Caring for Your Puppy’s Umbilical Cord: What Breeders Need to Know
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Puppy Umbilical Cord Care Tips
Learn how to care for a newborn puppy's umbilical cord to avoid infection, promote healing, and keep your litter healthy.
When puppies are born, they’re still attached to the placenta via the umbilical cord — a lifeline that carried oxygen and nutrients from mum to pup. Once born, that cord is no longer needed, but how you manage it in the first few hours can have a big impact on the puppy’s health.
Here’s everything breeders and new puppy owners need to know about proper umbilical cord care — from cutting to healing.
Should You Cut the Umbilical Cord?
In most cases, the dam will bite and sever the cord naturally shortly after birth. She’ll also lick the area to stimulate circulation and help keep it clean.
However, if mum doesn’t do this, or if she chews too close to the pup’s belly, you’ll need to intervene.
If you must cut the cord:
- Use sterile scissors
- Cut the cord around 2.5–3 cm from the belly
- Tie the cord off with unwaxed fine dental floss about 1 cm from the body if it’s bleeding
- Dab the tip with an antiseptic solution, such as diluted iodine
- Never pull on the cord — this can cause an umbilical hernia or internal injury.
How to Clean and Care for the Cord Stump
The umbilical stump will usually dry up and fall off naturally within 2 to 5 days. During this time, it’s important to:
- Keep the area dry and clean
- Check for swelling, discharge, or bad smell
- Clean with chlorhexidine if the area looks irritated
- Avoid wrapping or covering the stump unnecessarily — air flow helps it dry
If you notice signs of infection, such as pus, heat, or a bloated belly, contact your vet immediately.
Common Issues to Watch For
1. Umbilical Cord Infection (Omphalitis):
This is a bacterial infection of the cord stump. It can lead to systemic infection or even death in neonates. Prevent it with clean handling and proper hygiene.
2. Umbilical Hernia:
If the abdominal wall doesn't close properly, part of the intestine can protrude through the umbilical site. Small hernias often resolve on their own; larger ones may need surgery later.
3. Bleeding:
If the cord was not tied off properly or cut too close, you may see bleeding. Apply gentle pressure with sterile gauze and consult a vet if it doesn’t stop.
Products to Help You Care for Umbilical Cords
The following products are useful to have on hand for umbilical cord care
- Gloves to maintain hygiene
- Kidney dish to place instruments
- Umbilical Cord Clamps or Mosquito Forceps to clamp the umbilical cord
- Unwaxed Ultra Fine Dental Floss to tie off the umbilical cord
- Sterile Scissors to cut the umbilical cord
- Iodine prep pads or iodine solution to dab on the cord tip
- Puppy Pads or Microfibre Towels to place the puppy on
Final Tip
Good umbilical cord care is simple but critical. Always prepare a clean whelping area, have your disinfection supplies ready, and monitor each puppy closely in the first few days. A little attention now can prevent serious issues later.