Do Dogs Have Belly Buttons? Everything You Need to Know

A faint midline mark on your pup’s tummy is the only trace of its earliest nourishment.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 15, 2025

A faint midline mark on your pup’s tummy is the only trace of its earliest nourishment.

Do Dogs Have Belly Buttons?

Dog owners frequently wonder about the quirks of their furry companions, and one surprisingly popular question is whether dogs have belly buttons. While you may have never spotted one during belly rubs, the answer is yes: all dogs have belly buttonsâjust not in the same way humans do.

Understanding Belly Buttons: What Are They?

The belly button, technically called the navel or umbilicus, is a scar left over after birth. In all placental mammals, including dogs, the umbilical cord connects the developing fetus inside the mother to the placenta, supplying nutrients and oxygen and carrying away waste. Once birth occurs and the cord is removed, a small mark or scar remainsâthe belly button.

All placental mammals have belly buttons; exceptions include marsupials (like kangaroos) and monotremes (like the platypus) who do not develop with an umbilical cord in the same way.
The cord is vital for nourishing the developing puppy inside the uterus and is no longer needed after birth.

How Are Puppies Born With Belly Buttons?

When puppies are born, they are still encased in a thin, fluid-filled amniotic sac. The mother dog instinctively tears open the sac, cleans her puppy, and chews off the umbilical cord. The remaining stump dries up over several days and falls off, leaving behind a tiny, flat scarâthe dogâs navel.

Related: Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs?

In natural births, the mother chews off the cord. In human-assisted births, breeders or veterinarians may step in.
The resulting scar is usually very minor and quickly masked by growing fur.

What Does a Dog’s Belly Button Look Like?

Unlike people, dogs’ belly buttons are subtle. Most are virtually impossible to spot once their fur grows in. Even with close inspection, what youâll see is a small, flat, vertical scar, which rarely resembles the familiar human âinnieâ or âoutie.â

Some may have a slight indentation or wrinkle rather than a protrusion.
It’s generally located midline on the abdomen, just below the rib cage.
Long or thick fur, excess skin, and certain breeds may make the navel even harder to see.

Comparison Table: Human vs Dog Belly Buttons

Feature	Human	Dog
Common Shape	“Innie” or “outie”; often a clearly defined pit or bump	Small, flat scar; usually appears as a faint line or wrinkle
Visibility	Obvious; visible on all people	Usually hidden by fur; can be tough to locate
Location	Center of abdomen, just below rib cage	Sameâmidline, below rib cage
Hernias	Possible, but rare	Umbilical hernias more common in puppies

Where Exactly is a Dogâs Navel?

Although difficult to find, your dogâs navel will always be on the midline of their belly, directly below the ribcage. To find it:

Gently place your dog on their back (if theyâre comfortable) or encourage a deep belly rub.
Part the fur along the center of the abdomen, just below the ribs.
Look for a faint, flat scar, possibly a small indentation or vertical line.

Keep in mind that in long-haired or thick-skinned breeds, the navel may be almost impossible to detect by eye or touch.

Why Don’t Dog Belly Buttons Look Like Ours?

Human belly buttons differ in shape and depthâsome protrude, others cave in, and some are quite pronounced. This variety results from the size of the human umbilical cord, how it is tied or cut at birth, and how the wound heals. For dogs, it’s a different story:

The umbilical cord in puppies is much smaller and thinner than in humans.
The cord is chewed off, not tied or clamped, like in humans.
Healing is rapid and fur regrows over the area, making the scar almost unnoticeable.

Can Dog Belly Buttons Have Problems?

While most dogs’ belly buttons are healthy and never cause trouble, certain health issues can arise in rare cases. Understanding whatâs normal and what isnât can help catch issues early.

Umbilical hernia: If the umbilical opening doesnât close properly after birth, a bulge may develop at the navel. This soft swelling, sometimes as big as a grape, may be noticeable especially in puppies. Most small hernias are harmless and may close by themselves, but large or persistent ones sometimes require veterinary surgery.
Infection or irritation: Uncommon, but if the area appears red, swollen, has discharge, or seems painful, a checkup is needed.
Fat deposits: Rarely, the area may accumulate small fat deposits, leading to minor lumps. These should be differentiated from hernias by a veterinarian.

For most dog owners, trouble with the belly button is exceedingly rare and usually becomes apparent during routine vet exams.

Is It Safe to Touch or Rub My Dogâs Belly Button?

Gently petting or rubbing your dogâs abdomen is perfectly safe, and most dogs love a good belly rub! Unless there is an abnormal lump, swelling, or sign of pain at the navel, thereâs no risk. If you notice any new or changing bumps, always have your veterinarian check it out to rule out hernia or infection.

Fun Facts About Animal Belly Buttons

Only placental mammals have belly buttons. Marsupials like kangaroos and monotremes like echidnas lack umbilical cords as part of their development, and therefore, do not have belly buttons.
A dogâs belly button generally disappears under a dense layer of fur as the puppy grows, making it challenging to find even for experienced owners.
Each puppy in a litter has its own umbilical cord, so every dog has its own unique belly button (scar).

How to Tell if a Lump is a Hernia or Something Else

You may rarely feel a small lump at your dogâs belly button. Hereâs a quick breakdown of what it might be:

Soft, easily pushable lump in a puppy: Likely an umbilical hernia, common and usually harmless, but vet check advised.
Painful, hard, or rapidly growing mass: Could be infection, cyst, or another health concernâseek veterinary attention promptly.
No bump present: Normal for most adult dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Belly Buttons

Q: Do all dogs have belly buttons?

A: Yes, every dog has a belly button as a remnant of the umbilical cord, regardless of breed or size. However, excessive fur or loose skin may make it impossible to see in some dogs.

Q: Can you see or feel your dogâs belly button?

A: Most owners will struggle to spot their dog’s belly button. It’s often hidden beneath fur and feels like a small, flat lineâsometimes not noticeable at all, especially in fluffy breeds.

Q: What if my dogâs belly button sticks out?

A: A protruding navel may indicate an umbilical hernia, particularly in puppies. Most are painless and close as the dog matures, but any swelling should always be checked by your veterinarian.

Q: Is a dogâs belly button important for health?

A: After birth, the belly button is simply a scar and has no ongoing health role. It becomes relevant again only if it develops a health issue (such as a hernia or infection).

Q: Can a grown dog develop a belly button hernia?

A: Itâs rare. Umbilical hernias typically appear in puppies soon after birth. If you notice a new bump near your adult dogâs navel, consult a vet.

Q: What does a dogâs belly button feel like?

A: Usually, it feels like a small patch of flat or wrinkled skin. Sometimes on hairless or shorthaired dogs, a faint line or tiny indentation is visible.

When Should I Be Concerned About My Dogâs Belly Button?

Usually, thereâs nothing to worry about. However, you should contact your veterinarian if you notice:

Swelling, lumps, or bulges at the navel (especially if they change in size)
Redness, discharge, or bleeding from the area
Signs of pain or tenderness when touching the belly
Sudden appearance of a new growth on or near the navel in an adult dog

Most abnormalities are detected during puppyhood and are easy to manage if caught early. Regular veterinary exams will monitor your pupâs belly button as part of their overall health.

Summary: The Curious Case of Dog Belly Buttons

Every dog, big or small, fluffy or sleek, has a belly button. Itâs a tiny, barely-there scar that marks where their umbilical cord provided nutrition before birth. While itâs easy to miss, knowing its function, location, and possible issues can give dog owners added insightâand one more reason to snuggle up every time you give your pup a belly rub.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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