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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 10 months and 17 days old | 26 lbs

Hi! My dog has been licking his genital area quite often so I took a look and it looks slightly red and right near the urethra area there’s what looks like a pimple? Could this been a bacterial infection and is there anything I can do that doesn’t require a pet visit?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jenny, DVM

Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 8th, 2017

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.
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