Why does my dog have black crusty discharge on his penis tip?

Definitely don't cut it! It could be smegma mixed with dirt. Try soaking him in some warm water and wiping gently with a washcloth. If it doesn't come off, take a new picture and make a post so we can see what it looks like after the soaking.

It is normal to have a small amount of discharge coming from the prepuce. However, if it is so excessive you are having to clean it every few hours, this is not normal. Your dog may have a preputial infection or a bladder or prostate infection. I would recommend taking Pluto to the vet to be checked out. He may need a course of antibiotics and/or a special antibacterial flush for his prepuce. In the meantime, continue to keep it as clean as you can and prevent him from licking as much as you can. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!

Some dogs can have a little discharge from the prepuce that looks like this and it nothing to be concerned about. If Nugget is urinating frequently or straining to urinate it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Sometimes foreign material can become lodged in the prepuce (the skin that surrounds the penis) and can cause irritation. If there is a lot of discharge, if Nugget is continuously licking his prepuce, or if you see any urinary changes as noted above I'd recommend seeing your vet.

A certain amount of discharge, especially in intact male dogs, may be normal. This discharge is known as smegma. If there is an increased amount or if you notice a foul odor, excessive licking and difficulty urinating, then it may be that he has an infection either in the [urinary tract](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/utis-in-dogs) or under the prepuce. Take him to your regular vet when they open for an examination and diagnosis. They will be able to provide appropriate pain relief and treatment.

That is likely "smegma", a normal discharge in intact males. You can have your veterinarian exam him for confirmation. Monitor for excessive discharge or licking or for bloody discharge or difficulty urinating.

Dylan's prepuce is very swollen and appears infected and shows a lesion. This can happen if he licks it a lot, bacterial infection can cause that and also a type of venereal cancer called Canine transmissible venereal tumor or Sticker sarcoma. Here is information about Canine transmissible tumors: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/transmissible-venereal-tumor This is rather rare in neutered males, however it needs to be ruled out. I suggest you make and appointment with your vet to have your dog's external genitalia examined. Depending on the findings your vet may prescribe antibiotics or an ointment for treatment of the condition. In the meantime, if you have an e-collar, put it on Dylan to keep him from licking, as this will only make it worse.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If it is the brown stuff I am seeing in the picture, it could be a small yeast infection (that is consistent with the smell you describe as well). Trim the hairs around the penis and then I would just try 25% white vinegar 75% water solution on a cloth and gently clean twice daily. If the discharge is white/creamy, yellow tinged, or even a bit crusty, that can be normal - especially for an in tact male dog. If there is problems urinating, blood in the urine or blood in the discharge, or very large amounts of the discharge, then I am more concerned. Unfortunately we are not legally allowed to recommend specific drugs/doses without a physical exam (also I have no idea what's available near you), so you'd have to call or visit the vet in that instance. Best of luck to you and Lupus!