Challenging an Old Practice
Spay and neuter has been the automatic recommendation for dogs in this country for as long as most of us can remember. But this “automatic” practice may not be what’s best for your dog.
Recent studies identify negative, long-term effects of this old practice. New data supporting hormone balance has inspired recent change in the field of veterinary medicine. In 2024, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommended for the first time against the routine practice of spaying and neutering pets without cause.
At HOPE Healing for Animals, we want what’s best for your dog. This could mean recommending not to spay or neuter your new puppy. We also offer Canine Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for dogs who have already been spayed or neutered as a way to return the missing sex hormones, which support important, long-term health benefits.
Benefits of Sex Hormones
Sex hormones aren’t only for reproduction. They provide many other health benefits for your dog, including:
- joint and bone health
- weight regulation
- cancer mitigation
- bladder control
- behavior moderation
- cognitive function (in aging dogs)
A traditional spay or neuter procedure is not just a suppression of reproduction. It is the complete removal your dog’s sex organs, either the uterus and ovaries (female) or the testes (male).
This organ removal eliminates the hormones essential to almost every life process. Without these hormones, your dog is predisposed to chronic illnesses or at least a more challenging quality of life.
Hormone Issues for Female Dogs
Without ovaries, spayed female dogs have no estrogen. As a result, one of the most common issues is chronic incontinence, or Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence (USMI), which is a weakening of the bladder sphincter due to the lack of estrogen. The loss of estrogen may also cause:
- increased risk of some cancers
- urinary leaking
- hypothyroidism – slower heart rate and metabolism
- weight gain
Hormone Issues for Male Dogs
Neutering a male dog creates a spike in Lutein levels, which can cause “Spay-neuter Syndrome” in male dogs. This is a collection of health issues that includes:
- hypothyroidism – slower heart rate and metabolism
- sluggishness
- weight gain
- joint and ligament issues
- ACL tears
- hip dysplasia
- urinary incontinence
- anxiety and phobias
- increased risk of some cancers
Make Healthy Choices for Your Dog
When deciding what is best for your dog, you may choose:
- Not to spay or neuter
- Hormone-sparing Sterilization
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
The choice not to spay or neuter your dog may seem like the easiest solution. It retains the possibility of natural hormone production. However, it comes with the responsibility to prevent unwanted reproduction in other ways, whether your dog is a male or a female.
Sterilization that preserves hormone production may also be an option. For female dogs, this could be an ovary-sparing spay. Males could receive a vasectomy. Both of these procedures retain natural hormone production. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is proven effective for dogs who have already been spayed or neutered. This a real option for improved hormonal health, thanks to research from veterinarians and scientists working specifically on canine hormone health. This new treatment helps restore hormone balance for spayed or neutered pets.
Canine Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
The health benefits of hormone restoration can be varied, ranging from behavioral changes to physical improvements, such as:
- Less anxiety barking
- Decreased aggression
- Maintenance of muscle mass
- Thicker coat
- Healthier skin
- Increased stamina
- Urinary continence, especially in females
- Less fear-based reactivity
- Healthy weight maintenance
The primary goal is to establish and maintain a balanced level of sex hormones within your dog’s systems to support the healthiest combination of outcomes.
The HRT Process
Once you decide to move forward, the process of Canine Hormone Replacement Therapy can begin. Your dog will be assessed for individual health conditions and needs, and then the process generally includes these steps:
- Establish a baseline – a comprehensive blood panel is used to establish initial hormone levels and verify liver and kidney health and functions.
- Calculate dosage and timing – our veterinary professionals will calculate a custom dose and dosage schedule for your dog based on his or her weight, age, and current health conditions. The goal is to establish the lowest effective dosage.
- Monitor regularly – follow-up blood tests and monitoring are ongoing to ensure the hormone doses are both effective and safe
Estrogen can be administered as a tablet or compounded liquid. Testosterone can be administered as low-dose, injections or topical creams. All hormone treatments are considered hazardous to humans and require proper protection to prevent cross-contamination to humans. Regular monitoring allows for adjustments in dosage and type of medications.
As Your Dog Ages
Over time, your dog may require adjustments to the hormone treatment levels. Adjustments are made to address shifting health conditions of aging such as:
- Arthritis
- Hearing loss
- Blindness or cataracts
- Loss of appetite/weight changes
- Diabetes
- Dental disease or tooth loss
- Kidney failure
- Cognitive decline
Your dog’s HRT will be adjusted appropriately against the changes of aging. Our veterinary professionals will provide you with the best ongoing options for your aging dog.
Reach Out for More Information
Our veterinary professionals are available to chat with you about whether Canine Hormone Replacement Therapy makes sense for your dog. If your pet is an existing patient, please email us directly or call (303) 736-9866.
If you have a new patient for us, please complete our New Patient Intake form online. We look forward to hearing from you!