Is It True That Sterilized Dogs Gain Weight?

Many people claim that once a dog is sterilized, its metabolism changes, making it easier to gain weight. Others say this isn't proven. So what's the reality? Is it true that sterilized dogs gain weight more easily?

In this SoyUnPerro article, we'll go over these questions and see what we can do to prevent excess weight, whether caused by sterilization or not. Shall we begin?

Difference Between Sterilizing and Neutering

Although we usually mean neutering when we talk about "sterilizing," the truth is these aren't the same thing. Sterilizing means preventing a dog from getting a female pregnant, or a female from becoming pregnant. This is achieved through tubal ligation in females and a vasectomy in males.

Neutering, however, is more invasive — it involves removing the testicles in males and performing what's commonly known as a "spay" in females.

In most cases, vets recommend neutering, since it also prevents testosterone production in males and the development of various types of cancer in females.

Does Sterilization Cause Weight Gain?

The truth is most sterilized or neutered dogs tend to have their metabolism change, making it easier for them to gain some extra weight. So the answer is yes, although not necessarily (meaning, not always).

Besides sterilization, other factors also come into play, like the dog's growth, its diet, and its daily habits when it comes to walks and exercise. We should keep in mind that it's the combination of these factors that really causes weight gain in a dog, not sterilization/neutering alone.

What to Do to Prevent a Sterilized Dog From Gaining Weight?

These simple, practical tips will help you prevent your dog from gaining weight. Remember that excess weight is behind countless conditions that can seriously affect its quality of life, like canine diabetes.

Change Its Diet

Try to find high-quality food that's moderate in calories, to prevent weight gain. Kibble formulated for sterilized dogs, low in fat, grain-free, and containing high-quality ingredients is the most recommended option.

Avoid kibble containing wheat or corn, or ones whose main ingredient isn't fresh or dehydrated meat or fish. A bit of rice isn't bad, but in small amounts. Also, make sure you're giving it an appropriate portion, without overdoing it.

Increase Its Walks and Exercise

There's a very simple rule for not gaining weight: burn more calories than you take in. So increasing walks with our dog and its exercise level is, without a doubt, an excellent option. If you're not the sporty type, you can take it to a dog park so it can run around playing with other dogs or chasing a ball.

Avoid Treats and Fatty Foods

"It's looking at me with that face, so I'll give it a bit of my food, a piece of bread, or a dog treat." This is a fairly common mistake that makes dogs gain weight very easily, since it also means they eat between meals. Use carrots as a treat for your dog — they're very healthy.

What Do I Do If My Dog Is Already Overweight?

The best approach is to follow a set of guidelines under veterinary supervision, to prevent our dog from developing nutritional deficiencies. Usually, they'll recommend a combination of routines, like increased exercise paired with a healthy diet.

We shouldn't force our overweight dog into intense exercise, since it could be very harmful to its health. Everything should be done in a controlled, gradual way, without rushing or overdoing it.