My 7-month-old Lab has red testicles and keeps licking them. Why?

He could have a contact dermatitis from coming into contact with a cleaner or soap or some other substance. I recommend getting him checked by your vet to determine the cause of the redness and get him treated if needed.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Porker. If he is eating, drinking and acting normal, it is likely not an emergency. However, he should see his veterinarian if the redness does not resolve. He could be experiencing an allergy or a superficial skin infection. His veterinarian will examine him and determine the best medications to help him feel better. In the meantime, you can try bathing him with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula to soothe the skin. I hope this information helps!

Bright red is never good. Check for heat, pain as well. If the testicles are hot and painful as well as red then there is a likely chance that he has an infection or inflamed skin. You should schedule a vet appointment for Charlie Mac. He may need antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication.

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!

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).

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to a severe infection for example. This warrants a veterinary evaluation as soon as possible as this is likely causing him severe discomfort. They would be able to check this more closely and recommend therapy accordingly. Best of luck!

It is not unusual for the scrotum to darken slightly with age, but I agree that this is a marked change. I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian soon to make sure there are no signs of infection or cancer. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.