# Hernia Treatment in Dogs: Surgery and Other Options Not every hernia in dogs needs surgery right away. Small, soft hernias that cause no signs may be watched, while hernias that trap organs or keep growing need repair. Your veterinarian decides based on the type, size, and your dog's overall health. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - A true hernia has three parts: a ring (the opening), a sac, and contents such as fat, omentum, or intestine [1]. - Umbilical hernias are common in puppies and are often harmless, but surgical closure is still recommended in most cases to lower the risk of future intestinal incarceration [1]. - Some hernias, like perineal hernias in older male dogs, almost always need surgery because they affect urination or defecation. - Emergency surgery is needed when a hernia becomes hard, painful, or your dog starts vomiting, since that suggests trapped intestine. - Non-surgical management exists, but it means monitoring, not curing. The defect itself does not close on its own in most adult dogs. ## What Hernia Repair Surgery Is and Why It Is Done A hernia repair (also called herniorrhaphy) is a procedure that returns the herniated contents to their normal place and closes the defect in the body wall. The goal is to prevent organs from slipping through the opening and becoming trapped. Trapped intestine can lose its blood supply within hours, which is a life-threatening emergency. Hernias in dogs come in several types. Umbilical hernias sit at the belly button. Inguinal hernias appear in the groin. Diaphragmatic hernias involve a tear in the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. Perineal hernias develop beside the rectum in older male dogs. Some hernias are congenital, meaning the dog was born with them. Congenital hernias tend to be indirect, passing through an opening that already exists, such as the umbilical or inguinal ring [1]. Others are acquired after trauma, straining, or surgery. Breed can raise the risk. Weimaraners, Pekingese, Basenjis, and Airedale Terriers are overrepresented for umbilical hernias, and many of these dogs also have a retained testicle [1]. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels made up 30% of dogs in one review of pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic hernias, a rare type that involves both the chest and abdomen [2]. ### When Surgery Is Recommended Your veterinarian may recommend surgery if: - The hernia is growing or feels firm - Contents cannot be pushed back into place (non-reducible) - Your dog shows pain, vomiting, or breathing changes - The hernia is a perineal type affecting bowel movements - The hernia is a diaphragmatic type, since these rarely close on their own ### When Monitoring May Be Reasonable A small, soft umbilical hernia in a young puppy is sometimes watched for a few months. Many of these defects shrink as the puppy grows. If the hernia is still present at the time of spay or neuter, most veterinarians close it during that same anesthesia to avoid a second procedure. Surgical closure of the body wall defect is indicated in most cases to lower the risk of future intestinal incarceration [1]. Non-surgical hernia treatment in dogs is limited to monitoring, reducing risk factors (such as treating constipation or chronic coughing), and scheduling repair when your dog is stable. There is no medication or supplement that closes a hernia ring. ## How to Prepare for Hernia Surgery in Dogs Preparation starts with diagnosis. Your veterinarian will feel the hernia, and may use ultrasound or X-rays to see what is inside. In one report, an 8-year-old dog developed a diaphragmatic hernia six months after a car accident, and contrast radiography finally showed the small intestine and cecum in the chest [3]. This shows why imaging matters when the physical exam is unclear. Before surgery, expect: - **Blood work.** A complete blood count and chemistry panel check organ function and anemia. - **Fasting.** Your dog will need an empty stomach before anesthesia. Your clinic will give you an exact cutoff time. - **Medication review.** Tell your vet about every drug, supplement, and topical product your dog takes. - **Questions about prior surgery.** If your dog had a perineal hernia repaired before, mention it. Dogs neutered before perineal herniorrhaphy were 4.4 times as likely to have a recurrence compared to dogs neutered at the time of repair [4]. If your dog has a liver shunt or other condition affecting anesthesia, your veterinarian may adjust the plan. You can read more about that in [Canine Portosystemic Shunt: Medical and Surgical Management](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-internal-medicine/canine-portosystemic-shunt-medical-surgical-management). ## What Happens During Hernia Repair The procedure depends on the hernia type. **Umbilical and inguinal hernias.