Why is my 2-year-old dog acting old and tired after neutering?

It can definitely be normal for dogs to be quieter than usual for a few days after a surgical procedure. Moki is probably somewhat sore, and may still be getting some of the anesthesia drugs out of his system. As long as he's eating and drinking normally and still gets excited about the things he normally would, I wouldn't be overly concerned. Most dogs are back to normal by 7-10 days after surgery.

The only behaviors that will be affected by castration are those that are under the influence of male hormones. So for example, a dog’s temperament, training, and personality, are related to genetics and upbringing, not hormones. Neutering does not “calm” an excitable dog, and unless a castrated male dog is overfed or underexercised, there is no reason for it gain weight or become inactive. The undesired traits which are related to male hormones such as sexual behaviours, aggression, and urine marking will change over the course of a few days to a few months. I hope that is helpful information and I wish you the best of luck with Nipper's surgery.

He will be just as active as before the castration. You just have to watch his weight as he does not need as much food any more (being an entire boy takes more calories). He will be just as happy as he is now and just as lively. Just feed him less than you have been feeding now. If he gains weight, reduce his feed further, and if he loses weight, feed a little more, until you have found the correct amount to keep him at his present weight.

It depends on what you mean by "calm him down." Neutering will generally make male dogs less apt to roam in search of females, and may also decrease mounting and urine marking behavior - but otherwise would not be expected to have any significant effects on personality or energy levels.

5 years is not too old to be neutered. Some behaviors are induced by hormones , and they can also turn into habits independent from hormonal activity, Will he stop roaming? Possibly, but maybe not. Will he become less aggressive: most likely. If you want to know whether neutering helps or changes his behavior, you can have the vet give him an injection that suppresses testosterone (chemical castration). If you are satisfied that this works, you should have him castrated. If it does not change his behavior then castration will only serve to avoid uncontrolled procreation.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is unlikely to be due to the neuter surgery. This may be present due to something affecting his gastrointestinal system and/or his respiratory system for example. If this continues, I recommend you have Ace evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check what may be wrong with him so that this can be treated accordingly. Good luck!

Great question! I would take him into the Humane Society to have his incision examined. Call first to make sure the vet is available. While some irritation can be normal, it's not normal for him to feel warm and be more lethargic than usual. Drooling excessively isn't normal either, than could be due to nausea. I wouldn't expect to see these signs a week after being neutered, so a check with the vet is best. I hope this help!