Spay and Neuter Risks

The other day in Pilates, our teacher asked us to grab either the 1kg or the 2kg weights.

I went for the 1kgs. 

We start squatting and, mid-squat, she casually drops: “As women age, we really need to be mindful of our bone density. Strength training becomes essential and taking care of our hormonal health plays a huge role here too.”

Cue me, quietly setting my baby weights down and grabbing the 2kgs like that was the plan all along 🤣

I still feel like a girl at heart (and yes, I know I look pretty young), but I’m 46 so that conversation really hit home. 

And of course, my vet brain couldn’t help itself…I immediately thought of our pets and what I was taught in vet school about spay and neuter. 

We were told to spay and neuter at 6 months old to catch pets before their first heat. 

But nothing was said about how the pets would feel afterwards. 

And definitely nothing was said about how it might affect their long-term health. 

But hormones do matter.

As a woman, I feel the shifts week over week.

It’s like this undercurrent in the ocean quietly making waves below the surface.
You see, some weeks I want to be social, creative, super collaborative.

Other times, I’m inward, focused, deep in my own zone, and not in a chatty mood at all.

And in those more inward weeks? Chocolate becomes a non-negotiable. So much chocolate. 🍫

If you’re a woman I know you can relate 😅

So when a woman has a hysterectomy, we know to expect changes.
We know her health will shift, sometimes drastically, because her hormones are no longer there.

Shouldn’t we assume the same is true for our pets?

I know, the shelters are bursting at the seams and it’s heartbreaking.

But just for a moment… can we talk about what’s actually best for our pets’ long-term health? 

(Provided we can keep them from making babies). 

And I’m not saying don’t spay or neuter. But I am saying, there are some very real factors worth thinking about. 

Because here’s the thing: early spay and neuter has now been shown to negatively impact health.

I learned so much when Dr. Lynette Hart came on the podcast and shared her research.

Like how neutering male dogs to reduce aggression only helped about a third of the time. In many others, it actually increased fear-based aggression.

And for female dogs vets will talk about the risks of mammary cancer and pyometra which are very real risks. 

But it hit me one day: why are we removing a uterus to prevent pyometra (infection of the uterus) when we wouldn’t remove a leg just to make sure it never breaks? 💁‍♀️

I always try to approach medicine from a place of prevention not fear ✨

And when we do spay a female dog and remove all those hormones so early the research shows she’s now placed at greater risk of other cancers. 

As well as other health issues related to their specific breed. 

But the good news is: we’ve got options.

Delayed spay and neuter is totally an option and the science is here to support it.

Delaying gives the body time to mature as it’s meant to and with the help of those hormones the ligaments line up properly and the limbs grow to their proper length.

Our pets even get some protection from certain hormone-driven cancers.

And it’s especially important for large breed dogs.

So what does “delay” really mean? Usually, it looks like keeping your pet intact for the first one to two years.

And when or if you do decide it’s time to move forward with the procedure, there are hormone-sparing options available like a vasectomy for males and ovarian-sparing spay for females.

For some breeds, staying intact is proving to be the best way to avoid health issues that those specific breeds are very prone to. 

Think hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tears, elbow dysplasia, osteoarthritis, obesity, and hormone driven cancers like lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and mast cell tumors. 

There’s solid research behind this. You can check the breed list here to find your dog’s breed 👉 Check your dog’s breed

And this absolutely applies to cats too (there just hasn’t been breed specific research that I’m aware of) 🐱💗

If you do choose to keep your pet intact, here are two things you need to do ✨👇

✨ At home palpation of the mammary glands for intact females to catch any lumps early–book a vet tech appointment and one of our amazing techs will show you how either in person or over zoom. 

✨ Annual ultrasounds with a specialist starting around 8 years old–reply to this email with the words “special ultrasound” and we’ll place you on our waitlist. This means next time we have a specialist visiting the wellness center for a day you’ll be first we’ll offer a spot to. 

And if you’re currently considering spay or neuter for your pet (especially if you’ve got more than one and want to avoid any surprise litters), you’re welcome to book a consultation with our head integrative vet tech, Dianne.

Dianne is wonderful. She’s got the same knowledge I do on this topic, and she has the time to sit with you, go over every option, and help you feel grounded and informed.

If you know someone with a puppy or kitten who would looove to have this information please share this email with them💖💌

Your Unicorn Vet,
🦄 Dr. Lily

P.S. If a kind friend passed this along and you’d like to be part of our holistic pet family and receive our weekly emails with holistic pet parenting tips you can hop on the list right here 👉 Join The Integrative Pet Family 

P.P.S. Here is the link to the podcast episode with Dr. Lynette Hart if you’d like to learn more about the right time to spay or neuter. 

