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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

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

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

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
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
Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM
Veterinarian
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
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
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

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Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There can be a small “outie” for a few days but this could also be an umbilical hernia. This is a small hole in the body wall at the area where the belly button is. A little peice of intestine or abdominal fat pokes through to cause the bulge. It feels soft and squishy and you may be able to “poke it back in” for lack of a better term. This is not considered painful or especially dangerous but it is something we keep an eye on throughout puppyhood. If it’s still pretty decent sized, we generally just sew the small hole closed at the time of spay. Mention it to the vet at her first puppy check up. Obviously if it gets hard, painful, red, bigger, or Shadow has any other concerning signs, head into the vet sooner. Best of luck to you and Shadow!

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