Understanding Umbilical Hernias in Dogs and Cats

An umbilical hernia in dogs and cats is usually minor and easily managed, but understanding its causes and when repair is needed can help pet owners make informed decisions.

Author: Sara Castillo | Practice Manager

When you bring your pet in for surgery, your veterinary team may mention that your dog or cat has an umbilical hernia. While the term can sound alarming, most umbilical hernias are minor and easily managed. Still, it’s important to understand what they are, how they happen, and when they may need to be repaired.

What Is an Umbilical Hernia?

An umbilical hernia is a small opening in the abdominal wall where your pet’s umbilical cord once was attached during fetal development. After birth, that cord dries up and falls off - similar to a human baby’s belly button. Normally, the tiny hole in the abdominal wall seals on its own.

Sometimes, however, that closure doesn’t happen completely. The result is a small opening at the belly button area, which may contain a bit of fat, tissue or organs from inside the abdomen.

How Do Umbilical Hernias Happen?

Umbilical hernias are usually congenital, meaning pets are born with them. They can occur in both puppies and kittens and are sometimes seen more commonly in certain breeds due to genetics. In other cases, an umbilical hernia might result from mild trauma or stretching in the umbilical region shortly after birth, but this is less common.

Are Umbilical Hernias Dangerous?

Most umbilical hernias are harmless and cause no pain or health concerns. However, the size and contents of the hernia determine whether it’s simply cosmetic or something that should be addressed.

• Small hernias (less than a fingertip in size) that only contain fat are usually not an emergency.

• Larger hernias that allow a portion of the intestines or other abdominal organs to slip through the opening can be serious. These can become “strangulated,” cutting off blood supply to the trapped organs, thereby requiring emergency surgery.

When Should an Umbilical Hernia Be Repaired?

In most cases, your veterinarian will recommend repairing an umbilical hernia at the time of spay or neuter surgery. This allows the issue to be corrected safely while your pet is already under anesthesia, avoiding the need for a second procedure later.

If the hernia is small and poses no risk, your vet may decide to monitor it instead.

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Possible Complications

If an umbilical hernia goes untreated and abdominal contents become trapped, it can lead to:

• Pain or discomfort

• Vomiting or loss of appetite

• Swelling or discoloration at the hernia site

• Tissue death and infection

Although these complications are rare, they highlight why evaluation by a veterinarian is important—even for small hernias that seem insignificant.

The Good News

The majority of umbilical hernias can be easily repaired with an extra incision and a few stitches during your pet’s spay or neuter surgery. Recovery is no different than a routine procedure, and once repaired, the hernia is unlikely to return.

At Spay Neuter Vets, we check every patient for umbilical hernias during their pre-surgical exam and will let you know if repair is recommended. Our goal is always to provide high-quality, and compassionate care—so you can rest easy knowing your pet is in expert hands.