Hernias in Dogs

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

Through their behaviors, dogs signal potential illnesses or injuries to us. Some are trickier to detect, such as hernias. Many hernias in dogs result in protrusions or bumps that we can feel with our hands, or the dog may display signs of stress or discomfort. But in other cases, there are very few indications of trouble.

A hernia is an opening between two body cavities that do not normally communicate, allowing an organ or tissue to protrude into an area where it doesn't belong.¹ While hernias can sometimes result from trauma, the vast majority seen in small animal medicine are congenital—meaning they are present from birth.

Hernias are a serious issue, even if the dog doesn't appear to be in severe pain. If you believe your dog has a hernia, schedule a visit with your veterinarian immediately to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

How Do Dogs Get Hernias?

Hernias are usually hereditary but can also be caused by trauma. Most hernias, but not all, are treated with surgery.¹ About 1 in 500 puppies is born with a hernia.² The good news is that hernia repair surgery is a common procedure for veterinarians.

Several factors can increase a dog's risk of getting a rare, nonhereditary hernia, including the breed predisposition, obesity, pregnancy or blunt force trauma, such as getting hit by a car.³ Older dogs are also more likely to develop a noncongenital hernia due to trauma or the weakening of tissues over time.⁴

The Five Types of Hernias in Dogs

1. Diaphragmatic hernia: A medical emergency caused by a tear in the diaphragm, which allows abdominal organs to shift into the chest cavity. This often results from trauma and impacts the dog's breathing and circulation.¹
2. Hiatal hernia: This occurs when part of the stomach moves through the diaphragm into the chest, potentially leading to severe gastrointestinal issues and difficulty breathing.¹
3. Perineal hernia: Primarily affecting older male dogs, this condition occurs when the pelvic muscles weaken, allowing abdominal organs to protrude, which usually causes a noticeable bulge around the rectum or base of the tail.¹ Surgical repair is typically required to treat this hernia.
4. Inguinal hernia: A condition whereby abdominal contents push through the inguinal canal (a passage in the abdominal wall through the inner thigh). This is most common in puppies or females and may require surgery.³
5. Umbilical hernia: A common congenital condition where tissue or fat pushes through the umbilical ring. These hernias are usually mild and may resolve on their own, but they may require surgery to fix.¹

Symptoms of Dog Hernias

Hernia symptoms in dogs vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Sometimes you can see a lump protruding from the dog's body, or feel one when you press against their abdomen. Common signs include pain, discomfort and sensitivity. Here are specific symptoms associated with the different types of hernias:⁵

• Difficulty breathing can be a key sign of a diaphragmatic hernia, as organs shift into the chest, impairing lung function. This is typically a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.
• Gastrointestinal issues—such as vomiting and loss of appetite—can be markers of a hiatal hernia. The stomach shifts into the chest cavity, affecting digestion and causing discomfort.
• Perineal hernias may lead to constipation or difficulty defecating, as abdominal contents press against the pelvic muscles.

The severity of symptoms varies based on the hernia's size, location and whether it causes complications.⁵ Prompt veterinary evaluation is important, even if symptoms seem mild at first.

Diagnosis of Dog Hernias

If you suspect your dog may have a hernia, visit your veterinarian ASAP for a proper diagnosis. While you can look for initial signs on your dog's body, only a veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis using a combination of physical examinations, blood tests, and imaging techniques like X-rays, ultrasound or CT scans to assess the type and severity of the hernia.⁵

Treatment Options for Dog Hernias

Your veterinarian will determine the best course of action for your dog's care based on the type and severity of the hernia. Many hernias in dogs require surgery, which will necessitate some care at home before the operation, including a brief fasting time beginning the night before.⁵

Recovery from hernia surgery involves immediate postoperative care, including monitoring the dog as she recovers from anesthesia. Longer-term, a dog recovering from hernia surgery will require rest, restricted activity for up to eight weeks, and follow-up visits with the vet.⁵ Hernia operations can be expensive, so consider getting pet insurance to help with your animal's healthcare.

Prevention Tips

Congenital hernias can't be prevented, as puppies are sometimes born with them. The risk of hernias caused by trauma or injury can be reduced by responsible pet care, including supervising your dog's behavior indoors and outdoors, keeping them on a leash during walks and ensuring they're in a safe, controlled environment to help prevent accidents.¹ While it's uncommon for a spaying or neutering procedure to cause a hernia,⁶ these surgeries may reduce the risk of inguinal hernias.³

As with most health conditions for your pet, your observations play a crucial role—and regular visits to your veterinarian are essential for early detection and optimal health outcomes.

Pets Best Is Here To Help

Hernias are serious medical conditions for dogs, but with prompt care from a veterinarian, most cases are treatable. It's important to monitor your dog closely for any signs of discomfort, gastrointestinal issues or difficulty breathing, as these could indicate a hernia or other health concerns.

At Pets Best, we understand that your dog's health is a top priority. Protect your pup with dog insurance to help them stay safe and healthy. Pets Best dog insurance plans are customizable, and our network of veterinary experts is available anytime through our 24/7 Pet Helpline. Regular checkups and early intervention are key to managing hernias effectively, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

Sources/ Citations

1. “Hernias in Dogs: What You Need to Know," Stephanie Gibeault (7/2023), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hernias-in-dogs/

2. “Hernias in Dogs," Dr. Deborah Brown (7/2024), Joii, https://www.joiipetcare.com/health-conditions/dog/hernias/

3. “Inguinal Hernia in Dogs," (10/2024), PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/muscokeletal/c_dg_dog_hernia_inguinal

4. “Hernias in Dogs: Symptoms, Surgery & Cost," (5/2024), Godspeed Animal Care, https://www.godspeedanimalcare.com/site/blog/2024/05/31/hernia-dogs

5. “Can Dogs Get Hernias? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options," Jean Marie Bauhaus (10/2024), CareCredit, https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/pet-care/can-dogs-get-hernia/

6. “Hernia in Dogs," (3/2024), Wag! https://wagwalking.com/condition/hernia