Is it true that a male dog will gain weight when he is fixed?

[Jacquie]

Hi, Tazer is now almost eight months old, I have been noticing that he has gained over 5 lbs in two months, then someone mentioned to me that after a male dog is fixed that they do gain weight. I have not changed his habits or food, but we do have another dog and I am thinkning that maybe he is sneaking his food. I have cut down on treats and upped the exercise, is it just because he is a pup or am i doing something wrong. any suggestion would be greatfully appreciated, did i mention that he is a small dog and should be about about 15 lbs according to the vet and is now 20lbs.......i am at my wits end i don't want him to be unhealthy........please help

thank you tazer, mai-ling and jacquie

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Ask 20 different people and you'll get 20 somewhat different answers on this topic. I can only tell you that it has never been my own personal experience to have a dog, whether it be male of female gain weight after a spay or neuter providing their diet and activity remain consistant.

[elegy]

dogs don't gain weight from getting fixed. if he's gaining weight, just cut back on how much food you're feeding him. puppies require more calories than adult dogs do.

[fireworksinjuly]

Only if you let him.

Dogs usually only get overweight from eating too much and excercising too little. If you keep those things on target he should stay the perfect weight forever.

My fiance swears his dogs gained weight when they were fixed, but neither of them get enough excercise so im positive thats the reason they gained weight. Where as our one dog is fixed and hasnt gained a pound since then, but he excercises a ton!

[Shalva]

I routinely tell puppy folks to cut their dogs food back by a full third after a spay .... neutering doesn't seem to cause as much of a weight issue.....
its always the girls isn't it.... darn it.... doesn't matter people dogs... girls have to worry....

anyway.... enough of my whining as I sit here with my celery stick.....

I have sporting dogs..... and yes I do see an impact after a spay....
neutering not so much.
s

[Pugdawg1]

Don't seem to see that here. But they are kept pretty darn active for pugs, and are fed measured amounts twice daily, with very few treats.

[Carrie]

Weight gain or loss is unrelated to spaying and neutering. It's completely dependent on calorie intake and energy expended.

[mrsgrubby]

I honestly have never seen dogs gain weight but we are pretty active people and our dogs get lots of play and exercise.

[Shalva]

Originally Posted by Carrie

Weight gain or loss is unrelated to spaying and neutering. It's completely dependent on calorie intake and energy expended.

that is true..... but like there are some folks who have faster metabolism and some who have slower.... I have seen bitches specifically require less food after a spay in order to maintain their weight.....
again not so much with neuters.

now we could have a confounding variable in that the bitches are not as active because they are older when they are spayed and not running around like idiot puppies.... but I do see my puppy folks fighting with weight on their bitches after a spay.....
again might just be my breeds.....
S

[yesiames]

Sammi gained weight after being spayed, but that's only because we restricted all "puppy play" activity so that her stitches could heal well... they also told us to feed her the normal amount so normal amount + no play = chubby bubby.

[Carrie]

that is true..... but like there are some folks who have faster metabolism and some who have slower

That is also true, but...(LOL) the rule still applies. If someone's more active and/or has a faster metobolic rate, they're burning more calories. If someone is less active and/or has a slower metobolic rate, they're burning fewer calories. Calorie intake should be regulated accordingly. (I wish someone would regulate mine)

[Shalva]

so the question really is does the spay or neuter impact metabolic rate..... I think the answer is yes.... but that doesn't explain my..... oh forget it.....
s

[Carrie]

All my dogs are neutered or spayed. I have one little dog, Jose who is obsessed with food. I mean seriously OCD. Sometimes I'm careless with Lyric's food being left down when Jose is around and then Jose gets at it. I forget sometimes to pick up the bowl. Jose is my chubby boy. I've had him on a "diet" for the past month because it's getting hard on his knee which had surgery. I measure his kibble. He's been cut back on the amount and I'm being ever diligent about keeping him from getting into other food and keeping the treats to a bare minimum. He is getting close to the same exercise as he use to in cool seasons, except when his knee is acting up. In summer he had less exercise as it's too hot sometimes for big hikes or walks. So, I have noticed a drop in his weight. I haven't even weighed him lately, but notice a little waist line starting to appear. So, I know that this cutting back and exercise combined is working. When he is of healthy weight, I should be able to run both hands along his sides, pressing not too hard, not too lightly and be able to feel his ribs, but not see them. He should be firm and have some muscle. As long as his knee is not too bad, he'll continue to get his rip roaring in just about every day...unless it's just hidious outside and Mom wimps out.

Here is something interesting.
http://www.petresource.com/articleso...neutering.html

[Cassiepeia]

But isn't this dog 8 months old? Shouldn't it be gaining weight anyway? If not growing 'up' then 'filling out'?

Cass.

[Carrie]

Of course a baby is going to gain weight. I thought she was talking about over weight problems. The puppy should still not be too fat for it's frame. If you're in doubt, have a vet take a look.