We also found out the whole process was really set into motion in the 1930s.  The practice of neutering an animal has been set at 6 months or before puberty for decades and has only recently been re-examined. Neutering around the world is a mixed bag and through research here in the States, we are beginning to understand how it impacts more than just the reproductive system. ​     

Gonads are the two testes (sperm) in males and two ovaries (eggs) in females.  They are also the manufacturing houses for many hormones Including sex hormones.  Female sex hormones include estrogen and progesterone and male hormones include testosterone and androsterone. 

​These hormones have multi-purposes beyond reproduction.  They are important to muscle and bone growth. During puberty, the changes during adolescence include muscle and skeletal growth through maturation including when the cartilage plates on the ends of bones close. All the other puberty changes are based on these hormones, too.

DID YOU KNOW? Havanese reach sexual maturity beginning at about 10 months.
​
It is important to note sexual maturity is not the same as the emotional maturity of reaching adulthood which begins at about 12 months.   Often with males the spirit is well and willing at four months but the body has to grow up. Population control and other preventative measures are commonly cited but the negative side effects have not been examined until the last few years.  There have been several impressive studies to delve into exactly how healthy an early neuter really is.
    
Cancer.  A cancer shows up in 1 out of 3 dogs.  It’s a big deal.  It is similar with humans, too, and there is tremendous research being done for the benefit of humans based on those similarities regarding dog cancer treatments.  There is also a list of cancers that are alleviated when dogs are neutered.  

DID YOU KNOW? Recovery from testicular cancer (with neutering)  and 30-50% of malignant mammary cancers are caught early, then the  prognosis can be very good  after surgery.

The top five cancers in dogs are: Mast Cell Tumors, Melanoma, Lymphoma, Osteosarcoma, and Hemangiosarcoma.  When pre-puberty neutering occurs,  several studies reveal other cancers develop outside of the sex organs. 

In dogs, cardiac tumors are considered common cancers today.  Osteosarcoma is an extremely aggressive bone cancer not usually detectable before spreading.  A 1999 study (Ware and Hopper) conducted over 13 years concluded that the increased risk of cardiac tumors in neutered dogs was significant, particularly in female dogs (5X). Another 14-year study compared purebred dogs with osteosarcoma (3062) to purebred dogs without osteosarcoma (3959).  The conclusion was that early neutering increased the risk of bone cancer (2X).  Similar findings concerning lymphosarcoma (3X) and other cancers are being studied. 

DID YOU KNOW? If growth hormones such as estrogen and testosterone are removed pre-puberty, it affects the maturation of the bones and muscle mass growth.

The pictures provided in this article are very clear about the difference between open and closed growth plates in a young dog versus an adult. One survey found that early neutered dogs are taller but the growth plates closed later than an intact dog. Later closing growth plates (bone ends) results in taller dogs and increases the chances of hip dysplasia (Cornell Univ./early age neuter-2013) and/or a cruciate rupture (tearing of knee ligaments) and other abnormal bone developments. Slauterbeck (2004) study showed intact animals had a significantly lower account of ruptured ACLs than neutered dogs.

It only makes sense if you take away a very important item with multiple uses, there will be additional fallout including other organs, etc., overworking to compensate for the loss such as with the overworking thyroid and hypothyroidism, and more. 
​
In conclusion, although the American Veterinary Association still supports early neutering there are other international veterinary associations who believe otherwise.  2 Cute Havanese supports neutering 100% and believes if a dog can safely be guarded until closer to 12 months, waiting is an option that deserves more consideration. With mature bone growth and muscle mass development, there are many other benefits for the long-termed health of a dog. We are very much aware of dog overpopulation.  This article is strictly about newer information available regarding the negative effects of an old pre-puberty neutering practice and consideration based on more current studies.

References: 
Davies, Kevin "Ken". “Dog Cancer Statistics & Facts That You Need to Know.” Petloverguy.com, https://petloverguy.com/dog-cancer-statistics/.

