Spaying and neutering are reproductive procedures that prevent unwanted pregnancies in female and male animals, respectively. Getting the applicable surgery for your furry friend is one of the greatest responsibilities of pet ownership. That’s why you should bring your dog to one of Troy & Wentzville Veterinary Clinic’s two locations in Missouri today. They have 60 years of experience and the state-of-the-art equipment to safely operate on your pup. If your dog falls in the following age category, give them a call to schedule today.

The Best Age to Spay or Neuter

Most veterinarians are in agreement that the optimum time for spaying or neutering your pet is when they are between five and nine months of age. At this point, female dogs have not had their first heat and male dogs have not hit puberty, so they will reap the maximum benefits of the surgery. If you’re adopting or have an older dog, spaying and neutering can still be performed to improve its health. Always talk with your local animal hospital to determine the perfect age for your canine’s specific case. 

The Importance of Spaying & Neutering

Spaying and neutering are primarily intended to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Many owners don’t have the time or budget to care for an entirely new litter of puppies. Further, female dogs in heat can attract male dogs from across the neighborhood that you don’t want hanging out in your yard.

Animals also receive health benefits from the surgeries. Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and other prostate diseases in your male dog. For females, spaying drastically lowers the risk of mammary tumors or deadly uterine infections. 

Finally, owners see a reduction in problematic behavior following the operation. Male dogs are far less inclined to roam, mark their territory, or exhibit aggression after neutering. Similarly, female dogs tend to stay closer to home after they’ve been spayed.

If your dog is between five and nine months of age, now is the perfect time to have it spayed or neutered in order to receive life-long health and behavioral benefits. The team with Troy & Wentzville Veterinary Clinic is standing by to schedule your appointment and provide your pet’s care for life. Call their Troy location at (636) 528-4534 or the Wentzville office at (636) 327-6488. Or you can check out their two animal clinic locations online.