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My puppy has a soft belly bump. Why isn't she growing like her sister?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | unspayed | 5 months and 21 days old

my 5/12 month old puppy has a soft bump on her upper belly. She is not growing or gaining weight like her sister. Her name is Cookie and she is a Shitzu

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Laura Johnson VMD

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 26th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petcoach!

If the soft bump is near her belly button (umbilicus) it is likely an umbilical hernia. It is not uncommon and usually not painful or harmful to have. Your Vet can fix it when she spays her at 6 months. The incision will just be a bit longer. All dogs are a bit different in their growth. Cookie may be more of the runt than her sister. As long as she is eating and not having vomiting or diarrhea she may be fine being smaller. You just want to be sure she isn't too thin. I've attached a body condition score chart below in the link. If she is indeed too thin I would have her check for worms and discuss her weight with your Vet.

I hope this helps!

https://oregonvma.org/files/Purina-Dog-Condition-Chart.pdf
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