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What are the risks of spaying my dog? Will it affect her lifespan?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

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

Im trying to feel a bit better about getting her spayed Wednesday. But spaying really doesn’t increase the chance of hemangiosarcoma does it? Like have you seen an increase? & are there any other risks? Because Precious could easily live another 9 years right? Since I take really good care of her?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 16th, 2018

There are the usual risks associated with any general anesthesia procedure; which includes complications from surgery like infection, irregular heart beats and apnea. Surgical complications are rare in hospitals that follow standardized protocols and constant monitoring of the patient while under. Ask your vet about the protocols and safety measures that they take for their patients, so that you have a better understanding of the care she is going to receive there. This will hopefully give you some peace of mind. Take care!

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There is absolutely no increase in risk of hemangiosarcoma in spayed dogs vs non-spayed dogs. You have nothing to worry about there. I wish you all the best and hope her surgery goes well. We can't guarantee how long your pet will live, but spaying her now will reduce the risk of her developing Pyometra in the near future, which can be life threatening. So by getting her spayed, you are helping to reduce her chances of life threatening complications in the near future. Continue to be a good pet owner! It is very apparent that you are doing your very best for Precious. : ) Best wishes and take care.

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