My dog's painful testicle hot spots aren't healing. What to do?

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria or fungal). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics or antifungal meds (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. 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.

This often happens when dogs excessively lick their testicles, then the skin gets infected and scabs over. I suggest you keep him from licking ( you can put an e-collar on him or a t-shirt or a baby jump suit, if you have one, and then take him to a vet this coming week for an exam. He may need antibiotics for the skin infection.

Place an [e-collar](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar) (cone) on him right away to prevent further licking or scratching. If the wound is superficial, I suggest gently cleansing the area with a diluted betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution. Applying a warm washcloth 2-3 times a day for five minutes at a time may provide some relief from itching and discomfort. Afterwards, dry the area throughly. If there is no sign of improvement in a few days or if your dog develops a fever, loses his appetite, start [vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/article/vomiting-in-dogs) and/or having [diarrhea](https://www.petcoach.co/article/diarrhea-in-dogs) then have him physically examined by your veterinarian right away. Additional symptoms that should also be addressed by your veterinarian include redness, swelling, discharge or bleeding.

Poor guy. He must have very sensitive skin and is having a hypersensitivity reaction in that area. I would recommend doing a gentle cleanse of his testicles with a mild soap (i.e Dove or oatmeal based shampoo) and warm water, letting it air dry, and then applying a topical soothing spray (i.e. Hydrocortisone spray) from your local pet store. You can also apply a thin layer of Neosporin if he tolerates it to help prevent secondary infections. Place an e-collar (cone) over him to prevent him from licking it further and see if this resolves in a few days. If not, then he may need additional treatment (i..e steroid shot +/- medicated ointments) from your local vet.

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).

Hello! That is my favorite breed! Frenchies can get hotspots on their testicles, so that is a possibility. A hotspot is an infected rash. It is great that he is unable to reach it, as he would make it worse by licking. I would recommend having him checked out by your vet, to see if they might be able to prescribe some medications to treat the rash.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. An in tact dog may lick his scrotum for many reasons. The most common is actually “contact dermatitis”. That is, a rash from the friction of humping too much. Allergies, pain, and other causes are possible. I’d simply put him in an e-collar (pet store or online) so that he cannot lick them obsessively and cause further irritation. If it’s not better in 48 hours (or worsening at any time), it’s time to see the vet. I absolutely do NOT recommend any over the counter pain medications, though applying some frozen peas (wrapped in a thin kitchen towel or paper towel) might feel great and be very helpful to Fido. I’d do 5 minutes 2-4 times daily. Best wishes to you and Fido!