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Why is my dog licking his testicles so much? What's the cause?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Why Is My Dog Licking His Testicles?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on May 13th, 2015

Excessive [licking](https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-does-my-dog-keep-licking-himself) has multiple causes. Boredom, stress, irritation, infection or [allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/canine-allergies) can all cause licking. It is also possible he has an inflamed or infected [anal gland](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anal-glands-sacs-impactions-infections-abscesses-in-dogs). This condition is very painful and makes it difficult to defecate or even move. Without treatment, the gland may rupture, causing a open wound on your pet's rear that will require wound care and antibiotics as well as some pain relief. I recommend getting your pet seen by your vet. He or she will express (empty) the anal glands if necessary, clean him up and possibly start your pup on antibiotics. You can ask them to show you how to express the anal glands yourself at home so you can avoid impaction or infection in the future. If his anal glands are clear, there may be another underlying cause. An e-collar (cone) can prevent further licking.

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63Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 2nd, 2018

    The best way is to take Sully to your veterinarian for an exam of the scrotal skin to make sure that there is no itchy or oozing or painful skin condition which entices Sully to lick his testicles. If your vet finds a cause he can specifically address the cause and prescribe tablets or an ointment to stop the itching or pain. If there is no obvious cause, then this may be a habit that will be hard to break... For now you may want to put an e-collar on your dog to prevent him from licking until he can be seen by your vet.

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    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on December 19th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

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    14Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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