“Spay/Neuter Awareness Month: The History of Spaying & Neutering Pets.” DogTime, 1 Feb. 2022, https://dogtime.com/dog-health/spay-neuter/34567-history-spaying-neutering-pets.

“Top 5 Cancers in Dogs.” Fetch, 7 Apr. 2022, https://fetchvets.com/top-5-cancers-in-dogs/. 

Managing Fido's Stress:

1. Use white noise from the TV, fan or radio, etc., to soften any nearby sounds of fireworks. 
2. Take your dog out for exercise earlier in the evening. 
3. Keep curtains closed and provide a possible hidey-hole with toys, treats, and a blanket if needed. 
4. There are calming treats OTC available. In advance, there is stronger medicine to help from your veterinarian if needed. 
5. For seriously affected dogs try using non-medical noise-canceling headphones for dogs such as earmuffs by Aircraft Spruce for instance. Several other products, for example Thundershirt® can help.
6. Check your doors, windows, and fences before the 4th.

Common Signs of Stress

1. Drooling
2. Hunched body posture
3. Destructive behavior
4. Panting
5. Shaking
6. Vocalization
7. Licking the lips
8. Yawning (to name a few) 

Preparation:
Be sure to have your dog microchipped and have a recent picture.  There are noise desensitization series offered under Canine Noise Phobia Series (CNP).  Also consider whether or not it is anxiety, fear, or a phobia while narrowing down the best treatment. Double check your fence, windows, and doors for escape options. Stress can be a massive physical factor effecting dogs when it comes to fireworks.
 
DID YOU KNOW?  Dogs are born deaf.  
The ear canals are closed at birth. Puppies are more than two weeks old when they begin to hear.  A few months later their hearing is developed to the point where they can hear sound 4x better than humans. Hearing is one of a dog’s superpowers compared to humans. Dogs hear things in different ways according to Current Biology and Science. In regard to human speech, dogs respond to the tone and words (vocalizations) said to them.  The way their brain processes speech is very similar to their human BFF in this way.

As a reminder sound travels in waves measurable in two ways.

1. Hertz (Hz): Frequency of cycles per second or pitch
2. Decibel (dB): The measurement of loudness 

Dogs vs. Human Hearing:
There is a significant difference between humans and dogs is in the range of hearing.  A human’s range of hearing is between 20 hertz and 20,000 hertz, whereas a dog’s range of hearing is between 20 hertz and 100,000 hertz. Humans and dogs hear lower frequencies (infrasound) at 20Hz similarly but a dog’s hearing becomes a superpower as the range changes and comes into an ultrasonic range at 70,000Hz. The higher range of hearing increases their sensitivity to louder sounds such as being able to hear thunderstorms 40 miles away.  Normal sounds can be heard up to a mile away for most dogs. A dog’s ear functions 24/7 even at rest.  Some breeds hear better or worse than the canine norm.
 
Normal human speech is between 55 and 65dB.  A whisper is about 20-30dB. Humans sustain hearing damage when exposed to continued sound higher than 80 dB such as fireworks, emergency sirens can cause irreversible damage at 115dB.  A clap of thunder can be louder than 120dB.  A 100dB is beyond a dog’s safe range.  The sound of a plane taking off is about 130dB.  A centerfire gunshot at 160 to 168 dB can be compared to the level of fireworks at 150 -175dB.   Fireworks can cause a dog to have temporary tinnitus (ringing) in the ears and possibly hearing loss.  Of course, proximity and exposure are some of the factors determining the extent of the damage. There are laws regulating how loud fireworks can be and more.
 
Shock Waves Explained: 
The barometric pressure variations can also affect a dog’s hearing as it is processed in the inner ear.  To reach the heights (over 1000 ft.) necessary for a beautiful fireworks display there is a serious lift and burst charge.  The blast releases many kilojoules of energy creating a specific type of waveform – Friedlander Waveform.  These sound waves are actually shock waves because they move faster than the speed of sound lasting only milliseconds.

The loudness of the shock wave is measured in decibels.  The degree of volume is determined by a relationship between the size of the sound wave and the pressure squared. Air density can affect how efficiently the sound waves travel. 

