[Kirby]

My girls' vet said their skeletal system stops growing at about 8 months, but soft tissue continues to develop (muscles, organs). Their vet also says the other misconception is having your dog spayed or neutered will make them bigger. Typically a dog's activity slows down at a certain age. This means feed them less. If you can feel their ribs but not see them, they are fine. A lean dog is a healthy dog. All three of our Yorkies get 1/4 of a cup of Wellness for small breeds in the morning and 1/4 of a cup in the evening (every 12 hours). Their only treats are bits of carrots, apples, and a few pieces of their dog kibble or dehydrated lamb's lung during the day for being good. This has all been approved by their vet. My two-year-old weighs six pounds and my parents' 1.5-year-old also weighs six. They have weighed the same for over a year. My five-month-old weighs just under 4 lbs, but is fed the same amount because she runs circles around the other two, but I am already transitioning her to adult food (as suggested by her vet). She's getting spayed next week (poor baby). Each dog is different. Before changing your dog's diet or having her/him spayed or neutered, talk to his/her vet. I can't speak for male dogs, but for our girls, I believe there is a health benefit in having your dog spayed before her first heat.