When you think about belly buttons, you probably picture the navel on a human, but have you ever wondered if your furry friend has one too? Surprisingly, dogs do have belly buttons. Just like you, your dog’s belly button is a scar, marking the spot where the umbilical cord once connected them to their mother. However, a dog’s belly button looks quite different from yours. It’s usually just a small, flat scar and can be hard to find due to their fur.

Understanding the anatomy and physiology of dogs, including where and what a dog’s belly button is, might seem complicated, but it’s quite fascinating. To give you the best information, we’ll refer to knowledge from reliable veterinary sources on normal dog anatomy. It’s all about learning the little things that make your canine companion unique.

So next time you’re giving your pup a belly rub, you might be curious to search for their navel. Don’t worry if you struggle to spot it; it’s not as obvious as yours, but it’s there — a tiny reminder of their early connection to their mother.

So, Do Dogs Have Belly Buttons?

Yes, dogs do have belly buttons. They are the marks left by the umbilical cord which nourished them before birth. Unlike humans, a dog’s belly button is less prominent and is usually a small, flat scar located on their belly, making it less noticeable.

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Understanding Belly Buttons in Dogs

When you look at your dog’s tummy, you might not see a navel like yours, but your pooch does have a belly button. It marks where the umbilical cord was attached, just like in humans.

What Is a Belly Button?

A belly button is a scar on your stomach where the umbilical cord used to be. When a mammal grows inside its mother, it needs a way to get food and oxygen. This is where the umbilical cord comes into play. It connects the baby animal to the placenta, a special organ in the mother’s womb. After birth, the cord is snipped off, and the spot where it was attached heals into a scar, which we call the belly button.

Differences Between Canine and Human Belly Buttons

Your belly button is an innie or an outie, but your dog’s is not so easy to spot. Here’s why:

Scar: Dogs have a flat scar with fur that hides it.
Navel: A dog’s navel is on their belly but it’s not like a human’s.
Mammals: Both you and dogs are placental mammals, unlike marsupials or monotremes. Even though all these animals have different ways of developing before they’re born, only placental mammals like you and dogs have true belly buttons.
Location: Your dog’s navel is between two nipples, near the base of the rib cage.

The Role of the Umbilical Cord

Jack Russell puppy showing belly lying on back

The umbilical cord is like a special tube connecting a puppy to its mother. This connection is super important because it carries food and breaths for the pup.

Function During Pregnancy

Your pup, before it was born, had a lifeline known as the umbilical cord. This cord did a really important job during pregnancy. It carried nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the embryo. Think of nutrients as the breakfast, lunch, and dinner that the pup needed to grow inside its mother’s womb, which is like a cozy little room. The umbilical cord attached to a special sac that kept the embryo safe and sound.

You may also want to know if your dog has eyebrows, or they have arms or legs.

Physical Characteristics of Dog Belly Buttons

When you’re looking for a belly button on your dog, you’re actually seeking a subtle mark of their past — the point where the umbilical cord was attached. Unlike humans, a dog’s belly button is not a prominent feature and serves as a clue to their development before birth.

Location on the Body

Your dog’s belly button is usually located on their underside, below the rib cage and typically between the nipples. It’s often more easily felt than seen, as it’s just a small, flat scar where the umbilical cord once provided nourishment during puppyhood.

Common Appearance in Dogs

In dogs, belly buttons are generally less conspicuous than in humans and do not protrude like a typical “innie” or “outie.” They may present as a slight lump or a knot of scar tissue, often hidden by fur. It’s important to differentiate a normal belly button from an umbilical hernia, which can be a health concern and feels like a soft bulge on the abdomen.

Potential Health Concerns

puppy with very clear umbilical hernia on belly

When checking your dog’s belly button, be aware that abnormalities can indicate health issues. If you spot any swelling, pain, or signs of infection, it’s time to consult your vet.

Recognizing an Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia is a common issue you may encounter. You will notice a soft swelling or bulge near your dog’s belly button. If it’s umbilical hernia, it happens where the umbilical cord was attached. You’ll want your veterinarian to check it out, as hernias can lead to discomfort or more serious health problems if left untreated.

Other Belly Button Issues

Besides hernias, look out for other changes such as:

Inflammation: The area around the belly button is red or inflamed.
Infection: Signs of infection may include swelling, discomfort, or discharge.

If any of these issues arise, it’s important to get in touch with your vet. They can offer a diagnosis and treatment to keep your dog healthy.

Care for Your Dog’s Belly Button

Your dog’s belly button is a small but important part of their body. It helps to know how to look after it to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Keeping It Clean

Keeping your dog’s belly button clean is simple. You won’t need to clean it every day, but it’s good to check it regularly. Make sure it stays dry, as moisture can cause infection. When you bathe your dog, gently wash the belly button area with mild soap and rinse it well. After the bath, dry the area thoroughly. Be extra careful if your pet is still a puppy, as their skin is more sensitive.

