Dog smegma is not something dog owners love talking about when describing their healthy dogs. It brings a sense of embarrassment to most folks who are not familiar with it.
But you shouldn’t be embarrassed since it is a common condition among male dogs. Instead of shying away from the topic, you should find out how to stop dog smegma at home.
Understanding this condition can help you improve your dog’s health. It will help you understand the cause of the infection and when this normal condition becomes an issue.
How to Treat and Prevent Overproduction of Smegma in Dogs?
Before we talk about dog smegma prevention, we should first define the condition. “Smegma” is a term typically used to describe a substance that can accumulate under the foreskin of a dog’s penis. It consists of dead skin cells, oils, and other bodily fluids.
Smegma can gather around the preputial opening, which is the opening in the skin that covers the dog’s penis. The green to yellow-white discharge helps lubricate the dog’s penis.
This discharge is quite normal in male dogs, but it increases after puberty.
If you own a male dog, you should expect to find a little amount of dog’s smegma around its penis. Dog smegma buildup, which includes dead skin cells, can be dangerous as it can provide a perfect medium for yeast and bacteria to thrive.
The presence of bacteria can result in a dog’s prepuce infection, which is harmful. Prevention is better than cure in this scenario, but how can you prevent this infection-caused accumulation of your dog’s smegma? First, you must know the signs to look out for in male dogs; after all, smegma production is natural.
Symptoms of Smegma Infection
Smegma infection in dogs, also known as balanoposthitis, can present with various symptoms. If you suspect your male dog may have a smegma infection, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian. Here are common symptoms associated with a smegma in dogs:
Redness and Swelling: The dog’s genitals may appear red and swollen.
Discharge: There may be a discharge from the preputial opening (the opening in the skin covering the penis). The discharge from the dog’s penis can vary in color and may have a foul odor.
Licking or Scratching: Dogs with a smegma buildup may show signs of discomfort, such as excessive licking or scratching of the genital area.
Pain or Discomfort: Your dog may exhibit signs of pain or discomfort, especially when urinating or attempting to groom the affected area.
Changes in Behavior: Dogs may display changes in behavior, such as increased irritability or reluctance to be touched in the genital region.
Difficulty Urinating: In severe cases, a dog may experience difficulty urinating or exhibit signs of urinary tract infections.
Guide on How to Treat Dog Smegma Infection
Dog smegma infections can be quite dangerous and can make your pet’s life unbearable. So if you suspect your dog’s penis has smegma infection, you should do the following:
Consult a Veterinarian
Like most urinary tract infections, smegma infections can be quite painful, so you should start by scheduling a visit to the veterinarian. The vet will be able to confirm the diagnosis, assess the infection’s severity, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
At the clinic, the vet will ask you several questions about the symptoms and their behavior. They will conduct an examination and run the following tests to confirm if it is indeed a smegma infection:
- Urinalysis
- Blood work
- Collection and culturing of your dog’s smegma
- Ultrasound or x-ray to check for tumors and obstructions
Follow Veterinary Advice
After running all the above tests and confirming the cause of the problem, the vet will prescribe a medication. Your vet will also give you a procedure on how to clean your dog’s genitals. The recommendations will include antibiotics or antifungals, depending on the underlying cause of the infection.
Clean Dog Smegma
As per your veterinarian’s advice, clean the preputial area gently using a mild, pet-safe cleanser or warm water. Be careful not to cause additional irritation. When cleaning your dog’s penis, you should start by:
Collecting your supplies: Before you start cleaning your pet, you should collect the supplies and have them in one place. Some of these supplies include clean towels, warm water, and a pet-safe antibacterial soap.
Prepare your pet: Pick a comfortable place in your home, especially if you have never done it before. Touch your dog’s prepuce slightly while reassuring it that it shall be ok. You can even give your pet a warm bath and clean its genitals. Clean its genitals using a dog-safe shampoo.
Clean its genital region: Clean your pet’s genitals using a soft, clean, and damp piece of cloth. You can start with its penis and push the prepuce backward. Get rid of the dog’s smegma using pet-safe soap and damp cloth.
