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What is this yellow discharge on my dog's penis he keeps licking?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | 5 months and 13 days old

Heyy I just found yellowish thing on my dogs pines and he licks it often what it could be? And thank you

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 13th, 2018

Without pictures it is difficult to say what this is for sure. This could be smegma, which is the normal yellow discharge that is seen coming from a male dog's prepuce, which is a natural lubricant for the penis inside the prepuce. If it is not liquid at the prepuce you are seeing and a pustule, this could be infectious. If you could provide photos and post again it may help determine what this is exactly. Otherwise, a veterinarian should take a look at this 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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 27th, 2017
Hello, this is likely smegma, a mixture of epithelial cells and mucoid glycoproteins that are excreted by the cells of the prepuce in part to trap bracteria from traveling up the urethra. This is normal diacharge but could be problematic if Nipper is licking it a lot and instead it could be an early side of infection. If this continues, have him evaluated by your veterinarian to ensure he doesn't have an infection instead. Best of luck and hope this helps.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on October 6th, 2017
I am not really sure what it could be. This is not the normal presentation for mange mites, but it is still possible. Other causes are trauma from rubbing or scratching, bacterial infection, yeast infection, ringworm, allergies, autoimmune, among a few other things. I would not treat for mites right now. Instead, I would just continue to watch it and point it out to your vet next week. If it gets suddenly worse or appears to be spreading quickly, you may want to move up your appointment.

The yellow discharge is likely smegma. This is completely normal in male dogs, but is more common in dogs that have not been neutered. It is not a concern unless it seems to bother Echo or you see him licking frequently.

https://www.chelseadogs.com/blog/smegma-101/
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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