Hernia in maltese

Question
Hello, after a vet appointment to have my Maltese checked I am told she has a hernia (small) umbilical. O am wondering what caused this and have I caused it by picking her ip for a cuddle.  She is 15 months and not yet had her 1st season

Answer
Dogs are often born with umbilical hernias. It is from the inguinal ring in the abdomen not being closed all the way when the pups are born.  They usually resolve as the dog grows older. If they do not close, the vet will repair them when he is in there spaying the dog. It is not from you cuddling her. :-)

If your dog is not show quality and registered then she should not be used for breeding. If she came from a pet store you should never breed her.  If you are not intending to breed her, you want to get her spayed BEFORE her first heat, not after it.

Every heat they have causes them to get closer and closer to developing breast cancer when they are older. Once that starts, there is no stopping it in dogs. They can start getting it as young as 5 yrs old.

So get her spayed soon.