EXCESSIVE LICKING OF PENIS OR PREPUCE
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Persistent genital licking almost always indicates irritation, infection, or pain.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Mild irritation
• Smegma accumulation
MEDICAL
• Balanoposthitis
• UTI
• Prostate disease
• Allergic dermatitis
• Foreign body in prepuce
EMERGENCY
• Swelling
• Penis stuck out (paraphimosis)
RED FLAGS
• Redness
• Pus
• Blood
• Whimpering
• If unsure, treat as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE
• Prevent licking with an e-collar
• Clean with saline
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Cytology
• Prostate exam
• Culture
• Urinalysis
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Infection
• Prostatitis
• Irritation
WHEN TO SCHEDULE A VISIT
Today: licking with discharge
48 hrs: mild irritation
LONGEVITY IMPACT
Chronic irritation worsens prostate disease and systemic inflammation.
LONGEVITY CONSULT
Valuable for resolving recurrent genital irritation.