Why are Fireworks Harmful:
A blast injury is referred to as a polytrauma but that is usually reserved for injuries occurring in something like a military conflict although the basics such as proximity, size of explosive device, elevation of detonation and exposure still apply to any explosive device  including fireworks.  For dogs their hearing, emotional well-being and any physical side effects of stress associated with fireworks could result in a multi-trauma scenario. There is also fallout debris from the fireworks not examined here.

but they can also telegraph a dog’s intentions. Like social training for your dog emotionally, dogs have a kind of hearing socialization memory to recognize normal sounds, etc., of their environment. ​

“Canine hearing loss is not something that is commonly thought of, and the importance of a dog’s hearing is generally disregarded. Just like humans, a dog’s sense of sound is very important. Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when there is exposure to loud noises and increases with an increased duration of exposure. The hearing loss may be temporary initially, but after extended amounts of exposure to loud noises, it can become permanent. The louder the noise, the bigger the vibrations that are sent through the ear drum to the cochlea. The intensity of the vibrations then have the ability to affect the hair cells that are in the cochlea, by moving them. Due to the intense vibrations, the hair cells will often bend and fall over. If the hearing loss is temporary, it is because the hair cells were eventually able to stand back up, but if it is permanent, the hair cells will be damaged for good.” – (2019) Dr. Nakita Jarmon (Audiologist).

Impact of Fireworks: 
How a human behaves can influence the behavior of their dog to a certain point.  There is a fallacy about dogs simply managing over the 4th of July.  Taking a dog to a fireworks display is not recommended.  The explosive sound can be disorienting for a dog.  Not only is the sound scary for a dog but please consider the smell and burst of light compounding a dog’s perception on multiple levels. 

DID YOU KNOW? Fireworks affect dogs especially under two years of age and senior dogs. The emotional trauma from fireworks can unexpectedly last a lifetime.   

Sense of Smell:

• A dog's sense of smell is 100,000 times keener than a human and they smell in 3-D. In an Olympic pool, a dog’s nose can detect half of a teaspoon of sugar! 

Visually:

• Dogs see akin to a red-green scale of color blindness with limited acuity. In other words, dogs are nearsighted. While not as sensitive to bright colors as humans are, exploding colors can be confusing.

​Results:
The overwhelming, repetitive, and jarring sounds, pungent odor of spent gunpowder, and other gaseous smells combined with the visual stimulation and surrounding excitement can potentially send your dog into a fight or flight mode. This is why July 5th is the biggest day of the year for the nation’s animal shelters. 

We sincerely hope your four-legged and two-legged family has a wonderful holiday.    

References:
Allen, //  by Rick. “Dog Ear Positions (Understanding Your Dog's Body Language).” The Pampered Pup | Treat Your Dog Royally, 25 Oct. 2021, https://www.thepamperedpup.com/dog-ear-positions/.

Animal Ethics. “How Fireworks Harm Nonhuman Animals.” Animal Ethics, 12 July 2021, https://www.animal-ethics.org/how-fireworks-harm-nonhuman-animals/#:~:text=Physical%20damage%20to%20the%20hearing%20organs%20of%20animals&text=Noises%20caused%20by%20fireworks%20and,to%20the%20noise%20of%20gunfire.

Clason, Debbie. “What Is a Decibel and What Does It Measure?” Healthy Hearing, 27 Dec. 2021, https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52514-What-is-a-decibel.

DeAngelis, Simone. “Can Dogs Hear Twice as Loud as Humans? - Wag!” WagWalking, Wag!, 21 Mar. 2018, https://wagwalking.com/sense/can-dogs-hear-twice-as-loud-as-humans.

Editorial, PetMD. “8 Dog Nose Facts You Probably Didn't Know.” PetMD, PetMD, 28 Sept. 2021, https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/5-dog-nose-facts-you-probably-didnt-know.

Hearing, Starkey. “Can Your Dog Understand You?” Starkey, 1 Nov. 2017, https://www.starkey.com/blog/articles/2017/11/Can-my-dog-understand-me#:~:text=Dogs%20hear%20nearly%20twice%20as,hear%20from%2080%20feet%20away.

