My male dog is licking his raw, red testicles. Why is he in pain?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. An in tact dog may lick his scrotum for many reasons. The most common is actually “contact dermatitis”. That is, a rash from the friction of humping too much. Allergies, pain, and other causes are possible. I’d simply put him in an e-collar (pet store or online) so that he cannot lick them obsessively and cause further irritation. If it’s not better in 48 hours (or worsening at any time), it’s time to see the vet. I absolutely do NOT recommend any over the counter pain medications, though applying some frozen peas (wrapped in a thin kitchen towel or paper towel) might feel great and be very helpful to Fido. I’d do 5 minutes 2-4 times daily. Best wishes to you and Fido!

Excessive [licking](https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-does-my-dog-keep-licking-himself) has multiple causes. Boredom, stress, irritation, infection or [allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/canine-allergies) can all cause licking. It is also possible he has an inflamed or infected [anal gland](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anal-glands-sacs-impactions-infections-abscesses-in-dogs). This condition is very painful and makes it difficult to defecate or even move. Without treatment, the gland may rupture, causing a open wound on your pet's rear that will require wound care and antibiotics as well as some pain relief. I recommend getting your pet seen by your vet. He or she will express (empty) the anal glands if necessary, clean him up and possibly start your pup on antibiotics. You can ask them to show you how to express the anal glands yourself at home so you can avoid impaction or infection in the future. If his anal glands are clear, there may be another underlying cause. An e-collar (cone) can prevent further licking.

One spot of redness is nothing to be concerned about. It could be a simple bug bite or mild skin infection that should resolve on its own in a few days. As long as the redness does not spread, worsen or cause discomfort, then it should be fine to just monitor this area for now. If the redness spreads or worsens, then he should be physically examined by your veterinarian. He or she may have options and treatments to [improve the skin](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-ways-to-improve-your-dog-s-skin-coat). If you wish you can do a gentle cleanse of the area with a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (hibiclens) solution, let dry, then apply a dab of a triple antibiotic cream on it twice a day for conservative treatment. Place an[ e-collar](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar) (cone) on him to prevent further [licking](https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-does-my-dog-keep-licking-himself).

When a cat licks or chews his testicles it is usually because they either itch or hurt So there is a possibility that he has a testicular inflammation (orchitis), or an infection. You should keep him from licking his testicles (best by putting an e-collar around his neck so he cannot reach his testicles) nd make an appointment with your veterinarian for an exam. This may be quite painful and he will likely need pain medicine and antibiotics to clear this up.

This often happens when dogs excessively lick their testicles, then the skin gets infected and scabs over. I suggest you keep him from licking ( you can put an e-collar on him or a t-shirt or a baby jump suit, if you have one, and then take him to a vet this coming week for an exam. He may need antibiotics for the skin infection.

Poor guy. He must have very sensitive skin and is having a hypersensitivity reaction in that area. I would recommend doing a gentle cleanse of his testicles with a mild soap (i.e Dove or oatmeal based shampoo) and warm water, letting it air dry, and then applying a topical soothing spray (i.e. Hydrocortisone spray) from your local pet store. You can also apply a thin layer of Neosporin if he tolerates it to help prevent secondary infections. Place an e-collar (cone) over him to prevent him from licking it further and see if this resolves in a few days. If not, then he may need additional treatment (i..e steroid shot +/- medicated ointments) from your local vet.

This could be caused by a local inflammation and possibly an infection. Persistent licking and rubbing can worsen the inflammation. A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly anti-inflammatory ointment are needed to solve the problem. At home, some zinc oxide ointment/cream (like sudocream) can be apply twice daily. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!