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My unneutered male dog's testicles are red and swollen. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 7 years and 3 months old | 50 lbs

I have an un-neutered male dog who balls look red and swollen. He is drinking and eating fine also playing with his human and other dog brother. Should I worry?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on October 1st, 2019

This could be caused by a local inflammation and possibly an infection. Persistent licking and rubbing can worsen the inflammation. A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly anti-inflammatory ointment are needed to solve the problem. At home, some zinc oxide ointment/cream (like sudocream) can be apply twice daily. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 30th, 2017

    I wouldn't recommend applying any over the counter balm or cream without consulting a veterinarian first. The most common cause of red/swollen skin on the scrotum would be excessive licking of the area leading to a skin infection. Some types of testicular infections or tumors could also lead to swelling. In rare situations a testicle can twist on itself (testicular torsion) but usually this is very painful and one testicle is very large compared to the other which doesn't seem to be the case in your picture. I would recommend having Buzo seen by a veterinarian. In the meantime, if he has been licking the best thing to do would be to put an e-collar on to prevent him from making things worse.

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