swollen red belly button on a chihuahua

by Crystal
(California)

Our Chi is a female, fixed, and two years old. Her belly button is swollen and enlarged and red around the area.

She hasn't been in an accident or attacked by anything.

The swelling of the belly button has gotten worse over the last few days. She doesn't seem sick and it doesn't appear to be painful.

She is up to date on all shots. What is it?






Hi Crystal
I'm afraid I'm not a veterinarian and I really think you need to have your dog examined by your own vet to find out what's going on here.

It's possible that the swelling could be from a hernia (a small opening/tear in the abdomen wall which allows some fat to protrude), but this doesn't usually look reddened.

The redness and swelling would normally indicate an infection of some sort, and this is my guess as to what is most likely going on. But how or why she developed an infection there I have no idea.

The only person who can really tell you what's causing her symptoms and fix them up for you is your own vet, so please get her examined as soon as you can.

Best of luck, hope she's doing much better soon.