When it comes to being a responsible dog owner, spay and neuter procedures are crucial. Having your dog fixed keeps the pet population under control and prevents bothersome canine behaviors and health risks. However, despite all the good these procedures do, some pet owners worry their dogs will gain unhealthy amounts of weight afterward. While weight gain does sometimes occur after spaying and neutering, you can still help your pet maintain a healthy weight.

Why Spay & Neuter Surgeries Lead to Weight Gain

Spaying and neutering don't necessarily cause dogs to gain weight. After the surgery, hormonal changes can slow down a pet's metabolism, increase their appetites, and lower their activity levels, but that doesn't mean your pet must gain weight.

The key is to change your pet's caloric intake to accommodate these metabolic and behavioral changes. Many food brands make low-calorie foods for fixed dogs, ensuring your pet receives the proper nutrition while cutting back on calories. Your vet can also help by evaluating your dog's weight after the surgery. If it becomes an issue, you can make further adjustments to their diet.

How to Help Your Dog Stay Fit

Along with an improved diet, make sure your newly fixed pet is partaking in physical activities regularly. For instance, walks are essential for weight management as well as mental stimulation. Depending on your dog's breed and age, they should be getting between 30 minutes to 2 hours of physical activity per day.

Taking your pet to a dog park and playing a rousing game of fetch is also ideal when it comes to exercise. If your dog has canine friends in the neighborhood, schedule frequent playdates so they can exercise together. Dogs with joint issues can also supplement walks with time spent swimming, as this activity is excellent for burning calories without causing pain or inflammation.

With more than two decades of experience providing top care, Elyria Animal Hospital is happy to help pet owners throughout Lorain County, OH, take care of their pets after spay and neuter procedures. They use state-of-the-art equipment and a kind approach to ensure your dog is as comfortable as possible. They also provide many other services, including dental care and pet grooming. Check out a gallery of their healthy and happy patients online, and schedule an appointment at by calling (440) 365-3818 today.