Navel Care

Prevention Is Critical to Proper Navel Care

• Maintain a clean, sanitary maternity pen.
• Remove the calf as soon as possible after birth.
• Wear exam gloves (nitrile or other materials are acceptable) when handling wet navels.
• Remove bedding or any other foreign material from the navel and dip the navel with 7 percent iodine tincture or a commercial navel dip product.
• Change the solution and clean the dip cups between each calf.
• Try disposable bathroom paper cups to make cleanup easy!
• Do not cut or clamp the navel cord unless directed by a veterinarian.
• Dipping is preferred over spraying to ensure even coverage of the navel cord.
• Navel dipping can be repeated once the calf is moved to a permanent housing location or within 24 hours.
• Check the navel daily for pain, swelling, or foul odor.
• Navels will typically take 7–10 days to heal.

Photo credit: Cassie Yost, Penn State Extension

Goals for Navel Care

• Dry
• Well healed
• Pain free
• No swelling
• Closed or no hernia
• Inflexible or shriveled cord

Symptoms of a Problem

• Swollen navel
• Pain or signs of discomfort
• Visible hernia sac
• Drainage or foul odor

Complications

• Lethargy
• Pain or swelling
• Decreased appetite
• Labored breathing
• Joint swelling
• Septic infections
• Death

Photo credit: Cassie Yost, Penn State Extension

Prepared by Dr. Hayley Springer, extension veterinarian, and Cassie Yost, extension dairy educator.

This fact sheet, including its text, graphics, and images ("Content"), is for educational purposes only; it is not intended to be a substitute for veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine or other licensed or certified veterinary medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a veterinary medical condition or symptom.