Why are my dogs testicles red?
Male dogs can suffer from orchitis, an inflammation of the testes in which one or both testicles become hard and swollen, or epididymitis, an inflammation of the testicular tube that contains sperm. Protect yourself and your pet.
Male dogs infected with brucellosis develop epididymitis, an infection in part of the testicle. A dog with a newly acquired infection will often have an enlarged scrotum or an enlarged testicle and may have a skin rash on the scrotum.
Acute inflammation of the testis and/or epididymis is most commonly infectious (bacterial, fungal or viral). The source of infection can be hematogenous or urologic or by direct inoculation. Clinical signs include pain and enlargement of the testis or epididymis.
Cryptorchidism is when one or both testicles fail to drop down into the scrotum. Undescended testicles can become cancerous and/or twisted, so it's important to have them removed while your dog is young. Contact your vet if your dog's testicles aren't both in the scrotum by the time they are 6 months old.
Most dogs have testicles that are gray-colored. Depending on your pup's skin color, the hue might lean more towards pink or brown. Like any other part of the body, the skin color on the balls will vary based on their pigmentation. Some dogs also have fur that could make the color appear a certain way.
If you see blood coming from your dog's vulva, it could be a result of trauma, tumors, infections, anatomic abnormalities, blood clotting disorders, and conditions affecting the urinary tract. Your dog should be evaluated by a veterinarian unless she is known to be in heat and there are no other issues.
Most treat balls are designed to be used with kibble and dry dog treats, but you could also include small pieces of carrot or apple as a healthy snack. The most important thing is to make sure the size of the kibble or treats fits through the holes in the ball so your dog can claim their reward.
If your dog licks his testicles, and the testicles look normal, no problem. However if the testicles are red and raw, you do need to investigate the cause and stop the cycle. A veterinarian's examination may be helpful in determining if the scrotum and testicles are normal or not.
It's normal for an unspayed dog's vulva to swell during certain points in her estrus cycle, or heat. The canine estrus cycle has four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. The vulva will begin to swell during proestrus and remain enlarged to varying degrees throughout estrus and diestrus.
Follicultitis and Dry Shaving
Sometimes, itching after shaving may be a sign of razor burn or even a condition called folliculitis. Folliculitis happens when a hair follicle becomes infected or inflamed, causing a skin condition that often looks like acne.
How do you know if my dogs balls are inflamed?
Symptoms of Testicular Swelling in Dogs
Testicular hardness. Excessive licking of the scrotum. Irritated skin in the scrotal area. Pain.
Testicular tumors are considered one of the most common tumors in older intact male dogs. The overall incidence in dogs is not very high because most dogs are castrated (neutered) at a young age. The three most common types of testicular tumors are Sertoli cell tumors, interstitial (Leydig) cell tumors and seminomas.
If the dog has one or both retained testicles, it is possible to locate the testicle(s) by placing him on his back and gently pressing your fingers along the center line of his abdomen. Retained testicles will feel like small, relatively soft balls of tissue beneath the dog's skin.
What should a dog look like after being neutered? A:If a dog is neutered when they are young, then the scrotum will likely disappear or “flatten out” after neutering. If a dog is neutered later in life, they will likely retain an empty pouch where the scrotum was that looks like a flap of skin.
The symptoms of testicular torsion in dogs are what one might expect: Swelling and pain in the scrotum. Upon examination the scrotum may have wounds from a penetrating trauma, such as bite wounds. If your pet is noted to be licking this area frequently, an examination will likely reveal dermatitis.
Anti-inflammatory medication and analgesics may be administered to alleviate pain. Steroids may also be used in cases of immune-mediated orchitis, but at higher, or immunosuppressive, doses. Cold compresses help reduce swelling, heat, and the pain that accompanies acute orchitis.
Foreign body, such as hair, string, cords, grass, sand or other small objects. Bacterial infection, such as Mycoplasma and Staphylococcus. Viral infection, such as canine herpesvirus and calicivirus. Fungal infection, such as Malassezia.
Dogs with UTIs generally attempt to urinate very frequently whenever they go outside. They also may strain to urinate, or cry out or whine when urinating if it is painful. Sometimes you might even see blood in their urine. Dripping urine, or frequent licking of the genitals, may also signal that a UTI is present.
Vulvar dermatitis happens when the vulva becomes red, painful, and itchy. Dermatitis can be caused by heat or wetness or can be a reaction to scented soaps, powders, creams, toilet paper, spermicides, or clothing. A skin condition, such as eczema, also can cause dermatitis.
Use pet-safe antibacterial dish soap, hot water, and a scrub brush to clean your pet's toys in the sink. Unscented Dawn® soap is fine to use, as well as, pure castile soap. Then, soak toys for 30 minutes in a solution of 5% vinegar to 95% warm water. Following the soak, scrub, rinse well, and air dry.
How do I clean my dogs groin?
A mild dog shampoo and a bit of gentle scrubbing will do the trick. Be sure to always use a fresh water rinse when cleaning your puppy's privates. Dried soap or shampoo can cause irritation.
Topical hydrocortisone cream or topical neosporin ointment (i.e. triple antibiotic ointment) are often safe to use in small amounts. However, try to ensure that your dog does not lick them off.
Can dogs get sunburn on their testicles? Yes, dogs can get sunburn on any exposed skin. The undercarriage of your dog is particularly susceptible to sunburn.
Bacterial or yeast infections of the skin can be very itchy and result in constant licking of the affected area. The presence of pustules or red bumps usually indicates a bacterial infection and warrants antibiotic therapy.
