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Is spaying safe for my dog? Will it cause cancer or shorten her life?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 9 years and 2 months old | 4 lbs

Does spaying actually increase the risk of developing hemangiosarcoma? Or decrease lifespan? I know the risk of a small breed getting it is relatively low & id like to keep it that way. Also, i would like her to have a longer & healthy life as well. She is a yorkie/maltese mix if that helps

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on April 13th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I only treat cancer cases and unfortunately see a fair amount of dogs with hemangiosarcoma. The evidence that hemangiosarcoma is more prevalent in spayed dogs is rather weak and likely a result of how the studies were performed. I would recommend you proceed with the spay mostly because it decreases the risk of mammary cancer and prevents pyometra. Good luck and have a great day!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on April 14th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! As a veterinary oncologist, I can tell you that we do not believe that spaying increases the risk of hemangiosarcoma so it is recommended to proceed with a spay. She could get hemangiosarcoma just like any other dog could though it is typically much less commom in small breed dogs. Good luck and have a great day!

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 13th, 2018

    In small breed, older intact females my largest concern would be the risk of pyometra (womb infection) and spaying is the best way to prevent such a serious complication. There is some indications that in certain large breed dogs, neutering is associated with a higher rate of HSA but it is also noted that neutered dogs often live longer, healthier lives and have more opportunity to develop such conditions. It does not appear to be equal across all breeds and although an increase in HSA is seen, this is effectively from very very rare to very rare

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