Balanitis means inflammation of the tip of the penis. This is common in dogs and usually mild, but it may be due to an infection or an object stuck in the prepuce.
Causes of balanitis in dogs
A small amount of discharge at the tip of the penis is normal in dogs, but it shouldn’t be constant and there should be no discomfort.
The penis has a microbiome (good bacteria) just like the rest of the skin, but sometimes aggressive bacteria can set in and cause harm.
Small objects, like hair or plant material, can sometimes be trapped inside the prepuce and cause damage.
Are some dogs more at risk of balanitis than others?
Long-haired breeds may be at more risk of hair or debris accumulation at the tip of the penis.
Symptoms of balanitis
Constant or dripping discharge from the penis.
Excessive licking of the penis.
Restlessness or discomfort.
The skin over and around the tip of the penis may become red.
There may be discomfort during and after peeing.
How is balanitis diagnosed?
Balanitis can usually be diagnosed from the symptoms, along with examination of the penis.
Sedation may be necessary to fully examine the penis, especially if there are concerns about foreign material stuck inside the sheath.
A bacterial culture may be recommended if there is no response to initial treatment.
What’s the treatment for balanitis in dogs?
Mild cases may get better on their own or with cleaning the area 2-3 times per day. A gentle antiseptic soap, such as Chlorhexidine 2-4% solution, diluted with tap water is a good option. Use 1 part Chlorhexidine to 9 parts water. Antiseptic wipes containing chlorhexidine are also available.
Deeper or more serious infections may require antiseptic flushes or douches. In these cases it is very important to avoid causing further irritation, so please discuss how to do this and what to use with a vet.
Antibiotics may be needed in some cases.
If there are any objects inside the sheath, these will need to be removed.
What to expect
Balanitis is usually mild and responds quickly to treatment.
Prevention of balanitis
Trimming the preputial hair may improve hygiene and reduce the risk of hair getting caught in the prepuce.
Neutering does not prevent this condition directly, but reduces sexual behaviour and thus the risk for injury and infection. This is especially relevant for dogs with excessive sexual behaviours
When to worry
Take your dog to see a vet immediately if:
There are dark or purple areas in the penis
Your dog is in severe pain
There is ongoing bleeding
Your dog seems to be struggling to pass urine
Your dog is showing signs of discomfort
There is constant discharge from your dog’s penis.