** Your surgeon makes an incision over the hernia, pushes the contents back into the abdomen, and closes the ring with sutures. If the tissue is weak, a mesh may reinforce the repair. Minimally invasive options are expanding. One case report described using a glove port technique to explore an inguinal hernia and part of an abdominal mass through a small opening, which reduced tissue trauma [5]. **Diaphragmatic hernias.** These are more complex because the surgeon works near the heart and lungs. A standard approach is through the belly (ventral midline). In one case, a dog with a delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia recovered well and was eating, moving, and urinating normally within 10 days [3]. When the defect is too large to close with local tissue, surgeons may use creative options. One technique anchored the diaphragm to the renal capsule to seal a residual gap [6]. **Perineal hernias.** These repairs rebuild the pelvic diaphragm, the muscle sling that supports the rectum. When that muscle is severely atrophied, a surgeon may transpose the fascia lata (a band of tissue from the thigh) to reconstruct the area [7]. Mesh plus collagen sponge has also been used in a complex case with a rectal diverticulum, with no recurrence at one year [8]. Anesthesia monitoring, pain control, and sterile technique are standard for all of these. Your dog will likely go home the same day or stay one night, depending on the surgery. ## Recovery Timeline and Home Care Recovery varies by hernia type and your dog's age. The table below gives general expectations. Your veterinarian will set the exact plan for your dog. | Time After Surgery | What to Expect | Your Job | |---|---|---| | First 24 hours | Sleepy, may whimper, may not eat | Offer water, small bland meal, keep quiet | | Days 1 to 3 | Swelling at incision, mild soreness | Give pain meds as prescribed, check incision twice daily | | Days 4 to 10 | More alert, wants to move | Strict leash walks only, no stairs, no jumping | | Weeks 2 to 4 | Incision healing, sutures or staples removed | Continue restricted activity, no rough play | | Weeks 4 to 8 | Gradual return to normal | Ask your vet before resuming full activity | Some specifics matter. After a perineal hernia repair, stool softeners and a high-fiber diet are common to reduce straining. After a diaphragmatic repair, your vet may recheck chest X-rays. After any hernia surgery, watch for swelling that grows, discharge, or a bad smell at the incision. Feed small meals if your dog had abdominal surgery. Keep an Elizabethan collar on if your dog licks. Licking is the most common cause of infection at home. If your dog has a history of gastrointestinal issues that could increase straining, see [Colitis In Dogs Treatment](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/colitis-in-dogs-treatment). ## Possible Complications and Warning Signs Complications happen, but many are manageable when caught early. In one study of 84 dogs having perineal hernia repair, 15% had a recurrence and 7% developed a surgical site infection [4]. Dogs that became fecal incontinent after surgery were 3.4 times as likely to have a recurrence [4]. Other possible problems include: - **Seroma.** A pocket of fluid under the incision. Usually harmless and reabsorbed. - **Dehiscence.** The incision opens. This needs immediate care. - **Recurrence.** The hernia comes back, more common with weak tissue or chronic straining. - **Adhesions.** Scar tissue that can cause discomfort later. - **Anesthesia reactions.** Rare but possible, which is why pre-surgical blood work matters. Call your veterinarian if you see: - Redness, heat, or pus at the incision - Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours - Refusing to eat for more than one day - Straining to urinate or defecate - A new bulge near the surgery site Go to an emergency clinic now if: - The incision opens and you see tissue - Your dog's gums are pale or white - Breathing is fast, noisy, or labored - Your dog collapses or cannot stand ## Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian Bring these to your pre-surgical consult: 1. What type of hernia does my dog have, and what is inside it? 2. Is surgery needed now, or can we monitor for a while? 3. What are the risks for my dog's age and breed? 4. Will you use sutures alone or add mesh? 5. How much activity restriction will my dog need, and for how long? 6. What signs should make me call you after hours? 7. What is the total cost, including follow-up visits? Write the answers down. You will be tired and distracted on surgery day. