Episode 40: Why traditional spay & neuter of dogs is no longer ok - a conversation with Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib

I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact of hormones on our canine companions' health and behavior, and the recent update to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines on neutering is a game-changer.

Hormones aren't just about reproduction; they're crucial for overall well-being.

When we remove them through traditional spaying and neutering, we're inadvertently causing a cascade of health issues such as an increased risk of cancers and joint issues. 

My own dog, Pax, experienced many of these issues after neutering. It wasn't until we started hormone replacement therapy that I saw a dramatic improvement in his health and vitality.

The good news is we have alternatives and solutions, which we discuss in this episode.

____________________________________________ 

An article that you won't want to miss:

https://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/is-spay-and-neuter-really-the-best-choice-for-your-dog

____________________________________________ 

Visit our website: 
https://peterdobias.com/

Visit us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drpeterdobias
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpeterdobias
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drpeterdobias

#WSAVAGuidelines #DogHealth #HormoneHealth #SpayNeuter #DogLongevity 

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction and welcome
• 2:15 Dr. Karen Becker's background and early experiences
• 8:07 Rodney Habib's perspective as a pet parent
• 11:30 Explaining hormone function and Dr. Peter Dobias' experience with his dog Pax
• 17:04 Making a difference in the lives of pets and their humans
• 21:37 Dr. Michelle Kutzler's research on health issues in neutered dogs
• 25:04 Hormone-sparing sterilization techniques
• 27:30 Hormone replacement therapy for neutered dogs
• 31:00 World Small Animal Veterinary Association's updated guidelines
• 35:35 Addressing resistance to new sterilization methods
• 41:42 The impact of spaying and neutering on dog behavior
• 48:40 The connection between hormones and the microbiome
• 50:00 The impact of an unhealthy hormonal system on people
• 55:55 Closing thoughts and future directions