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Both newborn puppies and grown dogs indeed possess belly buttons, though they are far less prominent compared to those found on humans. FLICKR/(CC BY 2.0)Have you ever found yourself wondering whether dogs have belly buttons? Rest assured, they do. It’s a fact that might surprise some, but it’s absolutely true.
In brief, the answer is a definitive "yes." Dogs, along with cats, have belly buttons. This trait is shared by all placental mammals, which are species that deliver live offspring. This group excludes oviparous creatures that lay eggs and marsupials, whose young mature inside a maternal pouch.
During their time in the womb, placental mammals rely on their mothers for nourishment and oxygen, facilitated by the umbilical cord. This process is no different for puppies.
Every puppy in a litter is connected to its mother's placenta via its own umbilical cord. Post-birth, the mother dog severs this connection by chewing through the cord, leaving a small wound. This wound heals rapidly, forming a slender line, commonly referred to as a navel or belly button. Essentially, belly buttons are nothing more than scars.
But where exactly can these belly buttons on our canine companions be found? They're not as conspicuous as those on humans.
A dog's navel is often hard to spot due to its small size and the fur that covers it. If you're determined to locate your dog's belly button, search beneath the fur where the tufts converge near the base of the rib cage. Occasionally, a darker patch of fur marks the spot.
Unlike human navels, a dog's belly button is situated between its nipples, which are found at the rib cage's base. Yes, dogs (and cats) do have belly buttons, though they differ in appearance from human ones. In fact, humans possess the more unique belly buttons, being notably larger than those of other mammals.
Approximately 90 percent of human navels are innies, meaning they are indented. The remaining 10 percent are outies, which protrude slightly under the skin. Contrary to popular belief, outies are not caused by improper umbilical cord cutting but are typically the result of umbilical hernias. These hernias occur when abdominal muscles fail to heal correctly, leaving a gap through which tissue or intestines can push.
Dogs, being placental mammals, can also develop umbilical hernias. These appear as small bumps on their bellies, making it easy to spot an outie belly button. If a dog has a hernia, it’s important to consult a veterinarian promptly to avoid potential complications.
Both dogs and humans have belly buttons for the same biological reason. However, unlike humans, dogs don’t have a built-in lint trap, and their belly buttons aren’t suitable for piercings either.
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Most mammals consume their placenta after birth. Interestingly, some human mothers are now adopting this practice, known as placentophagy, inspired by celebrities like Kim Kardashian who have turned their placentas into pills. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting its benefits, and medical professionals generally advise against it.
