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Is yellow discharge from my male dog's penis normal? Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labradoodle | Male | neutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 83 lbs

Hello, my dog has been leaving around this yellowish discharge from his penis repeatedly on my bed. At first I just thought it was because he had hair on it and that leftover pee on the hair was the cause but we had the groomer cut it and this AM, I found discharge as well. I googled and I’ve read that this could be normal but I haven’t started noticing this till recently? He doesn’t seem to be acting any different so I’m not sure if I should be concerned. It also gets all over his legs!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 31st, 2019

Hello. Xavier has Balanoposthitis, an inflammation of the glans penis & prepuce with excessive preputual discharge. Mild cases are generally clinically insignificant, but if severe, treatment may be needed. Have Xavier evaluated by your veterinarian to make sure there are no lesions on the penis. A mild saline flush may be all that is needed, but it is good to just check things out just to make sure all is OK. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 28th, 2018
Are you talking about this discharge coming from the penis/prepuce? If so, yes this normal unless it is in a very large amount. If it is coming from the scrotum/testicles then no, that would not be normal.

Hope this answers your question. Best wishes!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on October 17th, 2017
Hi and thanks for your posting!

If your dog is not neutered, this discharge could be just smegma, which is normal discharge from the sheath covering the penis that can be yellow or brownish in color. This is normally not a concern and is a normal finding.

However, it you notice he is straining to urinate, has blood in the urine or discharge, this may indicate an infection and should be treated by your veterinarian.

I hopt this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Is it normal for my dog to have white or yellow liquid from his penis?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The elevated sodium likely has nothing to do with the discharge. The increased sodium while he was sick was likely due to dehydration. It is normal to have a small amount of discharge from the penis in male dogs. Excessive amounts that cause licking or urinary signs is NOT normal and can indicate a prepuce infection or a urinary tract infection. Use mild soap and water to wash the discharge away and see if you can retract the prepuce to see if there is a lot of discharge on his penis. If you see his penis coated in the the discharge that is too much and he should see your Vet. If you do not see any or very little he is likely fine. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is yellow discharge from my young neutered dog's penis normal?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Without seeing Harvey it is hard to say for sure what is going on. There is a normal yellow/green mucoid discharge (called smegma) that male dogs have to coat the penis inside the prepuce. There could also be an infection, like a bladder infection, but typically they have signs of increased thirst, frequent urination, and producing small amounts of urine at a time. To be sure, I recommend taking him to a vet for an exam and they can check the urine. If he isn't showing the other signs, I am suspicious this is the normal discharge male dogs have. I hope this helps. Kisses to Harvey!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

What should I do about yellow discharge from my 8-week-old puppy?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Some discharge from the penis can be normal. I would use a mild soap and water to clean the area 2-3 times per day. When you have him in for his next vaccinations with your Vet have them look to make sure it isn't a bigger deal requiring antibiotics and prepuce flushing. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has yellow discharge and a swollen penis. What should I do?

Hi there! Thanks for using PerCoach! This is certainly concerning for a focal infection of the prepuce with even possibly a concurrent urinary tract infection. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment based on findings. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has yellow-green discharge from his penis. Is it normal?

Yes, it's normal to see a small amount of yellow-green discharge at the tip of the penis in male dogs - this is called smegma, and is comprised of oils and secretions from inside the prepuce (the skin sheath that surrounds the penis). As long as Chester is acting normal, this shouldn't be any cause for concern. If he is licking this area excessively or having any trouble urinating, then I would recommend having it checked by your vet as these can be signs of an infection.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is white discharge from my male dog's penis normal or concerning?

It is normal for male dogs to have a small amount of discharge from the penis. Some dogs do a better job then others in cleaning themselves. It is usually a whitish to yellowish substance. If it is just being noticed occasionally I wouldn’t be concerned, however if it is enough that he is leaving puddles on the floor then he should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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