Bella Fiore Lagottos

12/09/2025

We all want to prevent unwanted litters. Hysterectomies and vasectomies offer early, safe sterilization, starting at 8 weeks, while preserving the natural hormones dogs need.

New Peer-reviewed study shows s*x hormones (like estrogen and testosterone) help the spine and discs develop properly. Removing these hormones from dogs too early can affect bone growth and disc strength, making the spine more vulnerable.

Spaying/neutering early (before 12 months) greatly increased the risk of slipped discs in French Bulldogs.

• For males:
o Early-neutered males were almost twice as likely to develop IVDH compared to intact males.
o Neutering after 12 months actually lowered their risk.

• For females:
o The effect was even stronger.
o Spayed females were about 5 times more likely to have IVDH than intact females.
o If spayed before 12 months, they were almost 10 times more likely to develop the problem.

The age you choose to spay or neuter a French Bulldog can have a major impact on their long-term spine health.

Looking for the most up-to-date, evidence-based review on spay/neuter health effects? This exclusive 2025 guide brings together the latest research to support informed, science-driven decisions for dogs.

Comment FixFacts below and we’ll send you the free PDF.

12/09/2025

11/16/2025

11/16/2025

10/20/2025

10/18/2025

🎃 As Halloween nears, we have a spOoOoky tale for you... 👻

This tale has been told hundreds of thousands of times over the years, and it never gets better, only worse!

The story of the purposefully scared pet! 🙀 The horror!

All jokes aside, stop intentionally scaring your pets.
It's not funny.
It's cruel.
It can ruin your pet's trust in you and increase the likelihood of aggressive behavior.

Halloween is best enjoyed when EVERYONE is having a good time. So if your pets dislike costumes, put your pets away for the Halloween party (or consider having a sitter take them for the night). If your pets dislike novel items like Halloween decorations, keep them out of sight. There are better times and ways to introduce them to potentially scary things, but Halloween parties and festivities are 👏 Not 👏 It.

09/17/2025

08/28/2025

08/28/2025

In conclusion, this study shows that the risk of cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs is linked to how long they are exposed to natural s*x hormones, and the relationship isn’t simple or linear. The highest risk was seen when females were spayed before about 1054 days (just under 3 years) and males before about 805 days (a little over 2 years). These results may help define what counts as “early” spay or neuter when it comes to cranial cruciate ligament disease risk.

Veterinary reproduction specialists now recommend hormone-preserving sterilization: preventing unwanted litters & less risk of torn cruciates.

08/24/2025