Are preputial discharges normal in dogs?

Q: “My 14-week old puppy has been having green pus on his sheath after urinating. What is this and is it serious?”

A: Normally dogs should not have preputial discharges.

Normally dogs should have no preputial discharge. Sometimes dogs may have a small amount of yellow-white smegma that can accumulate around the opening of the prepuce.

Since your puppy has a discharge with green pus, he probably has balanoposthitis. This is an inflammatory condition of the glans penis and prepuce. Usually balanoposthitis is caused by bacterial infection, although fungal and herpesvirus infections occasionally may cause it as well. Some dogs develop balanoposthitis when foreign bodies such as grass awns become trapped under the prepuce.

Mild cases are typically not very significant clinically. However, you should take your dog to the veterinarian for an examination. He or she may take samples of the discharge for a cytology analysis and culture and sensitivity test. These laboratory studies will identify infecting organisms, if present, and what antimicrobial drugs are effective against them.

Your veterinarian may also perform a urinalysis and other tests to rule out urinary tract disorders and other problems. The doctor will advise you of the appropriate treatment if treatment is needed.

Back to Dogs and Puppies