If you have a male dog or cat, neutering your pet is a great way to curb bad behavior, prevent disease, and more. It’s a delicate procedure, which is why pet owners in Troy, MO, and the surrounding Eastern Missouri area turn to the professionals at Troy & Wentzville Veterinary Clinic. For more than 60 years, they’ve been providing the community with compassionate preventative and general care for their animals.

Below, the team at Troy & Wentzville Veterinary Clinic shares answers to four common questions about neutering.

4 Neutering FAQs Answered

What Is the Right Age for Surgery?

Your pet should be at least eight weeks old when they have the surgery. Neutering is a major procedure, and the recovery time will be faster for your pet if they have the surgery at a young age. Kittens should weigh at least two pounds and puppies should weigh four pounds or more. Older pets can have the procedure, but it might be more stressful on their mind and body.

Are There Any Health Benefits?

Because neutering requires the removal of testicles, your pet is far less likely to develop problems with their reproductive organs. The risk of getting prostate disease decreases, and the risk of developing testicular disease is also eliminated.

Will the Procedure Affect My Pet’s Mood?

Neutering male dogs and cats can actually help stimulate good behavior. Dogs are far less likely to mark their territory or stray from the house looking for a mate. Pets will also be less aggressive towards humans and other household animals.  

Is It Worth the Costs?

The procedure is incredibly cost-effective. Many shelters and pet stores include spaying or neutering in the adoption fee. The cost of having the procedure pales in comparison to how much it would cost to raise an entire litter of puppies or kittens.

If neutering is the best option for your pet, the team at Troy & Wentzville Veterinary Clinic is standing by to help. They also provide pet dental care services, pet microchipping, flea and tick control, pet wellness exams, pet vaccinations, and useful tips to keep your animal healthy year-round.

To schedule an appointment in Eastern Missouri, call the Troy office at (636) 528-4534 or the Wentzville location at (636) 327-6488. Visit Troy & Wentzville Veterinary Clinic online to discover the many ways they will care for your pets, and like them on Facebook for updated news and announcements.