If you have a dog and he has black testicles, you may be wondering if this is a natural occurrence or something to be concerned about. You may also be wondering what, if anything, you can do to treat it. Let’s take a look at some of the possible reasons why your dog has black testicles and what, if anything, you can do about it.
Why Are My Dog’s Balls or Testicles Black?
Your dog’s testicles are visible when they are 8 weeks old and the scrotum has descended downwards. The scrotal sac is also known as the reproductive sac and it is what holds and protects your dog’s testicles.
The color of the sac can be black, brown, pink, or tan. All these colors are considered to be normal. Different breeds of dogs can also have different colored scrotums. For example, the skin on a Bichon Frise’s scrotum is white while a Bulldog’s scrotum is black.
Like humans, this depends on the pigmentation of the skin. If your dog’s testicles are black, the rest of his skin is likely black as well. This is not a cause for concern and does not require treatment.
The color of your dog’s testicles or balls can also change over time. They may start out as one color and then darken or lighten as your dog ages. It will happen over time and is not something you need to be concerned about.
Even though 90% of the time there is no issue with this color change, here are a few things you can watch out for that may indicate a bigger issue:
1. The Color Changes Quickly
If you notice that the color of your dog’s testicles or scrotum changes quickly, it could be a sign of something more serious. This could be an indication of bruising, which could have been caused by trauma.
2. Pain or Swelling In the Scrotum Region
If you’re noticing that your dog is whining or crying when you touch his scrotum region, it’s time to take him to the vet. This could be a sign of an infection, tumor, or another issue.
3. Difficulty Urinating
Similar to noticing pain or swelling in this area, if your dog is struggling with going #1, it could be a sign of an infection or blockage. Take him to the vet right away if you notice these symptoms.
4. Your Dog Keeps Licking the Area
If your dog can’t seem to leave his testicles or scrotum region alone, it could be a sign of an allergic reaction, irritation, or infection. It could also just be that he’s itchy and needs a bath.
5. There’s Redness or a Pink Shade Surrounding the Area
In addition to swelling or pain, if you see that the area around your dog’s testicles is red or has a pink tinge, this could also be a sign of an infection. It could also indicate that there was a trauma to the area, such as being hit in the groin region or getting into a fight with another animal.
What to Do if My Dog’s Balls or Testicles Turn Black?
Here are a few things you can do if your dog’s testicles turn black:
1. Get a Closer Look
If you notice that your dog’s testicles or scrotum region has changed color, take a closer look to see if there are any other symptoms present. If you don’t see anything else out of the ordinary, there’s no need to be concerned.
Check for things like swelling, redness, discharge, or an unpleasant odor. If you don’t see any of these things, the color change is likely due to his pigmentation and is nothing to worry about.
2. Purchase a Soothing Balm
If you suspect that your dog is experiencing irritation in his scrotal region, you can purchase a soothing balm to help relieve the itchiness. You can use a product that is specifically designed for dogs or use coconut oil. Be sure to read the label carefully and apply as directed.
3. Give Your Dog a Bath
You can also give your dog a cool bath to help soothe any irritation. Just be sure to use a mild, unscented shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Avoid using hot water as this can further irritate the skin.
After his bath, dry your dog off completely and then apply a soothing balm to the area. This will help you to further assess if the irritation is due to an allergic reaction, infection, or something else.
4. Contact Your Vet
If you’re still concerned about the color change or notice any other symptoms, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact your vet. They can perform a physical exam and run some tests to rule out any underlying health issues.
Your vet may also recommend using a corticosteroid cream to help relieve any inflammation or irritation.
Why Are My Dog’s Balls Black and Swollen?
If your pup has both black and swollen balls, this may be a sign of Epididymitis. This is when the testicular tube that stores sperm becomes inflamed. Another possibility is Orchitis, a condition where the actual testes are inflamed.
This is usually caused by direct trauma such as being hit in the groin or getting into a fight with another animal. It can also be a chronic condition that is the result of an infection such as Brucellosis or Leptospirosis.
If you notice that your dog’s testicles are black and swollen, it’s important to contact your vet right away. They will likely recommend a course of antibiotics to clear up the infection. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to remove one or both of the testicles.
While it may be tempting to wait and see if the swelling goes down on its own, this is not a good idea. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to infertility or even death.
What Does Brucellosis in Dogs Look Like?
Brucellosis causes reproductive problems for dogs and can also lead to inflammation of the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.
Symptoms in dogs include fever, weight loss, lethargy, and infertility. In some cases, there may also be inflammation of the testicles, which can lead to them turning black. Over time, if left untreated, the testes can also atrophy and shrink in size. A rash will often appear on the dog’s belly, legs, and groin area.
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be passed from animals to humans. For this reason, it’s important to seek veterinary care right away if you suspect your dog has Brucellosis.