Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but discovering a small bulge on their belly can be concerning If your vet has diagnosed your furry friend with an umbilical hernia, you’re probably wondering if it will resolve on its own. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about puppy umbilical hernias and their treatment options
What Exactly Is an Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia develops when the umbilical ring (an opening in the abdominal wall) doesn’t close properly after birth. This results in a noticeable bulge on your puppy’s underside typically located at their belly button. Inside this bulge you’ll find something protruding through that umbilical ring – usually a bit of fat or peritoneum, but occasionally it might be a portion of the intestines.
These hernias are actually quite common in puppies and are easily spotted during a routine veterinary checkup. You might notice the hernia becomes more prominent when your puppy stands, barks, or cries.
Do Puppy Umbilical Hernias Go Away on Their Own?
The good news is that small hernias often do resolve themselves without intervention According to veterinary experts, umbilical hernias measuring less than ¼ inch (1 cm) in diameter have a good chance of closing spontaneously by the time your puppy reaches 3 to 4 months of age.
Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinary expert cited by Pooch & Mutt, confirms that very small hernias may heal over and resolve by themselves. Some vets even suggest that gently pushing the contents of the hernia back into the hole each day might improve the chances of spontaneous closure.
However, larger hernias (those exceeding ¼ inch or 1 cm) typically don’t close on their own and will require surgical repair to prevent potential complications.
How to Identify an Umbilical Hernia in Your Puppy
Umbilical hernias are typically visible as a small, spherical swelling located exactly where your puppy’s belly button would be, on the lower portion of their abdomen in the midline. These hernias can feel either squishy or firm to the touch.
Sometimes, you can push the hernia back inside the belly button, only to watch it pop back out immediately afterward. These are known as “reducible” hernias. “Non-reducible” hernias can’t be pushed back in and may require more immediate attention.
Most puppies with umbilical hernias show no signs of discomfort or pain. They’re usually completely unaware that they have a hernia at all!
When Should You Be Concerned?
While most umbilical hernias are harmless, there are some situations that warrant immediate veterinary attention:
- If the hernia suddenly increases in size
- If the area becomes red, tender, or firm (when it was previously soft)
- If your puppy shows signs of pain when the area is touched
- If your puppy seems lethargic, stops eating, or vomits
These could be signs of a serious complication called strangulation, where the blood supply to the herniated tissue becomes compromised. This is a rare but dangerous situation that requires emergency treatment.
Treatment Options for Puppy Umbilical Hernias
1. Watchful Waiting
For small hernias (less than ¼ inch or 1 cm), your vet might recommend monitoring the hernia to see if it closes on its own by the time your puppy reaches 3-4 months of age. During this time, you’ll want to keep an eye on the hernia for any changes in size, color, or firmness.
2. Surgical Repair
If the hernia doesn’t close on its own, surgical repair is the standard treatment. This is a relatively simple procedure where the vet will:
- Push the contents of the hernia back into the abdomen
- Close the muscle defect with sutures
- Repair the overlying skin
Most vets recommend performing this surgery during your puppy’s spay or neuter procedure to avoid subjecting them to a second anesthetic event. This approach also makes the treatment more affordable!
According to Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, while umbilical hernia repair surgery on its own starts at about $340, they only charge $60 to $80 for the procedure when added to a spay or neuter. This represents significant savings for pet owners.
In the UK, the cost for hernia repair ranges between £100-500, with the lower end of that range applying when the surgery is combined with neutering.
Risks and Complications
If Left Untreated
The main risk of an untreated umbilical hernia is strangulation. This occurs when the blood supply to the herniated tissue becomes blocked, causing the tissue to die. This is a rare complication but can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Larger hernias that contain intestines are at higher risk for this complication.
Surgical Risks
As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with hernia repair, including:
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Infection at the surgical site
- Development of a seroma (fluid swelling)
However, these complications are uncommon, and the prognosis for puppies undergoing umbilical hernia repair is excellent. Following your vet’s post-operative care instructions will help minimize these risks.
Should You Buy a Puppy with an Umbilical Hernia?
If you’re considering purchasing a puppy that has an umbilical hernia, there’s generally no reason to be concerned from a health perspective. Most umbilical hernias are easily treatable and don’t indicate other health issues.
However, there is one important consideration: umbilical hernias are often hereditary. This means that if you plan to breed your dog in the future, it’s not advisable to purchase a puppy with an umbilical hernia. Breeding dogs with this condition can pass the trait to future generations.
Responsible breeders should always disclose if a puppy has an umbilical hernia before purchase.
Prevention and Breeding Decisions
The best way to prevent umbilical hernias in future generations is through selective breeding. Dogs with umbilical hernias should be neutered to prevent passing this genetic trait to offspring. When choosing breeding stock, it’s important to select dogs without a family history of hernias.
This genetic component is why many veterinarians recommend that ALL dogs with umbilical hernias be neutered, even if the hernia itself is small and harmless.
Our Experience with Puppy Hernias
We’ve seen many concerned puppy owners come into our clinic worried about these small belly button bulges. In most cases, we’re able to reassure them that the condition is common and easily manageable. I always tell my clients that while it might look concerning, most puppies with umbilical hernias go on to live completely normal, healthy lives with no complications whatsoever.