Fleas, mites, and ticks can cause irritation, exposing your dog to bacteria, yeast, and fungal infections. Demodex mites, walking dandruff, flea allergy dermatitis, and sarcoptic mange (caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite) can all cause rashes on your dog's skin, including her belly and groin area.
At-home treatments can include the following: Medicated baths. As long as there aren't any secondary infections, an antifungal medicated shampoo can help to get the yeast infection under control. Wash your dog every 3-5 days for 2-12 weeks (or as long as directed by your veterinarian) for maximum effect.
Perineal hernias are usually very easy to identify. Dogs with perineal hernias will have a telltale swelling adjacent to the rectum (on one or both sides). Constipation, lethargy, difficulty urinating, and a change in how they carry their tail are also typical of this condition.
Common causes of scrotal redness include allergic reactions to hygienic products, chemicals, or medication, skin conditions like eczema and scabies, infection, dermatitis, and irritants. It is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Chafing and irritation can be treated using lotion or powder that prevents your skin from rubbing against another surface of skin. Using bandages or gauze to cover up a chafed, irritated area can also help make your testicles less itchy.
If you notice redness, swelling, pain, or inflammation of the scrotum or testicle, call your doctor right away. These can also be symptoms of a serious condition called testicular torsion, which is when one of your testicles is twisted.
Can I put Vaseline on my dog?
Vaseline
It's gratifying to know that you want to help your dog's skin issues by applying Vaseline to their cuts, scrapes, and wounds, but it's a completely synthetic material, and it's no good for them.
- You can apply an icepack (wrapped in a towel) to your scrotum.
- Take a pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil® or Aleve®).
- Avoid strenuous physical activities.
- Take a bath.
- Elevate your scrotum with a folded towel to encourage any fluid to drain.
Although relatively safe in humans, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can be extremely harmful to dogs. Poisoning may happen when pets get into the owner's medications. In some cases, owners may administer ibuprofen to treat their pet's pain prior to consulting a veterinarian.
Scrotal swelling or pain could be caused by many things, including: an injury. an infection such as mumps and other causes. Epididymitis is one of the most common causes of scrotal pain in men.
The recommended age to neuter a male dog is between six and nine months. However, some pet owners have this procedure done at four months. Smaller dogs reach puberty sooner and can often have the procedure done sooner. Larger breeds may need to wait longer in order to properly develop before being neutered.
Acute redness, swelling, or bruising at the incision site. Bleeding or pus from the incision site. Vomiting or diarrhea longer than 24 hours after the procedure (some immediately after can be normal as a result of anesthesia)
Neutering is a reasonably safe process; however, you can expect sharp changes in your dog's attitude right when you bring them home from the procedure. These side effects can range from increased aggression, depression, anxiety, or even clinginess; however, they only last for a short amount of time.
Signs and symptoms of testicular torsion include: sudden, severe pain in the scrotum. swelling of the scrotum, redness, tenderness or hardening of the scrotum. nausea and vomiting.
The most common sign of testicular torsion is sudden, severe pain on one side of the scrotum. The testes should be about the same size. If one side quickly becomes larger than the other, this can be a problem. Change in scrotum color, especially redness or darkening, is also a problem.
Causes of Epididymitis and Orchitis in Dogs
Causes of epididymitis and orchitis can be caused by trauma, infection or torsion. The infection can be caused by a fungal agent, bacteria, or virus. The infection can originate in the blood or in the urine itself.
How do you get rid of epididymitis inflammation?
- antibiotics.
- antibiotics for any sexual partners (if an STI was the cause)
- bed rest.
- pain-relieving medication.
- cold compresses applied regularly to the scrotum.
- elevation of the scrotum.
- a stay in hospital (in cases of severe infection)
Treatment options
There's no cure for viral orchitis, but the condition will go away on its own. In the meantime, you can use remedies at home to manage your symptoms. Taking pain relievers, applying ice packs, and elevating the testicles when possible can make you more comfortable.
Your dog may have puppy pyoderma if you see red bumps in the armpits, groin and/or on the abdomen. These red bumps can scab over and scale. Puppy pyoderma can make your dog slightly itchy, but pups with puppy pyoderma are usually otherwise in good health.
If your pooch got into a scrape, chances are good that you can use a small amount of Neosporin to help prevent infection in the wound. Superficial injuries, such as scrapes, abrasions, and small cuts, may benefit from this trifecta of a topical antibiotic. However, be cautious of usage on the nose.
- Grooming (such as brushing or cutting away hair)
- Oatmeal baths.
- Medicated dog shampoo (containing antifungal or antibacterial ingredients)
- Anti-itch and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Elizabethan collar or e-collar to prevent a dog from irritating hot spots by licking or biting.
Symptoms of papilloma virus in dogs: Papillomas typically develop on the lips, tongue, throat or gums. They are round and have an irregular surface, reminiscent of a cauliflower or sea anemone, and usually grow in clusters. Most dogs are asymptomatic unless the papillomas become infected.
Bacterial folliculitis begins as small, flat red circles on your dog's skin called macules. As the condition progresses, the macules become raised bumps called papules. Papules may fill with pus, creating a small white dot in the middle of the raised red circle.
Neosporin® is a common topical antibiotic used on minor cuts and scrapes. This ointment is pretty safe in dogs and should be in every first aid kit. Verify that the ointment only contains antibiotic and not steroids, which can actually delay healing.
“Bacitracin has been deemed safe for use on animals, as has polymyxin B. However, neomycin has been linked to loss of hearing,” she says.
Do not use harsh cleaners or apply hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or other caustic cleaning products to your dog's skin as these can be painful or even cause the wound to take longer to heal.