World Spay Day: Choosing on Purpose with Your Vet

Rather than tell you what to choose, I want to help you choose on purpose—with your vet—based on your dog’s body, lifestyle, and behavior.

My story (and why I care about this topic)

As an RVT and CCRP, I started noticing more dogs showing up with major knee-ligament challenges, both in the clinic and in my own circle of dog friends.

Naturally, my brain went into detective mode. Was it food? Lifestyle? Genetics? A combo of all of it? I saw every path of structured rehab, “wait and see,” surgery, and no surgery. I saw outcomes that looked smooth and outcomes that felt hard.

Then I took a continuing education course that zoomed out and included something I hadn’t fully connected yet. The hormone picture and how timing and individual choices can be part of the bigger conversation.  I tested this theory out on our barn cats. I wish I had a photo. I gave the boys and girl Symplex M and F respectively. Within in 1 week that belly that hangs the ground was tight up to their skin. WHAT?! I knew it had to be more then ‘that is what happens to cats”.

When I decided it was time for a puppy, I did my homework. Makoa came from a rough start and was spayed very young , around 10 weeks, after rescue. From that point on, I focused on what I could control, her movement plan, her daily rhythm, her training, her recovery days, and the kind of support that gives her the best shot at a strong, joyful life. She gets Symplex F twice a day for life. I did try taking her off of them and her stress threshold dropped, meaning it took very little to trigger her high energy.

Why hormones matter?

I think of hormones as part of the dog’s Energy picture and how the body “runs,” how it bounces back, and how steady things feel day to day.  After spay/neuter, the body can run with higher baseline LH/FSH because the normal feedback loop changes. In one study, gonadotropins rose and then stabilized at much higher levels compared with intact dogs.

Research groups, including AKC Canine Health Foundation–funded work, also describe LH receptors showing up in non-reproductive tissues, which is why this conversation extends beyond reproduction and into “whole-body” effects like urinary tract, thyroid, immune system, and joints.

Depending on the dog, hormone shifts can show up as changes in things like:

• how easy movement feels over time
• coat/skin changes
• emotional steadiness like big feelings vs. settled feelings
• heat-cycle patterns and management needs to be considered when ovaries are retained

That’s why this is a case-by-case conversation instead of a one-size-fits-all answer.

Save this: “Ask your vet” questions

1) “What sterilization options do you offer?”

Rather than assuming there’s only one route, ask what’s available:

• traditional options
• hormone-sparing approaches like ovary-sparing hysterectomy or vasectomy
  and what your vet recommends for your dog’s breed, age, and lifestyle.

2) “If ovaries or testicles are retained, what should I expect during heat cycles and how do we manage safely?”

If ovaries stay, hormone cycles stay, so you’ll want a clear plan for:

• management and safety
• what behavior changes you might see
• how to handle the emotional side without stress for either of you

3) “How do you reduce the risk of uterine infection, and what signs should I watch for?”

Rather than leaving this vague, ask directly:

• how the procedure is performed
• what follow-up looks like
• what early warning signs mean “call the clinic”

4) “What’s the post-op movement plan to protect confidence and good habits?”

Ask for a phased plan that covers:

• first days → first weeks → return to normal activity
  Or reach out to me and I’ll build a practical home plan that matches your vet’s timeline.

5) “How will we monitor body condition afterward?”

Weight shifts can happen after sterilization. A simple plan around food, treats, and activity keeps the conversation proactive instead of reactive. A quick discovery call can help you map that out.

Gentle support

• Omega-3 (dogs): If you’re curious, this is one of the most common “ask your vet about it” nutrition add-ons. Rather than guessing, ask your vet what fits your dog and what to watch for. I also have a podcast episode that walks through omega-3 basics and label-reading.
• Hormone therapy for those already spayed or neutered. I prefer herbal over synthetic hormone support.  There are several brands out there. I use Symplex F from Standard Process because I trust the company quality and had great results. This is a vet-led conversation. Some communities discuss hormone restoration approaches and hormone-sparing options; the best next step is partnering with a veterinarian who is experienced in this area.

• Supplements to support your dogs health are Standard Process Symplex F and M. They will be delivered to your door by simply register using our unique code Y8BFQH , place your order, and have your favorite herbals and supplements shipped straight to your doorstep.
  How to register:

  1. You can register at Patient Direct 

  2. Enter our Patient Direct code: Y8BFQH

  3. Start shopping for the products you love
  Your pets deserve the very best life with you.

As I was writing this there is so much information I want to share. It will continue into another post in the coming months.

Relationship month review (your February reflection)

Before we roll into March, take 60 seconds:

• What did you notice in your dog this month movement and emotion?
• What did you notice in you?
• What’s one thing you want to keep doing in March?