One of our clients, Maya, shared her experience: “This was so helpful! I have been talking to a breeder who has a puppy who has a very slight umbilical hernia and wanted to make sure it wasn’t fatal if slight.” Like many pet parents, she was relieved to learn that small hernias typically pose no serious health risks.
Caring for a Puppy with an Umbilical Hernia
If your puppy has been diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, here’s how to provide proper care:
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Monitor the hernia – Keep an eye on the size, appearance, and feel of the hernia. Report any changes to your vet.
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Avoid rough play – While most puppies with hernias can play normally, extremely rough play might potentially cause discomfort or increase the risk of complications.
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Follow your vet’s recommendations – Whether they suggest waiting to see if it closes on its own or recommend surgical repair, your vet’s guidance is invaluable.
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Schedule repair during spay/neuter – If surgery is recommended, try to schedule it simultaneously with your puppy’s spay or neuter procedure to minimize stress and cost.
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Post-surgical care – If your puppy undergoes surgical repair, follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including restricting activity and using a pet t-shirt or cone to prevent them from licking the incision site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is an umbilical hernia in a puppy?
Most umbilical hernias in puppies are not serious and pose little to no risk. They can typically be easily treated or may even resolve on their own. Serious complications like strangulation are rare.
Can I push an umbilical hernia back in?
If the hernia is reducible, you can gently push it back in, but it will likely pop out again immediately. Some vets suggest that doing this regularly might increase the chances of spontaneous closure in very small hernias, but always consult with your veterinarian before attempting this.
Will an umbilical hernia affect my puppy’s growth or development?
No, an umbilical hernia typically doesn’t affect a puppy’s growth, development, or quality of life. Most puppies with hernias grow up to be perfectly healthy dogs.
At what age should an umbilical hernia be repaired?
If a small hernia hasn’t closed on its own by 3-4 months of age, repair is usually recommended. Many vets prefer to perform the repair during spay/neuter surgery, which typically occurs between 6-12 months of age, depending on your vet’s recommendations and your dog’s breed.
Final Thoughts
Umbilical hernias in puppies are common and usually nothing to lose sleep over. Small hernias (less than ¼ inch or 1 cm) often close on their own by 3-4 months of age, while larger ones can be easily repaired during a routine spay or neuter procedure.
The key is to monitor the hernia for any concerning changes and follow your veterinarian’s advice regarding treatment. With proper care, your puppy should grow up to be a healthy, happy companion, regardless of whether they were born with this common condition.
Remember, if you’re ever concerned about your puppy’s health, including issues related to an umbilical hernia, the best course of action is always to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.
What Causes an Umbilical Hernia?
Umbilical hernias in dogs are relatively common and tend to occur in certain family lines. This means that a dog’s genetics, at least in part, determines whether they are likely to have an umbilical hernia. The exact genetics behind the trait aren’t fully understood, but some experts think that several genes may be involved, many of which are passed on in a recessive manner. If this is true, it has two important implications:
- Dogs who don’t have an umbilical hernia themselves may still pass the trait on to some of their puppies.
- Two dogs with the trait shouldn’t be bred to each other because all of the puppies could have umbilical hernias.
Unlike many other genetic conditions, the American Kennel Club doesn’t have strict recommendations against breeding dogs who have small umbilical hernias. Reputable breeders will not breed a dog who has a very large umbilical hernia and will avoid breeding two dogs with umbilical hernias together, even if the hernias are small. But other than this, the condition doesn’t have to affect their breeding decisions.
Umbilical hernias are usually harmless, but prospective pet parents who are concerned about the condition should only purchase puppies from breeders who perform all the breed-specific health screenings recommended by the Canine Health Information Center and ask about the incidence of umbilical hernias in their dogs. Find out more questions to ask your dog’s breeder.
It’s also possible for trauma to lead to an umbilical hernia. If the puppy’s umbilical cord is removed too aggressively, it can create an opening in the body wall that leaves behind a hole when it heals. This doesn’t happen very often, however. Be wary if a breeder claims that the reason behind most of the puppies in a litter having umbilical hernias is their mother chewing off their umbilical cords too aggressively. This probably isn’t the case.
Signs Your Dog Has an Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical hernias in dogs aren’t hard to identify. Look for these qualities:
- Location: You can find the umbilicus (belly button) on the midline of a dog’s belly, just below the rib cage.
- A lump: With a small umbilical hernia, a little soft fat is all that normally moves through the hole in the body wall. Small umbilical hernias are usually only about 1/2 of an inch wide. When a dog has a large umbilical hernia, abdominal organs like loops of intestines may be able to pass through.
With some hernias, it’s possible for a veterinarian to push the fat or other abdominal contents that have moved through the hernia back into a dog’s abdomen. These hernias are said to be “reducible.” Hernias that are easily reducible are unlikely to cause a dog serious problems, even if they are large.
With other hernias, fat or abdominal organs will get stuck in the opening of the body wall. Scar material may also form, which will make it impossible to push everything back into the abdominal cavity. This is a non-reducible hernia.