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My 8-year-old dog is unspayed. Is spaying still good for her health?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | unspayed | 7 years and 11 months old | 15.43 lbs

Hello, my dog is gonna be 8 years next month , she has been healthy and never had any problems. She never had puppies but she hasnt been spayed either. Someone sugested me that I should do it now to reduce the chances to have cancer. What do you suggest? Thank you

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amber W

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 2nd, 2017

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The more heat cycles a dog goes through the more likely they are to develop mammary (breast cancer). At Fifi's age there may be less of a reduction in risk by spaying her now but it is still probably worth spaying her. By spaying Fido you will also eliminate the risk that she develops a life threatening uterine infection called a pyometra. That in itself is enough to warrant spaying at this time. Best regards to you and Fifi!

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 12th, 2017

    Spaying can reduce the risk of certain hormone linked cancers like mammary tumours. However every year that passes from 1 year of age reduces the effectiveness of spaying as a preventative. By 8 years old she will already have had a lot of hormonal influence so the spaying won't be as useful as it would be in a younger dog. However it is still worth considering as it will remove the risk of cancer of the ovary and uterus, and the risk of pyometra which is a serious womb infection. If she is a healthy dog in good condition I would seriously consider electing to have her done as it is much better than having a spay as an emergency procedure.

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