From vaccines to regular checkups with the veterinarian, taking care of your dog’s health can help them live a long and happy life. Spaying or neutering your dog can also have positive health implications. If you are a new dog owner, here are three benefits of these procedures that you should consider.

Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Dog

1. Protects Against Disease

Spaying or neutering your dog can help them live a longer life without disease. Female dogs that don’t receive the procedure run the risk of developing uterine infections and breast tumors.

According to the ASPCA, these tumors are cancerous in 50% of dogs that have them. Additionally, male dogs that aren’t neutered are more likely to develop testicular cancer. Veterinarians recommend spaying your dog before her first heat to prevent these diseases. 

2. Improves Behavior

After being spayed or neutered, your dog will refrain from certain behaviors triggered by hormones. Male dogs won’t feel the need to escape from home to roam and find a mate.

Aggressive behaviors, such as marking territory and mounting animals or objects, will also decrease. On the other hand, female dogs won’t display behaviors associated with going into heat, such as yowling and frequent urination.

3. Prevents Overpopulation

Out of 6.5 million animals in shelters in the United States, 3.3 million of them are dogs. Per year, 670,000 of these dogs are euthanized. Although this number has decreased from past years, there is still much that needs to be done. 

When a female dog suddenly gives birth to a litter, families often don’t have the resources or space to take care of each puppy. Many of these dogs end up in shelters or on the street. By spaying or neutering your dog from the beginning, you can eliminate the risk of unwanted litters and overpopulation.

If you are searching for a trusted veterinarian to treat your dog, contact Troy & Wentzville Veterinary Clinics. With over 60 years of experience, this full-service animal clinic has locations in Troy and Wentzville, MO. They also provide a wide range of services, including pet microchipping, dental care, and dog boarding. For more information about these services, visit them online. To schedule an appointment, call their Troy office at (636) 528-4534 or their Wentzville office at (636) 327-6488.