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article covers general principles. Your dog's hernia is specific to your dog. Size, location, contents, and overall health all change the plan. Only your veterinarian can examine your dog and decide what is safe. **Contact your veterinarian the same day if:** - Your dog vomits more than twice - The hernia feels firmer or larger than yesterday - Your dog seems painful when you touch the area - Your dog refuses food but still drinks **Go to an emergency clinic immediately if:** - The hernia is hard, hot, and your dog cries when you touch it - Your dog is retching without producing vomit - Breathing is labored or your dog's gums look blue or white - Your dog cannot walk or seems suddenly weak **Schedule a routine visit if:** - You notice a new soft lump at the belly button or groin - Your dog strains to poop and you see a swelling beside the rectum - Your dog had hernia surgery and the recheck is due ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can a hernia in dogs heal without surgery? Most hernias in adult dogs do not close on their own. Small umbilical hernias in puppies sometimes shrink as the puppy grows, but the defect usually persists. Monitoring is a delay, not a cure. ### Is hernia surgery painful for dogs? Surgeons use injectable and take-home pain medication, so most dogs are comfortable within a day or two. Some soreness for the first 48 hours is normal. Call your vet if your dog seems painful despite medication. ### How long does a dog need to rest after hernia repair? Most dogs need strict rest for two to four weeks, then a gradual return to activity over the next month. Your veterinarian will set the exact timeline based on the surgery type and how the incision looks at recheck. ### Can I prevent a hernia in my dog? You cannot prevent congenital hernias, since they are present at birth. You can lower the risk of some acquired hernias by treating chronic constipation, keeping your dog at a healthy weight, and using a harness instead of a neck collar if your dog strains. ### What happens if a hernia is left untreated? A soft, reducible hernia may stay quiet for years. A hernia that traps intestine can cut off blood supply within hours, which is fatal without emergency surgery. This is why veterinarians often recommend repair even for hernias that seem harmless [1]. ## Related Articles - [Canine Portosystemic Shunt: Medical and Surgical Management](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-internal-medicine/canine-portosystemic-shunt-medical-surgical-management) - [Surgical Approaches to the Canine Stifle: Medial and Lateral](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/veterinary-surgery/surgical-approaches-to-the-canine-stifle-medial-and-lateral) - [Canine Portosystemic Shunt: Diagnosis and Surgical Management](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/canine-portosystemic-shunt-diagnosis-surgical-management) - [Colitis In Dogs Treatment](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/colitis-in-dogs-treatment) - [Surgical Approaches to the Canine Elbow: Techniques and Nuances](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/veterinary-surgery/surgical-approaches-to-the-canine-elbow-techniques-and-nuances) - [Caring for a Dog After Surgery: Pain Management Rest and Wound Monitoring](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/life-stage-emergency-care/caring-for-a-dog-after-surgery-pain-management-rest-and-wound-monitoring) ## References 1. [Hernias in Animals - Digestive System](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/congenital-and-inherited-anomalies-involving-the-digestive-system/hernias-in-animals). Merck Veterinary Manual. 2. [Canine pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic hernias: a multicentric, retrospective, observational analysis of 20 dogs (2009-2026)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42778163/). The Journal of small animal practice, 2026. 3. [Case report: Diagnosis and surgical treatment of delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with hepatothorax and enterothorax in a small dog](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38948669/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2024. 4. [Dogs neutered prior to perineal herniorrhaphy or that develop postoperative fecal incontinence are at an increased risk for perineal hernia recurrence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39778339/). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2025. 5. [Minimally invasive glove port hernioscopy in a female dog with an intermittent hernia and abdominal mass: A case report](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41581468/). Research in veterinary science, 2026. 6. [Technical note on augmentation of diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy using the renal capsule](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41858212/). Veterinary surgery : VS, 2026. 7. [Case Report: Fascia lata transposition for chronic recurrent perineal hernia followed by laparoscopic colopexy for subsequent rectal prolapse in a dog](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42569194/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2026. 8. [Combined use of polypropylene mesh and collagen sponge in the surgical repair of perineal hernia with rectal diverticulum in a dog](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40802454/). Acta veterinaria Hungarica, 2025. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners) - [Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center: Canine Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)