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Why is my neutered dog nipping his groin? Allergies or vet visit?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 6 lbs

My dog has been nipping at and nipping the area where his testicles are supposed to be, for a couple of days. We recently moved to Georgia and it rained on Saturday so he got a little dirty but i figured after i bathed him today he'd stop scratching so much. I noticed he was picking at it instead of licking so i shaved the area to get a better look and i won't let him touch it. I wanted to know what it is and if there's an ointment or something that I can get? Or should I go to the vet?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on October 30th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like local irritation/inflammation. Given that you have recently moved to a new place, it is possible that this is due to allergies and unless addressed, this will continue to happen. In the meantime, you can bathe him with a medicated shampoo you may obtain from your local pet store containing chlorehexidine which may help improve a superficial mild infection. You can do this twice weekly.

It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided.

There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies.

Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market).

If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests.

Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is always best to see your vet for these kinds of things. It does look like an allergic reaction of some type, & while a topical will help, more than likely he will just lick it off. Your veterinarian can recommend several types of oral or injectable medications that will cool down the reaction & make Nacho much more comfortable. Take care.

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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