancer risks.

Myth #4: Spaying or Neutering Is Unsafe or Painful for Pets

Misconception Explained:

Concerns about surgery safety often arise from general anxiety about anesthesia or surgical procedures.

Facts:

Modern veterinary medicine has made spay/neuter surgeries much more safe and routine. Veterinarians perform these procedures daily with minimal complications. Pets typically recover quickly with appropriate pain management medications provided post-surgery. The risks associated with not spaying/neutering—such as reproductive cancers or infections—far outweigh the minimal surgical risks involved.

Myth #5: Spay/Neuter Procedures Are Too Expensive

Misconception Explained:

Pet owners may perceive upfront surgical costs as prohibitively expensive without considering long-term financial implications.

Facts:

While there is an initial cost for spay/neuter surgeries, it is significantly lower compared to expenses associated with caring for unplanned litters or treating reproductive-related medical conditions such as pyometra or testicular cancer. Additionally, numerous affordable options exist through low-cost spay/neuter clinics, shelters, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to making these essential procedures accessible to everyone.

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While spay/neuter procedures aren’t necessarily expensive, their prices in various clinics and veterinarians vary to a point where it seems like there isn’t a uniform standard. Read our article “Spay and Neuter Prices: Why They Vary” to learn why.

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Myth #6: Neutering Makes Male Pets Feel "Less Masculine"

Misconception Explained:

This myth anthropomorphizes pets by attributing human emotions like masculinity or pride to animals.

Facts:

Pets do not possess human-like concepts of gender identity or masculinity. Removing reproductive organs does not cause pets emotional distress related to identity; rather, it protects them from hormone-driven behaviors that can lead to aggression, roaming-related dangers (such as traffic accidents), and certain cancers. Neutered males typically become calmer companions without any negative psychological impact.

Myth #7: Indoor Pets Don’t Need Spaying or Neutering

Misconception Explained:

Owners of indoor-only pets may believe their animals are safe from accidental pregnancies or mating-related issues simply because they stay indoors.

Facts:

While we may think that keeping our pets indoors and avoiding them from interacting with others outside the house will prevent breeding, pets cannot recognize familial relationships and may mate with littermates, parents, or offspring if given the opportunity. This can lead to inbreeding and associated health problems in offspring. Even indoor pets can escape unexpectedly due to stressors like loud noises or natural disasters. Additionally, intact indoor pets still face increased health risks such as cancers and uterine infections that spaying/neutering significantly reduces. Thus, spay/neuter remains beneficial regardless of whether your pet goes outdoors regularly.

How Misconceptions Become Myths:

Pet-related myths often originate from anecdotal observations shared among well-intentioned but misinformed pet owners. A single experience—such as noticing a friend's dog gaining weight after surgery—can quickly spread misinformation if not properly contextualized. Without professional veterinary guidance correcting these misconceptions early on, they become entrenched beliefs passed down through generations of pet owners.

Why Addressing These Misconceptions Matters:

Dispelling myths around spaying/neutering is crucial because misinformation can delay critical health decisions for pets. Timely spay/neuter procedures not only protect individual animals from serious health issues but also help control pet overpopulation—a significant societal concern leading to millions of homeless and, ultimately, euthanized animals each year.

By understanding facts versus fiction clearly outlined above—and consulting trusted veterinary professionals—pet owners can confidently make informed decisions that ensure healthier lives for their beloved animals while contributing positively towards community animal welfare efforts.

If you've decided to provide your pets the benefit of spaying and neutering, don't wait! Check out our Spay/Neuter Packages or book your appointment today!