Is it true that dogs get fat, after they have been neutered?

Question

My sister has a dog and when she got her fixed, she got fat. We have a dog and we talked about getting her neutered, but we don't want her to get fat. I would really like to hear from someone that might know this answer.

Answer 1

Yes, being fixed can cause dogs (and cats) to gain weight. I'd have to ask the vet I work exactly why it happens but I know it has something to do with the change in hormone levels. The best thing is to not overfeed your dog (which is becoming a huge problem with all pets!) and give her plenty of exercise. A trick to keeping your dog from becoming over weight is to check the feeding guide on her dog food bag and feed for the weight range that she should way. For example, if your dog should weigh 20 lbs. but actually weighs 30 then feed the amount for a 20lb. dog. Once she gets to the ideal weight, feed her the lowest amount recommended for her size to maintain it. Don't let worry about weight gain keep you from spaying your dog. It will be better for her health plus there won't be any "surprise!" puppies that come along.

Answer 2

All of our dogs have been neutered, and we have had at least 15 dogs over the past 30 years. None of them got fat as a result of being neutered. Spayed and neutered dogs do seem to have a tendency to be a bit more lazy and to gain weight, but you need to make sure you feed them a healthy diet and that they get enough exercise - just the same as people need a healthy diet and enough exercise. You dog may be a little less energetic after neutering, but that can be overcome. In my opinion the benefits far outweigh any disadvantages.

These sites may be helpful to you.

Answer 3

Weight is determined by diet and exercise. It is true that the metabolism will slow down a little, so neutered dogs usually need to eat less than intact dogs. Your sister's dog got fat because she didn't control her diet. Feed a good quality diet for less active dogs (unless you will be taking her for runs every day or competing in field trials or something along those lines) and feed her the recommended amount of food for her ideal weight. She will be fine. The risks associated with not neutering are greater than the risk of her gaining weight. The more heat cycles your dog goes through, the more likely she is to get breast cancer or pyometra (a nasty, often fatal uterine infection), not to mention contributing to the pet overpopulation problem. Get your dog spayed, but be a responsible owner and watch her diet.

Answer 4

No. But it is true that they are less likely to get mammary tumors, pyometra (a potentially deadly uterine infection), and go roaming & get hit by cars or posioned. Dogs get fat for the same reason people do: too much food & not enough exercise.

I think people believe this because if they get their dog spayed at 6 months (as most vets reccomend), it is still a puppy & gets a lot of exercise just bouncing around. But, at a year old, a lot of that 'puppy enthusiasm' starts to fade. Therefore, if the dog is not being exercised by the owner's prompting (daily walks, playing fetch), it sits around more, but is still eating the same amount. So, of course it gains weight - an adult does not have the same metabolism as a youngster.

Answer 5

The reproductive system in animals consumes a lot of energy. So if the organs are taken out, the animal is more likely to gain weight. It is still better to have the dog neutered. The animal's temperment is better, you don't have to put up with the destruction associate with going into heat, and of course you help cut down of unwanted animals.

The best thing to do is to put the dog on a controlled diet and give it exercise.

Answer 6

It depends on the dog. They are all different. In the dog sanctuary where I work, we house about 70 dogs,every dog must be fixed. Some of them have weight issues that we monitor closely, others are fine on a power feeder. I have 7 dogs at home, and the only one that has a problem is my black lab. He like to watch tv alot. :) With all my dogs at home, I measure how much they eat every day, and make sure they get exercise. Please don't hesitate to fix you dog because of weight gain. This is something you can manage. :)

Answer 7

Dogs get fat when people overfeed them and give them scraps with little or no excersize. Not because they're fixed. Even a large dog only need 2 - 4 cups (not scoops) of food a day

Answer 8

It depends. Genetics play a big role. Weight is more likely to be gained after a litter of puppies. Spaying & neutering prevent a lot of headaches. In males, it cuts down on urinary tract problems. You can find books on the subject at your local library.

Answer 9

Only if you overfeed tham and do not exercise them.
I have had dogs for about 25 years and none of mine that have been altered got fat. Except one rescue who came to me fat and was already fixed. I got him to thin down by feeding less and walking more.
Besides that I would rather see a slightly fat female dog than one with cancer. Each heat she goes through increases her isk of cancer.

Answer 10

No. The problem is most people have their pet's neuterd about the time the dogs metabolisms slows, 4-8mos. Like people (12-16 years) If you keep feeding the like an "Active" puppy, they gain weight!!!