To Snip or Not to Snip

To Snip or Not to Snip

From Reflector by Longview

April 30, 2026 · 46 min

About this episode

Katie Herzog explores the complexities of neutering dogs through her personal experience with her goldendoodle, Moose.

Katie Herzog never planned to become a dog person and she definitely never planned to agonize over her goldendoodle's testicles. But when it came time to neuter Moose, she couldn't find a good answer to a simple question: why? What follows is a reported journey through canine bodily autonomy, the surprisingly short history of spay/neuter as gospel, and what the best available science actually says about cutting off your dog's balls. Read the essay at our Substack Visit our website to support the show THIS EPISODE FEATURES: Ben and Lynette Hart — U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine James Serpell — U Penn School of Veterinary Medicine Hal Herzog, Katie’s dad who happens to also be an emeritus professor and scholar of human-animal interactions LINKS: Hart et al., "Neutering of German Shepherd Dogs" / golden retriever study (PLOS-One, 2013) Hart et al., 35-breed analysis Hart et al., mixed-breed analysis AVMA statement on elective spaying and neutering Meghan Daum, "Big Dogs, Big City" Hal Herzog, Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat Blue Cross of India CREDITS: This episode was written by Katie Herzog and produced by Andy Mills, Simon Adler, and Matthew Boll Music for this…

People in this episode

Host: Katie Herzog

Guests: Ben Hart, Lynette Hart, James Serpell

Topics covered

  • canine bodily autonomy
  • spay/neuter history
  • dog health
  • veterinary science
  • pet ownership
  • animal welfare

Keywords

  • neutering
  • goldendoodle
  • canine health
  • veterinary medicine
  • spay/neuter
  • animal rights
  • pet care

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, U Penn School of Veterinary Medicine, Blue Cross of India

Books & works: Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat, Big Dogs, Big City

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