Testicle Licking
This is
almost too embarrassing to ask but I have to..... We have an 8 month old
chocolate lab that has been constantly licking himself (his testicles).
We noticed today that his testicles are very red and raw looking. Is
there something we can apply to them that will help them heal and at the
same time discourage him from licking them? Thank you.
Dogs clean themselves by licking. Licking is a normal and natural behavior. Excessive licking is not. Sometimes a behavioral licking can irritate the skin, and create a reason to lick more. This is a self perpetuating, viscous cycle. A human licking chapped lips is a similar situation. Continued licking provides temporary relief to the itch sensation, but dries and irritates the skin, causing the overall condition to worsen.
If your dog licks his testicles, and the testicles look normal, no problem. However, as you mentioned, if the testicles are red and raw, you do need to investigate the cause and stop the cycle. A veterinarian's examination may be helpful in determining if the scrotum and testicles are normal or not. Your dog could have epididymitis or another disease of that area, and is licking because it hurts. Once the underlying problem is identified and eliminated, you can direct your attention to breaking the licking cycle.
Behavioral over-licking can be addressed by blocking the access to the area, and stopping the desire to lick. Elizabethan collars and bitter flavored sprays may act as deterrents to licking the area. Anti-itch and anti-inflammatory oral medications can help block the itching sensation. Topical ointments can also provide relief. Sometimes, topical ointments meant to help actually exacerbate the problem by giving the dog something to lick off. A few cases are deeply habitual, and require anti-anxiety or mood alerting medications.
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