Hernias in Dogs: Umbilical, Inguinal and Diaphragmatic

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

A soft bulge on a puppy's belly is one of the most common things owners notice, and it is often a hernia.

What they are

A hernia occurs when a hole or weakness in a muscle wall lets fat or an organ push through. Hernias can be congenital, present from birth, or acquired through trauma, strain or age.

Common types

• Umbilical hernia: a bulge at the belly button, common in puppies and often congenital. See puppy first vet visit
• Inguinal hernia: a bulge in the groin, more common in females, and in pregnant dogs
• Perineal hernia: a bulge beside the anus in older unneutered males
• Diaphragmatic hernia: a tear in the diaphragm, often after trauma, letting abdominal organs into the chest
• Scrotal hernia: a bulge in the scrotum
• Incisional hernia: at a previous surgical wound

Signs

• A soft, squishy bulge that may change in size
• Straining to defecate with perineal hernia
• Vomiting, lethargy or loss of appetite if bowel is trapped
• Breathing difficulty with diaphragmatic hernia
• A hard, hot, painful or discolored bulge, which suggests strangulation

When it is an emergency

Go to a vet immediately if a bulge is hard, painful, red or purple, your dog is vomiting repeatedly, or he struggles to breathe after trauma. Trapped bowel can die quickly. See dog emergency warning signs.

Umbilical hernias in puppies

Small umbilical hernias, smaller than a fingertip, often close by about six months and cause no problem. Larger ones may let intestines slip through and need surgical repair, which is often done at spay or neuter. Ask your vet to check it at each vaccination visit.

Diagnosis

Your vet will feel the bulge to see if it can be pushed back, and may recommend X-rays or ultrasound to assess its contents. Diaphragmatic hernias are confirmed by chest imaging.

Treatment

Most hernias are repaired surgically under anesthesia, with the defect closed with stitches or mesh. Recovery usually takes a couple of weeks. See dog stitches and incision care and dog anesthesia safety.

Perineal hernias

Perineal hernias usually appear in older, intact male dogs and can cause constipation and straining. Neutering lowers risk, and surgery is often needed. See dog constipation.

Breeding considerations

Some hernias have a hereditary component, so affected dogs should not be bred, and breeders should disclose them. See questions to ask a dog breeder.

Pregnant dogs

Inguinal hernias can be affected by the growing uterus, so ask your vet to check at mid-pregnancy. See dog pregnancy signs.

Questions to ask your vet

Ask what type of hernia it is, whether it can wait, whether it can be repaired during spay or neuter and what complications to watch. Ask which signs mean you should call at once.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring a growing bulge
• Assuming all hernias are harmless
• Delaying surgery for a painful hernia
• Breeding affected dogs

Troubleshooting

• My puppy's hernia seems bigger: book a recheck.
• The bulge feels hard: go to the vet immediately.
• My dog strains beside the anus: ask about a perineal hernia.

A simple plan

1. Have bulges checked.
2. Monitor small umbilical hernias.
3. Plan surgery if advised.
4. Follow aftercare.

Real-life examples

A puppy's tiny umbilical hernia closes by six months. A terrier's large hernia is repaired during spay. An old male's perineal hernia needs surgery. Treatment depends on type.

Staying alert

Check your dog's belly and groin during grooming sessions.

The takeaway

Hernias range from harmless to urgent. Have any bulge checked and treat a hard, painful one as an emergency.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.