Expert: Kaza - 2/14/2009

Question
is a pink and black nose normal on a puppy also is an umbilicle hernia dangerous

Answer
Hello
pigmentation can take up to 18 months and in some cases even longer to be set. I have known dogs that have had pink turn black at 5 years of age. If you are worried I would give some kelp powder as this helps set it faster.It also maintains good pigmentation in dogs with a thyroid disorder.Likewise I have seen dogs with a superb black nose turn pink at 10 months, this is usually poor breeding and mismanagement of genetics and yes it can be done by top show breeders.

An umbilical hernia in pups is very common, in some it is genetically transfereed , by that I mean mum had one and granny had one etc. They usually appear shortly after delivery when mum bites the cord from the sac, many mums can be over exhuberant and bite too quickly , pulling at the cord which then causes herniation of the umbilicus. Others appear at 6-12 weeks many due to the pup raising itself on its hind legs too often and overstretching , others by over eating.
A hernia is simply the stomach tissue and surrounding fat forcing its way through a weakness in the abdominal wall, if its just fat and most are then its fine, it will be harmless and many recede at about 9 months.Some do require surgery between 9-12 months as they can strangulate. I always suggest a vet to look and feel the hernia to establish that its maliable and goes back into the wall and that its not likely to strangulate.

Hope this helps