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Why are my dog's testicles red, swollen, and he keeps licking them?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 50 lbs

My year and a half old pitbull has Red Inflamed testicles and looks to be a slight bump forming on the back of them the dog is licking them a lot there is a small amount of hair loss also on the back of the testicles and I can't afford a vet just yet I'm worried. I thought I may have seen a little cream discharge on his penis hole area too, not sure if that's normal. Please advise?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 2nd, 2017

Wow, poor Tyrin! His tests are quite red and inflamed! He could be suffering from an infection of the skin, trauma to the area, or orchitis (inflammation to the testicles). He does have to see a vet in order to have this treated, and I will provide some resources at the end of my answer that may help you afford a vet. As for the cream discharge from his penis, this may be smegma which is a normal discharge. It actually comes from the sheath of the penis. I would have Tyrin seen by a vet as soon as possible for his problem with his testicles. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.
 The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.
 Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged.

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Related Answers from Veterinarians

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 15th, 2017

    I recommend washing him, or at least the rear end and testicles in a cool bath with a hypoallergenic shampoo. He may have a contact allergy which is causing the problem and that will clean the skin. Please put him in a cone so he can't lick them, then you can apply a thin film of cortisone ointment into the skin. That will reduce the itch and redness and keep the skin from cracking. Don't apply anything topical though unless you can prevent licking. This can be from sitting in something that irritated the area, infection or a tumor. I'm glad you are going to take Bosco in soon as they can give him the appropriate medication so he's comfortable and this condition resolves. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bosco.

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 7th, 2019

    Hello. The skin does look a bit inflamed. I would place a cone on Odie so he cannot reach the area to lick. Then see your vet for further treatment in case this is some type of bacterial dermatitis. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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