My 4-day-old puppy has an "outie" belly button. Is it a hernia?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Cockapoo | Male | unneutered | 4 days old | 285 lbs
Hi, my puppy is 4days old and has a little piece of skin sticking out, like an "outie" but it doesn't look or feel squishy like a hernia. What could it be? Is it a hernia?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 20th, 2023
It looks like it may be part of the umbilical cord that hasn't dried up or healed completely yet, which can be normal at this age. I would keep the area clean and dry and continue to monitor it. If the area seems to be bulging, worsens, or the puppy isn't thriving or nursing properly, I would seek out veterinary care to rule out more serious issues.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on August 1st, 2017
Whether or not this hernia requires treatment will depend on the size. Umbilical hernias are not uncommon in puppies and most are not serious and do not require treatment if they are small in size. Larger hernias are more concerning, as in some cases intestines can protrude into the hernia which can become life threatening. If this hernia is at all painful/uncomfortable, or the puppy has decreased appetite then an exam is needed right away. You can read more about this condition at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on December 15th, 2017
Congratulations on your new puppy! Umbilical hernias can cause issues depending on their size. A small hernia is not likely to cause issues, as the intestinal loops are less likely to come through whereas a larger hernia can cause decreased circulation to the intestines, and cause an issue. Typically, hernias which can be reduced, or do not always have a loop of intestine present in the defect, do not cause many issues. I recommend discussing this with your vet, who can assess the size of the hernia and make a better recommendation. If you plan on having your puppy spayed or neutered, the hernia can easily be repaired at that time. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any questions you may have!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on January 7th, 2019
The severity of it would depend on its size and so to the organs or structures that can herniate through that ''ring'' of tissue. It can be easily resolved with a quick surgery under the same general anesthetic when he will be neutered. I would recommend to correct it surgically as it can get bigger with age.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Is this a hernia or can dogs have belly buttons ? That are outties? Vet spayed her at six months didn’t mention anything wrong
Where the umbilical cord is attached to the puppies is there usually a small knot?
Is it normal for a puppy to have a small bellybutton look. Where the umbilical cord was she's now just 9 weeks old. The vet office told me it's a umbilical hernia. She has no pain at all, in that area. Some of her siblings have the same tummy bellyb
My puppy is 5 weeks old and I think he has a hernia on his belly button what should I do I can't affor to take him to the vet
Hello My dog has a strange thing in his stomach its round and red he keeps licking it . Hes 3 month old . What should i do ?
Just got this new blue nose pitbull pup about a week and a half ago he is about 13 weeks old when I got him I noticed that he has what appears to be an extra nipple that is located a couple inches above his penis in the center of his belly it is larg
My puppy has the bump in his belly and I don't know what to do! I'm just scared that she might have cancer and it might be malignant! Please help!!
we are taking care of 6 newborn orphan puppies. The doctor applied stitches to the umbilical cord and now, (2 days later), the umbilical cord fell and there's a hole. It is pink and bleeds a little. We are applying an antibiotic cream and trying to m
My dog gave birth this past Saturday (4 days ago). All of the puppies umbilical cords have fallen off except one. Is this normal? Should I put anything on it like iodine or something? Thanks for your help.
my 4 day old puppy has what my mom is sure is a hernia. it's located where his private part is. it's really irrated and swollen. unfortunately i won't have money to pay to take him to the vet for 2 weeks. i just want to know if it is fatal to puppies
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
