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

My dog's testicles are irritated after grooming. What can I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 9 months and 26 days old

My dog got groomed on Friday, however,they shaved his testicles, and now he won't stop licking, and crying.. What can I do to help him?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 2nd, 2016

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.

43Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 15th, 2019
Hello. It is possible that the groomer got too close with the clippers & razor burned the skin, or during bathing, all the soap was not rinsed off & this is irritating things. If you can sit Jax in a tub of cool water, this might be soothing, but if it continues, he may need to see your vet for some anti-inflammatory medication. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
8Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 14th, 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) or possibly an allergic reaction. Persistent licking is making it certainly worse.
A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem.
Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching.

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.
7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog scraped his testicles, red & bloody. What can I put on them?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's testicles hurt after playing. Why is he licking them?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why are my dog's testicles red, purple, and itchy? How can I help?

Speedy is probably suffering from local irritation, possibly an allergic reaction as well. i would recommend buying an E-collar and putting it around his neck to prevent him from licking the area and making it worse. if the issue does not resolve within a few days- take him to the vet in order to get it treated.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has red, swollen, blotchy spots on his testicles. What is it?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bronco. Yes, I agree that his scrotum appears very irritated. I recommend placing an E-collar on him to prevent any licking which could make the skin worse. If he will let you, you can bath him with a moisturizing shampoo such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula to soothe the skin. If the lesions do not resolve, he will need to see his veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

What to do for dog's red, inflamed testicles after sitting in poop?

I would recommend an Elizabethan collar as he is most likely licking at it, even if you don't see him do it. If it is now resolved by Monday I would definitely take him to the veterinarian. If it gets worse today or tomorrow he needs to see a veterinarian sooner. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Dog has red skin near testicles. Is it an infection? Home remedies?

That red area could be many things from a superficial skin infection to allergies. At home you can wash the lesion daily with soap and rinse well. Once it is dried, you can apply a dab of coconut oil and rub it in well. Prevent him from licking the lesion by having him wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Make sure he does not lick this as it can cause GI upset. If it is not improved within 7 days or if it gets worse at any point, have him examined. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a raw red spot under his testicles. What could it be?

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).

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share