It makes sense that removing the sexual organs of an animal, although done with a noble purpose, will have physiological and psychological impacts. Rather than jump into a lively debate on “if and when” we should spay or neuter our pets, let’s notice how these common procedures impact our dogs and cats and how we can help them out with the unintended side effects to their health.
Shock and Awe on The Endocrine System
De-sexing a dog or cat results in a deficiency of sex hormones. The endocrine system must adjust and compensate using the adrenal glands. These glands already have their fair share of work producing hormones which impact an animal’s entire physiology.
The result of such a hormonal imbalance is a significant number of physiological and psychological issues which, depending on the species and breed, may include:
- Over-functioning of adrenal glands to produce missing sex hormones
- Decreased metabolism
- Decreased mineral content in bones and teeth
- Soft tissue weakening and increased joint inflammation
- Incontinence
- Diminished coping mechanisms, cognitive functioning, risk of depression
In many ways, these symptoms mirror those of humans who have lost their gonad function, via age or surgical procedures.
“In humans, typically a hysterectomy is performed later in life. In dogs, full spays or neuters are often done before the animal is 6 months old. When sex hormones are removed in a still-developing body, it can affect everything from the brain to the bones.
Once a spayed or neutered dog acquires, say, orthopedic problems such as hip dysplasia or a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury, in some cases, surgery can successfully correct the problem. But if a de-sexed dog develops metabolic issues, traditional veterinary medicine has little to offer.”
Dr. Suzanne Valente
Healthy and Happy Dog
Not all dogs or cats will show immediate and clear symptoms of their endocrine system compensating for the lack of testosterone (male hormone) or estrogen (female hormone.) The impact on the physiology and emotional health of the animal happens over its lifetime.
What Can We Do To Help?
Providing naturally occurring lignans in a a nutrient-rich diet, that supports the over tasked adrenals and endocrine system will have the greatest impact on the physical and emotional health of our dogs and cats. While commercial pet foods rarely provide this depth of support for your pet’s physiology, a quality, species appropriate food source, combined with effective nutritional supplements can assist in keeping your pet hormonally balanced.
Exercise is also a major factor in keeping your pet’s bones, joints and muscles as healthy as they can be over the span of their life, to combat the process of diminishment from hormone imbalance.
The foundation of each BiologicVET powder formula is a prebiotic, lignan-rich blend of organic defatted flax, sunflower and sesame seed fibre, which supports healthy immune and metabolic function. The free-form base ensures an improved delivery of nutrients, facilitating greater use of the active ingredients, both in BiologicVET products and in your preferred brand of raw, dry or moist pet food.
Support Your Pet's Hormonal Balance
Our pet nutritional products provide nutritional support that commercial pet food can’t…while helping your pet absorb nutrients that are in your chosen pet food, whether kibble, wet or raw.