Dogs, like humans, possess a belly button, which is a small scar left from their time in the womb. This mark serves as a subtle reminder of the crucial connection they once had to their mothers, facilitating their growth and development before birth. While present on every dog, its appearance and ease of detection can vary significantly.
Locating and Identifying the Canine Belly Button
A dog’s belly button is typically located on the midline of their abdomen, specifically between the ribcage and pelvis. Unlike the often prominent “innies” or “outies” seen in humans, a dog’s belly button is generally much smaller and flatter, resembling a tiny vertical scar, a wrinkle, or even a whorl of fur on the skin. It can be challenging to spot due to its inconspicuous nature and the fur covering the area, often requiring gentle parting of the fur or feeling for a small, flat spot or a firm area of scar tissue.
The appearance can differ slightly among individual dogs and breeds, but a healthy canine navel is usually smooth and lies flat against the skin, often blending in with the surrounding tissue. It serves no functional purpose after birth.
The Biological Reason for a Dog’s Belly Button
The existence of a dog’s belly button is directly linked to its development as a placental mammal, similar to humans. During gestation, each puppy develops inside its mother’s womb, connected to the placenta by an umbilical cord. This cord is essential for transferring oxygen and nutrients from the mother’s blood to the developing puppy and for removing waste products.
At birth, the mother dog typically chews through the umbilical cord, leaving a small remnant attached to the puppy. This remaining stump then dries up and naturally falls off within a few days, leaving behind the small scar known as the belly button or umbilicus.
Common Misconceptions and What to Look For
While a dog’s belly button is normally a flat, unremarkable scar, a common misconception arises when a lump or bulge appears in this area. This can indicate an umbilical hernia, which occurs when the opening in the abdominal wall, through which the umbilical cord passed, does not close completely after birth. An umbilical hernia often looks like a soft swelling or an “outie” belly button, and it may become more noticeable when the puppy stands, barks, or strains.
Small umbilical hernias, especially in puppies under three to four months of age, may close on their own. However, if the lump becomes significantly larger, firm, red, hot to the touch, or painful, or if the dog shows signs of discomfort like vomiting or lethargy, veterinary consultation is advisable. While most umbilical hernias are harmless and often repaired during spaying or neutering, larger hernias can, in rare cases, allow abdominal contents like intestines to protrude, potentially leading to a severe condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.