Lewis, Shaunice. “This Is How Far Your Dog Can Hear Noise (Crazy Distance!).” AZ Animals, 9 May 2022, https://a-z-animals.com/blog/this-is-how-far-your-dog-can-hear-noise-crazy-distance/.

Marlow, Janet. “Thunderstorms and Fireworks- the Big Horrible for Dogs.” Pet Acoustics®, Pet Acoustics®, 15 May 2022, https://www.petacoustics.com/blog/summer-thunderstorms-and-fireworks-the-big-horrible-for-dogs.

McAlone, Nathan. “How Dogs See the World Compared to Humans.” Business Insider, Business Insider, 16 July 2015, https://www.businessinsider.com/how-dogs-see-the-world-compared-to-humans-2015-7?op=1.

National Purebred Dog Day®. “Dog Ear.” National Purebred Dog Day®, 20 Oct. 2015, https://nationalpurebreddogday.com/the-pinna/.

Pompa, Matthew. “What Does a Gunshot Sound like?” Silencer Shop, Silencer Shop, 25 Apr. 2022, https://www.silencershop.com/blog/post/what-does-a-gunshot-sound-like.

Savchuk, Alex. “At How Many Decibels Does a Human Speak Normally.” Decibel Meter App | Best Digital Sound Level Meter For Your Smartphone, Decibel Meter App | Best Digital Sound Level Meter For Your Smartphone, 14 Oct. 2021, https://decibelpro.app/blog/how-many-decibels-does-a-human-speak-normally/.

“Signs Your Dog Is Stressed and How to Relieve It: VCA Animal Hospital.” Vca, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/signs-your-dog-is-stressed-and-how-to-relieve-it.

“Top 10 Dog Breeds with the Best Hearing - Wag!” WagWalking, https://wagwalking.com/breed/top-dog-breeds-with-the-best-hearing.

Unco Dig Scholarship - University of Northern Colorado Research. https://digscholarship.unco.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1212&context=urj.

Zambo, Kris. “How Loud Are Different Fireworks?” Dynamite Fireworks, 1 Mar. 2018, https://dynamitefireworks.com/how-loud-are-different-fireworks/. 

*, Name. “$3.2m In Damage from California Fireworks Explosion.” Insurance Journal, 22 Mar. 2021, https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2021/03/22/606426.htm. 

What is a low-maintenance dog? 
On one survey it meant that the dog needs very little exercise, training, or grooming.  There is little shedding and the dog can be left alone for a while. The survey acknowledges that training is necessary.  Havanese are funny, playful little dogs and they are very adaptable.  It is also noted that every dog is an individual with its own history genetically and environmentally.  There are exceptions. Another survey cites Havanese as excellent companion dogs, great for living in an apartment, good with kids and very smart.  Good health is also part of being low-maintenance.  Most surveys mention their cuddliness and big heart.

References: 
“11 Low Maintenence Dog Breeds: Laid Back & Lazy Canine Companions!” K9 Of Mine, 8 Feb. 2022, https://www.k9ofmine.com/low-maintenance-dog-breeds/.

​“17 Best Low Maintenance Dog Breeds for Laid Back Owners.” Dog Training Me, 11 Aug. 2020, https://www.dogtrainingme.com/best-low-maintenance-dog-breeds/.

Barnes, Liam, et al. “28 Low Maintenance Dog Breeds: Best for First Time Owners.” PlayBarkRun, 22 May 2022, https://www.playbarkrun.com/low-maintenance-dog-breeds/.

Caroline Picard Caroline was the Health Editor at GoodHousekeeping.com up until late 2019. “The 15 Laziest Dog Breeds That Are Total Couch Potatoes.” Good Housekeeping, 3 June 2022, https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/pets/g4837/laziest-dog-breeds/.

H, Scott. “The 10 Best Breeds for Laid Back People.” IHeartDogs.com, 25 Nov. 2020, https://iheartdogs.com/the-10-best-breeds-for-laid-back-people/.