UNICORN OF THE WEEK

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

CONCIERGE MEMBERSHIP

 Concierge Membership Update: This Week’s Talk on Fleas!

This week inside the Concierge Membership, we dove into a hot summer topic: fleas! And wow, the conversation was buzzing with insights ✨

Here are just a few golden nuggets from our discussion:

1. Fleas aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a symptom of imbalance in the body and home.

2. Not all flea preventatives are created equal—some can disrupt the microbiome and immune system and has a potential to cause neurological side effects

3. There’s a sweet spot between over-treating and leaving your pet vulnerable—finding that balance is key.

4. Topical solutions, oral meds, essential oils, supplements, and environmental care all have roles—but must be used intentionally and based on your pet’s needs.

And guess what? We’re putting together a beautifully comprehensive Holistic Flea Prevention Guide soon— full of actionable tips, non-toxic options, and the truth about what actually works 🌿🩺 

What I love the most of this membership is a chance to deep dive on these topics – we spent an entire hour devoted to just flea prevention.  It is the kind of time I usually don’t get to have during appointments.

Curious about the Concierge Membership and how it supports your pet and your peace of mind? ✨ We are relaunching the membership in July, and it will include new tiers and options. Stay tuned!

PODCAST HOUR

In this episode, I sit down with one of our incredible vet assistants, Mickie, for a fun and refreshingly candid conversation about what it really looks like to go from total skeptic to full on believer in holistic medicine. When Mickie first joined us as an extern, she didn’t hold back—she was questioning everything from acupuncture to fecal transplants to crystals (especially the unicorn one 😅). But what she experienced behind the scenes changed everything. Mickie opens up about the pet patient that cracked her heart wide open and why she now believes that we’ve been conditioned to trust pharmaceuticals without questioning side effects—while dismissing holistic care that’s been used for thousands of years. This episode is about unlearning what we’ve been taught. About realizing that suppressing symptoms isn’t the same as healing. And about the power of keeping an open mind—because when we do, we just might witness something miraculous. This is a must-listen for any pet parent who’s been curious about  holistic medicine but isn’t sure what to believe.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

🎉 DO YOU WANNA BE PART OF OUR 50TH PODCAST EPISODE?  
This little podcast baby of mine, My Dog Is Better Than Your Dog, has been quietly growing… and today I’m so excited (and honestly a bit emotional 😭) to share that we’re celebrating ONE YEAR and over 10,000 listens!! 💫✨

What started as a total passion project has turned into something that’s truly making a difference—and I’m so grateful for every single one of you who’s tuned in, share it, and sent love along the way. 💖

In celebration of reaching 50 episodes (woooo hooo!!!) I’m putting together a special episode where I answer your questions. If there’s something you’re curious about whether it’s got to do with your pet, integrative medicine or healing modalities, the concierge membership, my trips or adventures, thoughts on business and entrepreneurship, or anything else that’s been on your mind, just hit reply to this email  

RECOMMENDED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Feeling stuck in a cycle of vet visits with no real answers? Dr. Odette Suter offers a fresh, functional approach to animal healing that goes beyond treating symptoms.

In this transformative read, you’ll learn how to restore your pet’s health from the inside out, avoid the most common wellness mistakes, and create a clear plan for long-term vitality. Perfect for pet parents seeking deeper insight and true healing tools.

A must-read for anyone who wants to take charge of their animal companion’s health and happiness 🐾💚

Starlight Stories

✨ Starlight’s Weekly Sparkle Tip!
This week’s gem is from our beachy besties, Mabel Roux & Dianne 🐶💫

“Pool pawty prep!”
Mabel’s summer splash secret? Practice with a kiddie pool! Fill it shallow, toss in floaty toys, and let your pup explore at their pace. Dianne recommends the this
Dog Pool, sturdy, foldable, and made for splashes. Never force a swim, just let them dip and discover!

Pawsitive pool vibes only 🐾💦

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Meet Karen

Here are a few fun facts about her:
🍬 Favorite candy: Nerds (a sweet-and-sour classic!)
🥔 Junk food weakness: Chips, all day
🎨 Hobbies: When she’s not caring for your pets, Karen loves reading, painting, and going on outdoor walks or hikes
📺 Favorite show: The Office (she quotes it often—extra points if you catch her references!)

We’re so grateful to have Karen as part of our Unicorn Team. Say hi next time you’re in!

ESSENTIAL RESOURCES

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