Neuter confusion and worry....
 

Bentley goes to get neutered on Friday. He's having some baby teeth pulled as well. He is about 9 months old and maybe 4 pounds. I have heard many conflicting opinions on weight gain after surgery. I know he needs to have it done and Id love him either way but I do love the size he is right now. After he comes home should I be decreasing his food due to his metabolism slowing or does it matter? I want him at a healthy weight but I have heard a lot of people saying their baby ballooned after neutering. So if I should decrease, how much? Is it a myth that they gain weight? Also, how will he act after his surgery? Will he be really sleepy? How long should that last? I'm really nervous. I'm going to be on edge all day until they call to say he's awake and doing well. Id like to go see him when he wakes up. So worried and really confused on the weight thing. Also, will having those retained baby teeth removed help his breath? Sorry for all the questions at once. Thanks in advance for your replies. :)

Maximo and Teddy, full brothers, had growth spurts at 10 months of age because late growth is in their genes. However, they did not gain weight as a result of being neutered. Neither of them had a slow down in their metabolism. They were both very active before and after, so that may have made a difference. Every dog is different.

Both boys rebounded very quickly. Teddy was with his breeder, but I had Max with me when we had it done and I followed the vet's orders to limit activity especially for the first few days. We held off on our long walks for 2 weeks. Instead, I carried Max on our walking route and he loved it.

Removing the baby teeth may improve breath if the retained teeth are harboring bacteria causing the bad breath.

Best wishes to your little one for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. He will do great.

My Ben was one who put on weight after neutering. I had always free fed and his appetite was obviously greater after surgery. But I had also gotten a puppy and Ben keeps getting into the puppy food (which is higher in calorie). Just having the new puppy seems to make him want to eat more -- it is more a contest than a hunger. So -- I am not sure if I can really blame the neutering alone for his weight gain. I have not noticed a slowing of his metabolism as far as activity either. Still ready and willing to play, chase, and be chased. He was older when I neutered him, 4 years old. I think those neutered before a year or two old have a greater chance of NOT gaining weight.

He gained a 1/2 pound in the first 2 weeks after surgery -- which is quite a lot in a short time. He continued to gain a bit more, but then I got on top of it. I am giving very low calorie treats (carrot, green beans, and a weight management treat). I changed foods and am making a more concentrated effort to exercise him outside. Keeps me warm while I wait for them all to potty so a nice side benefit too. ;) He is losing the excess slow but sure. Others do not think him overweight, but I know how lean he was before and that is what the vet said was healthiest for him. Not all dogs gain any weight at all after neutering and I think if they do put on weight, it can easily be a temporary thing. Since you are paying attention ahead of time, you may not see the affect at all. I tended to pamper him with additional treats both as a means of keeping him happy after the puppy addition and to make him feel better after surgery. Food should not be used like that for dogs anymore than it should for people. Emotional eating usually results in unwanted weight. So, I am saying -- I am more to blame than the surgery. I am very thankful for the surgery. He will never be turned into that crazed little horndog when faced with a dog in heat (and too small Annie is safe from unwanted pregnancy), no more marking (worked for him but doesn't for all), and he will never worry about testicular cancer and has a very reduced chance of prostrate cancer. I think he is more loving than before. I always kid about my selfish Ben -- he is with the other dogs -- but with me he is the sweetest dog possible! I would do the same if I had to make the decision today.

I wouldn't feel comfortable restricting food with a puppy, as they are still growing as they should naturally. And at 9 months your boy is still considered a puppy. I would ask your vet before I fed less.

With my males (my own and fosters) I've continued to feed the normal amounts and most have been puppies in the 6-10 months range. After they've healed completely and as they mature, I do try to increase their activities to avoid unnecessary weight gain, especially if I see one of them gaining weight. I weigh them all about once a month, so I keep good tabs on their weights.

