Umbilical Hernias in Standard Poodle Puppies

A basket full of red standard poodle puppies

Understanding Umbilical Hernias in Standard Poodle Puppies: What They Are and Why They’re No Big Deal

If you've brought home a Standard Poodle puppy (if you got your puppy from us we discuss any hernias before the puppy goes home!) and notice a small bump on their belly, don’t panic! That little lump is likely an umbilical hernia—a common and usually harmless condition in growing puppies, especially in larger breeds like Standard Poodles.

Let’s break down what it is, why it happens, and how easily it can be fixed (if it even needs fixing at all).

What Is an Umbilical Hernia in Standard Poodle Puppies?

An umbilical hernia happens when the mama dog pulls a little too hard on the umbilical cord during delivery. This tug can create a tiny tear in the abdominal wall where the cord was attached, and a small amount of tissue can push through. What you’ll see is a soft, squishy bump right at the belly button area.

This hernia doesn’t cause pain or discomfort for your Standard Poodle puppy—especially when it’s small. Most puppies run, play, and grow just fine with no signs that anything is wrong.

Will It Go Away on Its Own?

Often, yes! As Standard Poodle puppies grow and develop more muscle tone, the hernia may close on its own naturally. But if it’s still there by the time your poodle is ready to be spayed or neutered, your vet may recommend a simple repair while they’re already under anesthesia for the routine procedure.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair?

This is where you’ll find a wide range of prices depending on your vet. Some veterinarians charge around $50–$75 to fix an umbilical hernia at the same time as a spay or neuter. Others may quote you upwards of $300–$500—so it’s definitely smart to call around and ask for estimates.

Honestly, if you run into a clinic that’s quoting high fees for this very basic repair, that might be a red flag that they tend to overcharge and over diagnose across the board. A second opinion never hurts.

Is an Umbilical Hernia in a Standard Poodle Puppy a Serious Health Problem?

Nope! In most cases, it’s just a minor cosmetic issue that poses no real threat to your poodle puppy’s health. It won’t stop them from being their joyful, bouncy selves, and it’s nothing to lose sleep over.

That said, your vet can always check the hernia at each visit to make sure it stays small and isn’t changing in size or texture. A quick check-in ensures everything’s progressing normally.

Final Thoughts

Umbilical hernias are one of those things that sound much scarier than they are—especially for first-time Standard Poodle puppy owners. But they’re extremely common, usually harmless, and easy to fix if needed.

So if your Standard Poodle puppy has a tiny belly bump, don’t stress. It’s just a small reminder of how they came into the world, and in most cases, it will resolve on its own or with a quick and simple repair down the road.