Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my dog's scrotum dark, peeling, and he won't stop licking?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 25 lbs

My dog choppies has a problem around his balls..always scratching and licking them..it looks likke a bad burn..now thhe skin is dark and starting to peel..please help..photos are enclosed

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 19th, 2017

Hello there and thank you for posting your picture and concern about Choppies! From the picture you sent, it looks like Choppies has caused quite a bit of irritation and inflammation on his scrotum. I would pick up a plastic cone from the pet store to put around his head so that he is not able to lick this and then get him in to see your veterinarian for an examination. There are multiple possible causes of this, which include thermal burn, inflammation of structures inside the scrotum causing Choppies to lick due to the discomfort, infection or behavioral. I would get him examined by your vet so a cause can be determined and appropriately treated. Hope this helps! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via text / phone consultation if needed.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 28th, 2018
Even though a picture would help to understand better the underlying cause, this presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem.
Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking.

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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 24th, 2017
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Allergies can cause this or some type of irritant as well. If he has been constantly licking at this area he could have certainly caused this. I would recommend placing a cone around his head and using a topical medication called malacetic conditioning spray and apply 2 to 3 times per day until resolved. If there is no improvement I would recommend having a veterinarian examine the area. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

My dog keeps biting his private area. Why is it red and chapped?

The first thing you need to do is put a cone collar on him to keep him from continuing to lick the skin. He has scrotal dermatitis (an infection of the scrotal skin) and no matter what you use to treat It with, if he just continues to lick, it will not get better. So, get the cone collar ASAP and then apply this Vetericyn spray (linked below) to the affected area 2-3 times per day. If after about 5=7 days of doing this, it is not better than you need to have him checked by your vet. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar ) ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-hot-spot-antimicrobial-gel-for-dogs ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What's this hole on my dog's scrotum? He won't stop licking it!

I would recommend taking him to a vet as soon as possible. It looks like in the picture a hole has formed in the scrotum. This could be a ruptures abscess,trauma, neoplasia or parasite. The testicles need a exam along with the prostate. I would recommend a elizabethan collar to prevent licking until you make it to the vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a red, inflamed rash from licking. Is it a hot spot?

Hi there and thank you for your post! From the pictures you posted, it looks like Chico may have a hot spot (moist dermatitis) area in front of his prepuce / penis. Some of the area appears to be yellow and this might indicate it is infected. I would get your vet to check this out so that Chico can receive the appropriate treatment. Most likely he will need an oral antibiotic and some topical ointments to treat the area. If he is constantly licking the area, I would get a plastic cone to keep around his head to prevent him from licking the area and making it worse. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me with any other questions / concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my male dog's penis and scrotum swollen, licking, and scooting?

Cenna definitely sounds very uncomfortable. I can't really be sure if this has anything to do with your other dog's heat cycle. I would be curious to know if your male's anal glands have been checked recently for how full they might be. This is the primary reason we see for dog's scooting. Sometimes they will lick at their scrotum as well as their anuses as it provides them with some much needed comfort, and sometimes will help to express the full anal sacs. It is also possible he could be having a prostate issue. You did not state whether or not your male is in tact or neutered, but if he is in tact this could also be a real possibility in terms of problems. Thirdly, a primary skin issue of the genitals could be occurring that may require antibiotics, antihistamines, steroids, etc depending on the nature of the issue. If you have some pictures of what is happening, I am sure we could all take a look and see if we could help you some more. Let us know if you require any further consultation regarding this issue.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's scrotum is red, black, and has open wounds. What to do?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If Tomy sat in something irritating, it may have lead to him licking and chewing at his scrotum. I would recommend getting a plastic cone and placing this around his head and using an ointment such as Sentry Wound Cream which can be found online or at your local PetCo. If the wound does not improve or it worsens, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Tomy so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my unneutered dog's scrotum skin black, flaky, and raw?

It sounds like he could have a bacterial skin infection and may need an antibiotic. Have your vet take a look at him to determine the cause and prescribe medications to treat. He may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and/or corticosteroid to help. You could aslo bathe him with a medicated dog shampoo, like Epi-soothe, to see if that helps.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

New dark spot on my dog's scrotum after grooming. Is it normal?

Its hard to tell from the picture, but it could be that the skin there on the scrotum has developed pigment over time, which sometimes happens; he's very young yet if the pet description is accurate (its telling me that Walter is 6 months old), and it may be normal. However, the skin also looks a bit thickened which could indicate that there is some inflammation and infection present. Call your vet and make an appointment to have it looked at to be sure. I don't think it is urgent as long as Walter isn't licking/chewing at it and is acting normally, but I would get him in at your convenience in the next couple of weeks.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share