My dog got sand in his sheath. Should I worry about infection or vet?

It's highly unusual for a dog's sheath to need to be cleaned, especially a neutered dog. I would be concerned that Rippy may have an infection that is only partially resolving with the use of antibiotics - so perhaps the infection isn't fully susceptible to the antibiotics that are being used, or perhaps there is a foreign object that is wedged up in the sheath that is causing an intermittent infection. He likely needs to be sedated and the area fully examined, and it's unlikely that you're doing to be able to do this at home. Another consideration should be that has a urinary problem, such as a bladder infection or stones, that is making his penis irritated, and that's why he's licking it.

Hello. With the chronic nature & non responsiveness to medications of this condition, I would be suspicious of a foreign object high up in the fornix of the sheath. It can be something as tiny as a piece of plant material like a grass awn or cedar chip or a tiny piece of stick. It is generally pretty easy to do the exam under anesthesia, but sometime it requires the use of a rhinoscope or bronchoscope to really get a 360 degree view of things all the way back. Please discuss this with your veterinarian & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If the discharge cleared while Zion was on antibiotics, then it's likely a bacterial infection of the sheath. He may need to take a longer course of antibiotics, or your vet may suggest a bacterial culture and sensitivity test to determine the most effective antibiotic. Typically, skin infections and penile sheath infections clear faster with topical therapy as well as oral medicine - talk to your vet about using a diluted antibacterial flush to clean the area. I'm not sure I can explain why he had a black blister, but maybe a bruise or injury from licking himself? Recurrent skin infections and bladder stones and crystals can sometimes be due to an underlying medical condition- if it's not been done already, some blood tests to check for endocrine illness may be a good idea. Your vet will want to work with you to help resolve this condition permanently.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From the pictures it appears as though chewy has a lot of inflammation in this area. I would suspect he has been chewing and licking this area and has caused a hotspot (moist dermatitis). I would recommend placing a rigid plastic cone around the neck to prevent him from licking this area. I would also recommend applying s topical medication such as zymox topical ointment and apply to the area until resolved. You can find this ointment easily online. If the area does not heal or worsens, I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at this for further testing and treatment recommendations. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Are you sure that the bed isn't wet form him licking his penis? If he has an infection of his prepuce or penis he may lick a lot. I would have a Vet examine the skin of the prepuce and see if there is an infection. We treat with antibiotics and prepuce flushing. I hope this helps and I wish Mars the best!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Some discharge from the penis can be normal. I would use a mild soap and water to clean the area 2-3 times per day. When you have him in for his next vaccinations with your Vet have them look to make sure it isn't a bigger deal requiring antibiotics and prepuce flushing. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It really appears to be healing well on its own though it is hard to tell. If it continues to heal, it may not need any therapy at all. If at any point it starts bleeding or releasing a discharge or becomes bloody or painful, have him evaluated by your veterinarian at that point for further assessment. Otherwise, this is possibly going to heal on its own. Good luck and have a great day!