When to Consult a Vet

Normally, a dog’s belly button doesn’t need much attention. However, if you notice redness, swelling, discharge, or if your dog is licking the area more than usual, it’s time to call the veterinarian. These could be signs of an infection or other issues like a hernia, which happens when part of the abdominal wall doesn’t close right. If your dog shows signs of pain or trouble breathing, contact your vet right away, as they may need surgery or other medical care. Remember, it’s better to prevent problems before they turn into serious trauma for your furry friend.

Dog Belly Buttons Across Breeds

When it comes to your furry friends, you might not think they have belly buttons, but they do, regardless of the breed. Each dog has a navel, though it can look different based on several factors including breed and size.

Notable Breed Variations

Pekingese

These small pooches often have a layer of fat that can make their belly buttons less noticeable. When you’re grooming your Pekingese, you might find their navel as a slight indentation or a thin line, which might be hidden under their dense fur.

Basenji

Known for their slim build, the belly button on a Basenji can be a bit easier to spot. It will likely appear as a small, barely raised area on their slender abdomen, situated between their nipples.

Airedale Terrier

As a larger breed, the Airedale Terrier’s belly button may seem more pronounced due to their size. It’s typically located midway between their ribcage and pelvis but might be covered by their wiry coat.

Interaction and Bonding

When you have a dog, bonding is a huge part of your relationship. One of the best ways to bond is through touch, like giving belly rubs.

Benefits of Belly Rubs

Belly rubs are more than just a way to make your dog feel good. They build a strong bond between you and your pet. When you rub a dog’s belly, it’s a sign you’re part of their family. Dogs carry memories of being groomed by their mother dog when they were newborn puppies. A gentle belly rub can remind them of that early comfort and care.

The belly of a dog is often a soft spot, covered by tufts of fur. Some dogs have a slight wrinkle or crease that marks the center of their belly button. This place may be harder to find on your dog, but it’s usually in the center of their belly, a little bit up from where their ribcage ends. Not all dogs like belly rubs, so it’s important to notice how your dog reacts when you try.

Remember, not every dog is the same. Some might love a long belly rub session, while others prefer a quick pat. Always watch their body language. When a dog shows you its belly, it’s a sign of trust. So when you rub their belly, you’re not just scratching an itch, you’re telling them that you love and care for them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This section answers common questions you might have about dogs’ belly buttons, such as their location, normal appearance, and potential health concerns.

Where can you find a dog’s belly button?

You can find your dog’s belly button on their stomach, typically under the ribcage and between the nipples. It’s often a faint scar, less obvious than a human’s navel.

Is it normal for a dog’s belly button to protrude?

Generally, a dog’s belly button should not protrude; it should be flat and hardly noticeable. A protruding belly button might indicate a condition like an umbilical hernia, and you should consult your vet.

What might cause a lump around a dog’s belly button area?

A lump around your dog’s belly button area could be due to an umbilical hernia, infection, or other health issues.

Do all dogs have umbilical cords after they are born?

Yes, all dogs have umbilical cords after they are born; it’s how they receive nutrients from their mother in the womb. The cord is usually chewed off by the mother, which then leads to the formation of the belly button.

Why might it be hard to see a belly button on a dog?

It’s hard to see a belly button on a dog because it heals differently and becomes less pronounced than in humans.

Can female dogs have visible belly buttons?

Female dogs may have visible belly buttons, but like male dogs, the belly button is usually a subtle mark, not a protruding feature. Regardless of gender, most dogs have only a slight, smooth scar that can be difficult to see.

Final Thoughts

When you’re petting your dog and notice their smooth tummy, you might wonder if they have a belly button. Your curiosity is spot on — dogs do have belly buttons! Just like you, dogs were connected to their mothers by an umbilical cord when they were in the womb.

Finding your dog’s belly button might be a bit tricky, because it’s not as prominent as yours. Typically, it’s a small, flat scar located where the umbilical cord was attached, somewhere along their tummy between the end of their ribcage and the start of their pelvic area. Look carefully, and you might see it as a slight indentation or a thin line.

Keep in mind that if you notice any bumps or swelling near your dog’s belly button, it might be an umbilical hernia, and you should check with your vet. This is especially important for puppies, as they’re more prone to this condition.

Remember, it’s a normal part of canine anatomy, and it’s actually quite fascinating that dogs share this trait with humans, being fellow mammals. However unlike humans, dogs don’t really use their belly buttons for anything after birth — it’s simply a reminder of their time developing before they came into the world and into your life.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.