Why Do Dogs Lick Their Balls?

Dogs lick their balls because they like to clean themselves.

They perceive it as the most vulnerable area of their body, so they take extra care of it.

Since they don’t take baths every few days as people do, licking is their way of “showering”.

There are many other reasons, like boredom, which encourage this behavior in pets.

Let’s dig into some of the most frequent causes.

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Balls?

• Grooming
• Boredom
• Stress or Anxiety
• Allergies and Skin Irritation
• Anal Gland Issues
• Epididymitis or Other Infection

Grooming

Your dog licks his balls because of an instinct that helps it comprehend that it needs to keep itself clean.

Dogs frequently lick these areas to prevent dirt and hair buildup.

They understand how important it is to keep their lower legs and underbelly clean.

So, you’ll notice that your dog takes some time to lick his balls.

It serves mostly as a self-cleansing activity. ^[1]

Boredom

Another reason why your dog could lick his testicles is boredom.

Dogs experience boredom when they don’t receive enough mental and physical stimulation.

For dogs, licking is a soothing action that also provides them with something to do.

Dogs who are bored may develop licking obsessions as a diversion from their ennui.

Destructive behavior can be another indicator of boredom.

Your dog will act out in ways they wouldn’t typically be bored. ^[2]

They might start chewing forbidden objects as a result of this.

Other dogs will dig when they are bored, no matter if they are indoors or outside.

Stress or Anxiety

Your dog may lick itself as a coping method when worried or anxious.

Some dogs will focus their excessive licking on just one particular place.

In addition to this, you should look out for other indications of stress or anxiety.

Excessive drooling or panting, urinating, or defecating inside the home are some signs.

Excessive barking and destructive activity are all indications of anxiety in dogs. ^[3]

Allergies and Skin Irritation

When they are young, dogs lick their mother’s sore or irritated areas.

When they grow up, they get used to doing this to themselves.

So don’t worry if your dog licks his sore or swollen skin.

The same is observed when allergies occur and they lick and bite their entire skin. ^[4]

Anal Gland Issues

Each side of a dog’s anus has an anal sac.

The glands release fluid during defecation which is unique for every dog.

These anal glands may develop an obstruction.

This results in the fluid accumulating, which hurts.

Your dog will lick the hurt region since it is painful. ^[5]

Epididymitis or Other Infection

The epididymis, a little tube at the back of the testicle, can get infected, which is known as epididymitis.

Dogs may lick their testicles if they have epididymitis or another sort of infection.

They will lick anything that hurts them since it is in their nature to do so. ^[6]

Other indications are inappropriate licking, erythema, or edema of the testicles and penis.

How to Get My Dog to Stop Licking His Testicles?

You get your dog to stop licking his testicles by providing other entertainment.

It’s not too difficult to stop your dog from licking its testicles when boredom is the cause.

Dogs are full of energy and require entertainment at all times.

Play and walking sessions on a regular basis are one approach to achieving this.

These give your dog both mental and physical activity.

Another choice is puzzle feeders and toys, especially if you can’t engage with your dog.

To reduce anxiety, pheromone mixtures or essential oils work well.

Some people use dietary supplements, such as CBD. ^[7]

If your dog suffers from extreme anxiety, get help from your veterinarian.

Simple skin rashes are manageable at home.

You can safely apply Shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil on your dog’s testicles.

They can hydrate the skin and calm irritability.

Get your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you observe swelling or redness in the gonads or penis. ^[8]

Is It Normal for Male Dogs to Lick Balls?

Yes, it is normal for male dogs to lick balls.

It’s their unique way of cleaning their most vulnerable areas.

Pet owners should distinguish normal from aggressive licking and biting.

When it’s very frequent, an allergy or infection might be the cause.

This is a sign to take your pet to the vet.

As this behavior might lead to deeper skin infections and form wounds.

Why Does My Dog Lick His Privates?

Your dog licks his privates because he wants to keep them clean.

Other reasons include boredom, allergies, and infections.

To keep them away from licking, you must find the exact cause of it.

Allergies and irritations should be treated by a veterinary professional.