| thefitpet | 12-12-2006 06:48 PM |
Hi Elisandra,
I will forward information from Dr Jane Bicks, DVM:
Dog's testicles and ovaries contain a hormone called the "food inhibitory hormone". Once your dog's gonads are removed, so is the hormone that helps to satisfy your dog's hunger. That means that neutered dogs are more likely to overeat than other dogs.
Removal of the gonads also reduces, if not eliminates, the sex drive. Believe it or not, that can slow down the metabolism of a dog, creating obesity if exercise is not incorporated into the daily routine and food is not measured. But don't let the tendency to gain weight stop you from neutering your dog. Exercise and measurement of dog food are necessary for any dog's good health. Although it seems that female dogs are more likely to be overweight than male dogs, hormones can't take all the blame. Let's admit it; dog owners cause obesity.
Dr Jane | 