About Vicki Dressler Expertise I can answer questions about rescue, personalities, the breed, some general medical questions. I cannot answer technical medical problems as I am not a veterinarian or vet tech.
Experience I have been owned by Pugs for over 13 years, have done Pug rescue for over 10 years and have rescued/placed several hundred pugs throughout the years.
Organizations Prairie Pugs Rescue
Education/Credentials None specific to Pugs other then hands on experience
Expert: Vicki Dressler Date: 7/10/2008 Subject: At what age to neuter?
Question Hi,
I have a 6 month old male pug that is friendly, playful, active, well behaved
and has no aggression issues. My vet said that I can neuter a puppy anytime
after 5 months. But I've also heard that pugs get depressed and gain weight
after neutering so you shouldn't neuter them too young. I've heard that you
should wait until he is at least 1 year old, but I have also heard you should
wait until he is even older.
I know I want to get him neutered eventually but I don't want him to become
any less social, active and happy than he is now. And also since obesity can
be a problem with pugs and my boy loves to eat, I am also worried about the
weight gain.
So what age is best for a dog to be neutered?
Answer It is fine to get them spayed or neutered at six months. We just had our little six month old girl done last week.
With males it helps to slow them down on marking their territory. I have NEVER seen a dog get depressed from neutering or spaying.
Any pug will gain weight intact or altered. Just watch what you feed and how much you feed them. If they start to put on weight, then either increase their exercise or decrease their food amount. We feed our pugs 3/4 cup to 1 cup a day of Flint River Ranch www.frrco.com/122607 and they are not overweight.
Also, when you have the surgery, have your vet pull any remaining baby teeth at that time. It saves on having to put them to sleep another time.
Thanks and good luck and I commend you for being a responsible pet owner by having your pug neutered.
