My neutered dog's sheath is swollen. Is it infected? How to clean?

Question

My dogs sheath has needed cleaning 1x yearly at about this time of year. He's been put on antibiotics at the times his sheath has been cleaned also. How do I clean it myself and how would I know if he has an infection? He's been kicking himself quite alot in the last few days and there seems to be some swelling. He's a 7 yr old neutered small mix. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 7 years and 2 months old | 19.1 lbs

Christie Long, DVM · Accepted Answer

It's highly unusual for a dog's sheath to need to be cleaned, especially a neutered dog. I would be concerned that Rippy may have an infection that is only partially resolving with the use of antibiotics - so perhaps the infection isn't fully susceptible to the antibiotics that are being used, or perhaps there is a foreign object that is wedged up in the sheath that is causing an intermittent infection. He likely needs to be sedated and the area fully examined, and it's unlikely that you're doing to be able to do this at home. Another consideration should be that has a urinary problem, such as a bladder infection or stones, that is making his penis irritated, and that's why he's licking it.

My neutered dog's sheath is swollen. Is it infected? How to clean?

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