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

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).

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!