What is dog smegma?
Dog smegma is a thick yellowish-white discharge that all male canines have from their penises. The discharge is a combination of dead cells, natural oils and mucus that helps lubricate the penises of the dogs while mating.
The occurrence of smegma in dogs is quite normal, and almost all the dog owners have seen this substance come out. However, it can become a problem if the furry fellow decides to wipe the smegma off on a piece of furniture.
The wiped off smegma will leave the furniture stinking if not cleaned properly. In some cases, dog smegma can also cause stains on furniture and carpet. Below is a quick guide on how to clean dog smegma off furniture.
Cleaning Dog Smegma Off Furniture:
If you follow regular smegma cleaning off the genitals of your dog, you will not need to scrub your furniture. However, if there’s a smegma accident, I recommend that you use a store-bought enzyme based cleaner to remove the stain. All you need to do is to spray the stain with the cleaner and then scrub it with a microfiber towel.
It is important that the spray is enzyme based so that it removes the stain as well as the odor from the smegma.
If you are unable to get an enzyme based cleaner, you can also make your own at home remedy. To do this, make a solution of 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water. Mix the solution together and then spray it onto the location of the smegma.
Now that you know how to clean dog smegma off furniture, here’s a little insight about when to worry about your dog’s smegma:
When Does The Dog Smegma Show a Problem?
All the adult male canines have this yellowish-white discharge. However, it shows a medical condition such as an infection if your dog has a smegma that has a varying color or that smells really bad.
A greenish smegma is a clear sign of an infection and needs immediate attention from a vet. Likewise, a dripping discharge is also indicative of an underlying health problem with your canine.
Look out for vet care if your pet shows behaviors such as excessive licking of the penis. It may be a urinary tract infection that causes the smegma to change color and cause itching to your pet.
You should also contact your vet immediately if you notice that your dog’s genitals are swollen.
How to Prevent Excessive Smegma Production in Dogs?
While smegma production in dogs is a natural phenomenon, excessive smegma can become an annoying problem to deal with. To get rid of excessive smegma production, you can take your dog to the vet to get their opinion. If your dog has not been neutered, your vet might recommend it.
Neutering is a surgical removal of the testes of your dog that is performed under general anesthesia.
How to Clean Dog Smegma From a Canine’s Genitals?
Aside from cleaning your furniture from smegma, it is also important to clean your dog’s genitals if it is collecting smegma. If enough smegma builds up on your dog’s genetals, it can cause an infection. Additionally, by cleaning smegma off your dog, you can help prevent your furniture from getting ruined in the future.
Even after cleaning your pet, if there are smegma accidents on the furniture, the upcoming text will address the issue. However, for now, let’s stick to the cleaning of your pet:
Step 1: Check the Outer Sheath
Before cleaning the genitals of your dog, look out for any possible injury, abscess or any abnormal growth around the penis. This visual checkup doesn’t require you to see a vet. You can DIY at your home, but if you find a wound or an abscess, immediately see a vet.
Once you’re sure that the genitals are free of any possible wound, clean the dried smegma with a clean, wet cloth.
Do not use an alcohol wipe or a chemical wipe to perform this step. If you do so, your pet may get a burning sensation that no pet owner should instigate.
Make sure that the water you use is warm (not hot) and you add a little salt to the water. This step will help disinfect your dog’s outer sheath.
Step 2: Clean the Penis
Once you’re done cleaning the outer sheath, move the foreskin to expose the penis. Clean the genitals with another clean and warm wet cloth. Make sure not to press down too hard or use any kind of chemical-based solution. I also suggest that you don’t use a soap or shampoo unless it is explicitly approved for use on dogs.
Doing so can cause your pet to get an infection or can cause an allergic reaction. If your dog does experience an allergic reaction, you should get them apoquel or an alternative to apoquel.
Step 3: Rinse the Penis with Warm Water
After you’re done cleaning the genitals with a wet cloth, pour some warm water on the genitals of your pet to soothe him.
Step 4: Pat Dry the Genitals
Use a clean dry cloth to pat dry the genitals and the outer sheath of your pet. This step will ensure prevention from any infection afterwards.
Bottom line
You cannot completely get rid of dog smegma, but with proper hygiene protocols, you can surely reduce that chances that your dog wipes it on your furniture or any other undesirable spaces.
If your dog’ smegma becomes excessive, you should contact a vet. For related content, check out my article on how to keep dog from peeing on air conditioner.