I've had only one (Louis) that seemed to balloon and that wasn't just immediately after neutering but, gradually that first year after. We've been on a weight reduction program with him though, the last 6 months and he is doing wonderfully, lost a pound and has only about 1/2 pound to go! With Louis I've slightly decreased his food, so as not to make feel slighted, and increased his activity (walking). We've also made most snacks low-cal and healthy, veggies, fruits and no more sharing dh cookies!

Both of mine had growth spurts between 10 and 12 months- they are related, so I guess it is in the lines. I wouldn't start limiting food right off the bat after surgery- make sure your puppy remains active and gets plenty of exercise and keep an eye on his body condition not just his weight. You want to make sure he doesn't become overweight, but you don't want to restrict food just to keep a specific number on the scale- if he is meant to grow a little more, he should be allowed to do so.

Thanks for the quick responses guys. Right now my husband is on deployment and I am pregnant with our 2nd so I came to live with my parents to have the baby and they have 3 big dogs that eat Purina. Bentley gets to their food all the time and when its time for him to eat his (Solid Gold) he has already eaten their food too. Also my 1 year old insists on feeding him his food. So I'm really worried about him gaining too much as it is. Coming here was supposed to be less stressful. Not so much thouugh. I always worry about the big dogs biting my baby or Bentley or my other dog. And Purina is a horrible food. I can't wait to be back in my own home with my pets, babies, and hubby. Wow, sorry guys. Got a little emotional there. Must be the pregnancy hormones. Thanks again for all the great advice. Its nice to have people to talk to about Bentley when I have concerns. No one understands as well as other yorkie owners. :)

Thank you to your husband for his service, and to you for enduring all of this on the homefront. You do have your hands full. I hope that you will have your family together in your own home soon. When does your husband return?

He will be home in June. I am so proud of him for everything he does. He's an amazing person and my best friend. A lot of times when he is away I only have my son and pets to talk to. They are so important to me and keep me from losing it a lot of times. They keep me busy and when I'm sad or crying my son is usually right there laughing at me (which always makes me smile) and my dogs are right there cuddled up next to me to let me know that we will get through this deployment just like the last 2 we have been through. This is the first with my son but my pets have been there every time he has had to be away. They are so much a part of our family. My husband is so thankful for those who support him. It helps to keep him going knowing that people are grateful and proud. Id have to agree. So thank you for your support. Its nice to hear from time to time. Its a reminder to us that the pain we go through being apart is worth it for our country.

My two boys are neutered. Barney was neutered very early and Teddy at about 6 mos or so. Neither one gained weight. Both boys have been at an ideal weight for most of their lives. We feed two meals a day and a couple of low calories treats.

Bentley is in a reward based training class right now. So as far as "low calorie" treats, which ones would you suggest? He is getting Bill Jac (?) Treats right now. They are way too big for him to get the whole time we train though. I have to cut them in 4ths and they are for small dogs! He gets full on them. Another worry I forgot to mention about neutering is that sometimes he makes this noise like a cough or sneeze or wheeze. I don't know. It is usually only around smells he doesn't like. If it were a collapsed trachea would the vet realize that before intubating him? Last time he was at the vet (about 4 weeks ago) they said he was healthy so his breathing must be okay right? I think I may be obsessing a little. I can't help it.

UPDATE: Bentley did great. I just picked him up from the vet. He is still pretty sleepy but he is fine. I was so worried all day. He had 4 baby teeth pulled too. Thanks again for all the advice guys. Very helpful. When he's hungry, he can eat w/e he wants. Haha! As long as he's happy, healthy, and feeling better. :)

I am glad to hear Bentley is home with you now. We are always here for you when you get down. Thanks to you and your husband for all your sacrifices. That has to be hard to have him gone when you are expecting. Hugs

Wonderful, now you have one less thing to worry about, your plate is full enough! Thanks to your husband for what he does for all of us, and your steadfast support of him. I hope June comes quickly for you.