Why does my puppy have an outie?
In an unborn puppy, the umbilicus slips out through an opening in the puppy’s stomach wall to connect to the placenta. Generally the abdominal wall closes up in the young puppy, leaving a solid abdomen. Sometimes a small bit of fat may get stuck in the opening, which leaves an “outie” belly button.
Is it normal for a dog to have an outie belly button?
There are photos floating around on the internet of puppies with “outie” belly buttons. While they are technically an “outie”, this is never normal for dogs. If your dog’s navel protrudes outwards, they have something called an umbilical hernia. Your dog won’t have a visible belly button, and that’s completely normal!
At what age does a puppy’s belly button disappear?
Usually, the hernia will go away on its own by the time the pup is 6 months old. If not, consult your vet.
Why is my puppies belly button sticking out?
An umbilical hernia is caused by the incomplete closure of the umbilical ring after birth. The hernia generally appears as a soft swelling beneath the skin and it often protrudes when the puppy is standing, barking, crying, or straining. Umbilical hernias are usually painless.
What does an outie belly button look like on a dog?
Hernias occur when muscles don’t heal properly. Placental mammals — that means dogs — can have umbilical hernias too; they look and feel like a bump on their bellies, so it’s easy to identify an “outie” belly button on a dog. A dog with a hernia should promptly see a vet to prevent complications.
Does each puppy have an umbilical cord?
Do Dogs Have Umbilical Cords? Each puppy is born in a fluid-filled sac, which connects to the mother’s placenta with an umbilical cord. After a puppy is born, the mother often bites through and breaks the umbilical cord, which leaves a scar on the puppy after it heals (referred to as a belly button for us humans).
How common is an umbilical hernia in puppies?
Hernias are a common congenital condition (meaning that puppies are born with them), affecting around 1 in 500 puppies. Although they can make some dogs seriously unwell, most are usually discovered at a puppy’s first checks or vaccinations without any associated or preceding signs of ill-health.
How much does it cost to have a puppy’s hernia removed?
Cost of Hernia Repair in Dogs Hernia repair expenses range from $700 (for simple more common hernias) to $2,500 (more complex cases) with $1,600 being the average cost. These costs include diagnosis, surgery and aftercare.
Should you buy a puppy with a hernia?
While some hernias result from trauma causing a tear in the muscle, most puppy hernias are congenital problems. This is where the muscle fails to develop properly. There may be a genetic element to this condition, as some breeds appear more susceptible. So it is advisable not to breed from a dog with a hernia.
What should I do if my puppy has an umbilical hernia?
In the cases of small umbilical hernias where only fat is protruding, your veterinarian may recommend repairing the hernia at the time of spay or neuter. If the hernia is large or contains abdominal organs, surgery should take place as soon as possible to avoid organ damage or even death.