Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has dark scabby spots and pimples on his genital area.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 15 lbs

Dog has dark spots on penile sheath. Looks scabby. Damped cotton pad with peroxide and cleaned it. He isn't acting differently and is peeing normally. I didn't notice these spots until today. There was also a small pustule that looked like a tiny pimple. Help?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

Veterinarian

Published on June 5th, 2017

The small pinkish pimples are pustules and are suggestive of some more recent infection, the darker ones are the same but slightly older lesions. It looks like a mild skin infection, which can happen quite easily in an rare that can get dirty on walk or when they lie. I would suggest to bathe the area gently with some salty water 2-3 times daily and dry it with a soft cloth or towel afterwards, and see if the pustules disappear and the other ones start to regress, it might take a few days. To make up some salty water, just add one teaspoon of salt per two cups of bolied hot water, then leave it to cool down. Use only when lukewarm, please make sure that you don't burn yourself or Obi while preparing this salty tea ! Hope this helps.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog has small pimples on his penis. What should I do about them?

This could be a bacterial skin infection. If any urine gets trapped on his fur or any moisture, this can predispose them to infection. I would recommend using a spray such as malacetic conditioning spray and apply to the area until resolved. If it does not resolve, I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at him so that the most appropriate treatment can be administered. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My spayed dog has fluid-filled pimples in her private area. Why?

It looks like a mild skin infection, possibly from the skin in that area staying moist and touching more than other areas on her body. Try keeping the area clean with a mild soap, making sure to completely remove any soap residue with a warm damp washcloth and apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (without steroid, as steroids slow healing), rubbing it in well. Do this at least daily, and consider bathing her with an oatmeal based pet shampoo to soothe her skin overall. If this area doesn't improve significantly over the next few days, if it gets worse, spreads, if she starts itching or licking excessively, get her in to see your vet as this may be a sign of a an underlying problem that may need more extensive treatment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog licking his red genitals? Pimple. Can I treat at home?

The main concern is if it is an infection being that close to the opening, it has potential to travel up the urethra and cause a bladder infection. You can try to clean the area with soap and water and apply cortisone alternate with Neosporin to soothe the area, just discourage licking while it is one. This will help coat the area to minimize the contamination. If it does not improve or it continues to bother him, then I would get it checked out.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why does my dog have painful dark spots near his stomach and penis?

Those black spots look like comedones (aka: blackheads). I suggest you use this shampoo that contains benzoyl peroxide. Lather the affected areas (no need to do the whole dog), let it sit for 10-15 minutes and then rinse throughly. Do this every 2-3 days until they are gone. Then use this shampoo 1-2 times every month for maintenance. ( allivet.com/p-7130-oxiderm-shampoo-ps.aspx )

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 4-month-old puppy has small bumps on his penis. What are they?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely a small focus of infection or pustule. Sometimes these do occur in puppies and go away on their own. Sometimes it does require antibiotics to take care of it. You can bathe him with a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine which you may get at your local pet store. You can bathe him twice weekly for 2 weeks. If it does not improve, have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy has red spots and pimples near her vulva. Natural remedies?

From the pictures and your description it looks as though Poppy may have a skin infection. This can occur due to allergies as well as in areas where skin folds or normal anatomy allow dirt and moisture to become trapped such as around the vulva. For minor irritation, the area can be cleaned with a mild antiseptic or dog shampoo. If you are noticing these lesions elsewhere or if Poppy is licking or chewing at the area, she should be seen by your veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has white pimple-like bumps on testicles. Should I worry?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a focal infection. You can try to use chlorhexidine containing pads (such as the Douxo chlorhexidine 3% PS pads) to clean the are twice daily for 7 days. You may find these online or at your local pet store. If there is no improvement or in the meantime this appears to be getting worse, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share