After removing the accumulated dog’s smegma, you can rinse it thoroughly and replace the sheath before working on the prepuce.
Dry your dog’s genitals: After you have finished cleaning the dog’s prepuce, you can dry it. Finally, you can let your dog relax in a dry area.
Administer Medications
If prescribed, administer any medications exactly as directed by the veterinarian. It’s crucial to complete the full course of treatment, even if your dog’s symptoms improve before completion. This will ensure that your pet doesn’t get re-infected in the future.
Monitor Your Dog
Keep a close eye on your dog for any changes in behavior, appetite, or the appearance of the infection. If there are any concerns or if the condition doesn’t improve, you should contact your veterinarian promptly.
Maintain Good Hygiene
Follow your veterinarian’s advice on maintaining good hygiene for your dog’s genital region. This may involve regular cleaning, grooming, or other preventive measures.
Prevent Recurrence
Work with your veterinarian to identify and address any underlying causes that may contribute to smegma infections. This could include dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, or other preventive measures.
Remember that each dog is unique, and the appropriate treatment may vary based on the specific circumstances of your pet. Seeking professional veterinary care is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
If you notice any signs of infection or discomfort in your dog’s genital region, it’s best to consult a veterinarian.
Prevention of Smegma Infections in the Future
Preventing future smegma infections in your dog involves maintaining good hygiene, addressing any underlying health issues, and incorporating preventive measures. Here are some steps you can take to help prevent smegma infections in your dog:
Regular Cleaning: Gently clean dog smegma during regular grooming sessions. Use a mild, pet-safe cleanser or warm water. Be careful not to irritate. Regular cleaning can help prevent smegma buildup.
Maintain Good Hygiene: Keep the genital area dry and clean. Moisture can contribute to the buildup of smegma.
Grooming: Regularly groom your dog, paying attention to the genital region. Trimming the hair around this area can help reduce the risk of debris accumulation.
Diet and Nutrition: Provide a well-balanced and nutritious diet to support your dog’s overall health, including skin health.
Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule routine veterinary check-ups. Regular examinations allow your veterinarian to identify and address any potential health issues, including those related to the genital area.
Address Underlying Issues: Work with your veterinarian to identify and address any underlying health issues that may contribute to smegma infections. This could include allergies, urinary tract issues, or other conditions.
Preventive Medications: In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend preventive medications or topical treatments to help manage smegma buildup.
Promote a Healthy Lifestyle: Ensure your dog gets regular exercise and lives in a clean environment. A healthy lifestyle can contribute to overall well-being, including skin and genital health.
Monitor Behavior: Be attentive to changes in your dog’s behavior, especially signs of discomfort or irritation in the genital area. Promptly address any concerns by consulting with your veterinarian.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about your dog’s breed-specific health considerations and potential risk factors for smegma-related issues.
Neutering: Neutering is one of the most effective methods to reduce smegma production in dogs.
Remember that prevention is key, and early detection of any potential issues can help maintain your dog’s health. If you have specific concerns or notice any signs of infection, consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice and guidance.
Final Thoughts
Smegma infection can be quite painful to our dogs. Since we can’t stop its production, we have to keep an eye on the color and the amount of smegma discharged. If you notice any change accompanied by an inflamed sheath, then you should call your vet.
The vet will run a series of tests to confirm the infection and give you the right medications. But most importantly, the vet will show you how to clean your dog’s genital area and prevent further infections. Luckily, neutering your dog can help minimize smegma production and lower the likelihood of getting an infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all my dogs prone to smegma infection?
All dogs produce smegma, but only intact dogs are more prone to smegma infection. An intact dog produces more smegma than a neutered one.
Can smegma infection be transmitted to human beings?
No, smegma infections cannot affect us; therefore, you should be afraid to clean your infected dog.
Can I treat the smegma infection at home?
Minor buildup of smegma can be treated with antimicrobial agents at home. But if you notice inflammation of the genital area and change in color and odor, you should contact a vet.
