Inflammation of the foreskin affects not only humans, but also dogs – and that’s not even rare.
Almost every unneutered male is affected by it once or several times in his life, while neutered males are much less likely to be affected.
In this article, we explain what you can do if your dog’s foreskin becomes inflamed.
Causes and symptoms of foreskin inflammation in dogs
You often do not recognize a foreskin inflammation from the beginning.
Because the symptoms are above all one Burn and itch, which your dog can only indicate indirectly. By the way: Fenistil can help your dog with itching.
By the way:
It is also called foreskin inflammation foreskin catarrh or dog tripper!
What are the symptoms of foreskin inflammation in dogs?
The most obvious way to recognize an inflamed foreskin is that it is very red.
Your dog will try to get through the burning and itching intense licking or even nibbling his penis.
You may also find it at its moorings watery, yellowish drops. If the inflammation is already advanced, these spots can already be purulent.
However, these spots are also caused by smegma, an unhygienic mixture of glandular secretions, urine residue and dead cells that collects under the foreskin.
How does foreskin inflammation develop in dogs?
Inflammation occurs when bacteria get under the foreskin.
This can happen in different ways: most often it is due to the so-called excavation at the onset of sexual maturity.
This describes the process when the foreskin retracts during an erection and the free end of the penis protrudes.
Then the glans is exposed and can catch bacteria.
Since neutered male dogs are far less likely to succumb to being unable to get erections, they are better protected from such an infection.
But also through Injuries to the foreskin bacteria can easily penetrate under the foreskin.
Also, some males have one from birth too wide open foreskinwhich then makes it easier for the bacteria to penetrate.
What can I do if I have foreskin inflammation?
Inflammation is usually treated with antiseptic ointments and tinctures from specialist shops or from the veterinarian.
However, caution is required here, as the males also lick them off.
This is doubly problematic because, firstly, there is a risk that they will absorb the active ingredients through the mucous membranes, and secondly, they may lick the ointment off before it can take effect.
That’s why there is special foreskin cleanerswhich are mostly made of Betaisadona.
These work quickly and have few side effects. In addition, they can be used more often without any problems and thus also provide good prophylaxis for dogs with a wide open foreskin,
Another preventive measure is to make sure that the foreskin area is also well cleaned.
This cleaning is done primarily by the dog, but can also be done while bathing.
Danger:
An inflamed glans penis is usually swollen and tender to the touch. Even a very well-behaved dog can therefore snap at you if you want to treat the inflammation.
So use a muzzle to be on the safe side or leave the cleaning to professionals.
When should I go to the vet?
An inflammation of the foreskin is not bad at first, but it is unpleasant for your dog and also unhygienic. It usually doesn’t go away on its own if left untreated.
If you already have experience with male dogs with inflamed foreskin, you can work with cleaners and wait and see.
However, if the inflammation is not improving or you are dealing with foreskin inflammation for the first time, it should treatment by your veterinarian take place.
If the inflammation persists or if the dog has a weakened immune system, they will prescribe medication.
In the worst case, inflammation can always lead to blood poisoning.
If your dog’s foreskin becomes inflamed frequently, you may consider neutering the male dog.
However, this is rarely the only solution and has many side effects. Therefore, such a step should be well thought out and discussed with your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Inflammation of the foreskin is very uncomfortable for your dog. Fortunately, such an inflammation can usually be eliminated quickly and easily.
It’s far more common in unneutered male dogs, but you shouldn’t consider neutering just because of it.
You can help your dog well with special cleaners and antiseptic medication.
Has your dog ever had foreskin inflammation? How did you notice this and how did the treatment go? Tell us about it in the comments!