Why is my neutered dog's skin red, swollen, painful after grooming?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. With the symptoms you are describing, this could be what we call a mild case of puppy pyoderma. I would recommend bathing with a shampoo such as Douxo PS chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved. I would also recommend starting malacetic conditioning spray 2 to 3 times per day until resolved. If this skin condition does not resolve or if it worsens I would have a veterinarian examine the area. I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

By your description, your dog might have a sensitivity to being groomed and may have developed "clipper irritation" (aka "clipper burn"). Clipper irritation is not an actual burn. It is, in fact, similar to the type of skin irritation people experience when they shave too close on dry or sensitive skin. [Professional groomers](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-signs-of-a-good-groomer) may recommend the following types of treatment to help soothe the skin and calm the scratching: * Bathing in plain oatmeal or [oatmeal shampoo](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/earthbath-oatmeal-and-aloe-totally-natural-pet-shampoo) for pets * Gently applying witch hazel to affected areas * Gold Bond medicated powder or plain cornstarch * Triple antibiotic cream or ointment * [Hydrocortisone spray](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-spray-with-5-hydrocortisone) for pets (available in petstores) * Bag Balm * Specific treatments for soothing clipper or razor irritation (available in petstores) - sprays, gels, shampoos * Diaper rash cream With some of these suggestions you will need to make sure that your pet cannot lick off the treatment. Rubbing creams or ointments in completely and/or wiping off excess, using an [E-collar](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar) (cone), or only applying when you can observe your dog closely can all help to prevent ingestion and excessive licking. If your dog has open wounds or any of her wounds worsen even with treatment or appear infected, please see your veterinarian immediately. She may have developed a skin infection secondary to the clipper irritation.

Oh no, poor Benji. Take a cup of oatmeal, and put it into a blender to make a fine paste. Then add to to a warm bath for him, and put him into it. Have him seen by a vet in the morning to get this treated.

This irritation may be from clipping the fur for surgery. Sometimes dogs can get a rash from clippers. Give Zedan's vet a call in the morning to tell them about the rash, and they can advise a safe treatment for it. Best of luck!

Based on the photo, it does not appear to be infected or overly swollen. There is likely some discomfort from the incision healing (itchiness) and pain from the procedure. If you believe that the pain is not well controlled, I would reach out to your veterinarian to discuss additional pain medications. Continue to monitor for any signs of infection such as discharge, swelling and redness. I hope this helps!

It is possible he is sensitive to shampoos or if the area was shaved he may have developed 'clipper rash' - very careful grooming in this area will be important to reduce the risk of it happening again. Keeping the cone on for a few days and gently bathing the area in cool water will help - I would not recommend any ointments or creams be applied as they may irritate the area further

This looks serious enough to take Grayson to a veterinarian. Try to see your veterinarian tomorrow, or take him to a pet ER. This looks seriously infected/inflamed and Grayson will need pain medicine and likely a prescription antibiotic to alleviate the swelling and infection. Make sure he cannot lick his prepuce and penis (either with an e-collar or a snug fitting t-shirt) as licking will introduce more bacteria.