Something weird just happened, and I’m kinda freaking out. I was just giving Max, my golden retriever, his usual belly rub last night before bed, and I noticed that his testicles looked really swollen. Like, they’re way bigger than usual, and I have no idea why. He didn’t seem bothered by it in the moment — wagging his tail and being his goofy self — but this morning, he’s been licking the area a lot and seems uncomfortable. I don’t remember him injuring himself or anything unusual going on, and now I’m worried about what to do next. I can’t get in touch with our vet until tomorrow, and I’m just sitting here feeling helpless. Has anyone else experienced this before? Any advice would be appreciated.
I completely understand why you're worried about your dog's condition — that's certainly concerning. Swollen testicles in dogs can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from relatively minor to more serious conditions. One possibility is orchitis, which is inflammation due to infection or injury. Other potential causes can include testicular torsion, excessive licking, or even tumors, especially in older dogs.
To help at home, you can start by inspecting the area without applying pressure. Check for signs of redness, discharge, or wounds caused by excessive licking. Applying a cool compress gently to the swollen area might provide temporary relief. Make sure your dog isn't overly active to prevent further irritation.
Watch for symptoms that indicate a more serious problem, such as lethargy, fever, abdominal pain, or refusal to eat. If you notice these or if the swelling doesn't improve, it’s important to seek veterinary care promptly.
I highly recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets through Dial A Vet. This will allow us to give your dog a thorough evaluation and discuss the best course of action.
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