Since my male dog was neutered, his appetite seems to have increased. Is this normal?

Q: “I had my male dog neutered recently, and since then, he's been hungry all the time. Is this normal?”

A: Watch those extra calories.

Neutering is an important part of pet health care. It prevents unwanted litters (millions of animals are destroyed each year!), and eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer. It also greatly reduces the risk of prostatic infections as dogs get older.

Following castration (neutering), some dogs will experience a decrease in desire for exercise. They also tend to become more interested in family members, and food also takes on an increased importance to them. Because of the decreased exercise tendency, and the increased interest in food, castrated male dogs are more prone to obesity than intact males.

You can protect your pet from the host of problems that accompany obesity by keeping his weight within an appropriate range. If your dog is on a high calorie diet (such as a performance diet), then consider switching him to a regular or low-fat or light adult diet. By decreasing the calorie content in a cup of food, you can still feed a reasonable volume without adding calories (and weight) to the dog.

Break his daily feeding into two meals. If a dog is fed only in the morning, he is more likely to beg for food at night. Monitor his weight on a weekly basis and adjust his volume of food to maintain an ideal body condition. When offering treats, give one treat, not several. Also, many dogs like low calorie treats such as rice cakes or carrots as much as some of the higher calorie treats. Check with your veterinarian regarding treats and diets if your dog has any dietary sensitivity.

Because your dog’s initiative for exercise may be decreased, make it a point to encourage a regular exercise program. With vigorous daily exercise, the appetite tends to be more regulated, and your dog's health will be improved. Sedentary dogs will gain weight and are more prone to orthopedic problems. By encouraging and joining him in regular exercise, you will find it easier to maintain his weight, and have the added benefit of spending some quality time with him.

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