Many say that if your dog’s balls have changed color, this indicates an underlying health problem.
However, a dog’s testicles can change color for several reasons. In most cases, it’s nothing to worry about, but sometimes, it may be a concern.
So, what does this mean for your pet? Below are some common causes to check out.
1. Genetics
Some dog breeds, such as Black Hounds, Pitbulls, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, and Rottweilers, are likelier to have black testicles due to genetics.
Your pup may have inherited this trait from his parents or grandparents. In other words, he may have been born with a gene that causes his testicles to turn black.
It’s not uncommon for dog owners to notice their dog’s testicles changing color during puberty, but they may not realize that those changes aren’t just temporary; they can be permanent.
2. Age
As dogs get older, their testicles can naturally darken in color. This is due to the increased production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color.
This happens in people, too. If you’ve ever seen an older person with a lot of melanin in their skin, you know how much darker they look than they used to be when they were younger!
Also Read: Can Dogs Get Blue Balls?
3. Infection
A dog’s testes can turn black due to several infections, including fungal, viral, or bacterial infections.
When a dog’s color suddenly changes to black, something has gotten into its skin or blood. This can happen if your dog gets into something it shouldn’t have touched in your yard or at the vet’s office.
It could also be a reaction to an allergy or irritation caused by fleas or ticks, which other dogs or cats around your yard may carry. Other symptoms, such as testicular swelling, redness, and pain, accompany this.
The best way to find out what caused this color change is to take your dog to a vet who can examine him and test for parasites (you can also ask about other possible causes, such as allergies).
4. Injury
If your dog is licking their genitals excessively, this may be a sign of an injury.
In fact, it’s normal for dogs to lick their balls to clean them, but if you notice your dog doing so more than usual, it could be a sign of an underlying issue.
The most common cause of blackened dog testicles is inflammation in the area surrounding the testicles.
Dogs tend to lick this area when it becomes inflamed or sore, resulting in blackened skin over time.
They will typically experience these changes during puberty or after an injury, such as a fight or accident involving another animal (such as another dog).
5. Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation may cause black testicles in young dogs. Skin patches with hyperpigmentation appear darker than their surrounding tissues.
It most commonly occurs on the face, neck, and chest. However, it can occur anywhere on the body. Hyperpigmentation can also affect a dog’s scrotums and testes, resulting in blackened testicles.
Generally, this occurs when the skin produces too much melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, which results in areas of discoloration.
This condition can be caused by genetics, sun exposure, aging (or getting older), hormonal changes, inflammation, or injury to the skin at the site where hyperpigmentation occurs.
6. Trauma
The scrotum contains two testicles, which are suspended by a delicate tissue system called the spermatic cord. If the spermatic cord is damaged, blood flow to the testicles can be compromised, accumulating blood and tissue debris in the area.
In addition to trauma, some dogs may develop testicular torsion, where one or both testicles become twisted inside the scrotum.
This can also lead to a build-up of blood and debris as well as inflammation, resulting in a discoloration of this area.
7. Markings or fur caused by muddy paws
Sometimes dogs’ black-colored balls are caused by muddy paws. When dog walks through mud or dirt, their paw pads become wet, which may turn their hair on them black.
So, don’t worry, in this case, just give him a nice bath!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your dog’s balls:
- Start by putting on a pair of rubber gloves. (This will protect your hands from bacteria and other unpleasant things.)
- Gently lift your dog’s testicles and hold them away from its body.
- Using a warm, wet cloth, wipe each of the testicles and the area around them gently.
- If your dog has any dirt or debris stuck to its fur, you can use a wet comb to gently remove it.
- After rinsing the area with water, pat it dry softly with a clean towel.
- Give your dog a treat and lots of praise for being a good sport!
Note: If you notice any unusual changes in the color, shape, or size of your dog’s testicles or if your dog is experiencing any pain or discomfort in the area, consult a veterinarian right away.
Symptoms of a Problem
We understand that you’re concerned about your dog’s black balls. If you haven’t already, we recommend you take your pup to the vet for a checkup.
However, here are some signs that something may be wrong:
- Your dog seems lethargic and has lost interest in food or playtime.
- Your dog shows signs of pain or discomfort when urinating or defecating.
- Your dog has suddenly started showing signs of aggression or if they have started acting differently than they normally do, this could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
- Your dog has difficulty swallowing or breathing or is experiencing pain in their joints or muscles.
If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, you must seek treatment as soon as possible so that the problem can be treated before it worsens.
Is It Normal for Dogs Balls to Be Black?
In other words, are dog’s testicles supposed to be black? Yes, it is generally normal for a dog’s testicles or scrotum to have a darker coloration.
This is because the scrotum, which is the sac that holds the testicles, is often dark in color. The color of the scrotal sac can vary, with possible colors including black, brown, or tan.
Also, some breeds of dogs, such as bulldogs and pugs, have wrinkles and folds in their scrotal area, which can trap dirt and debris and can appear dark in color.
So, it’s essential to keep your dog’s scrotal area clean to ensure that there are no issues such as infection or inflammation.
Do Neutered Dogs Balls Turn Black?
The neutering process involves removing a male dog’s reproductive organs in order to reduce the risk of him reproducing or spreading diseases like prostate cancer.
The surgical procedure is called castration, which involves cutting away the testicles and parts of the penis. This can result in bruised testicles, which may appear darker than normal due to blood flow being restricted to the area for a period of time after surgery.
Because of this surgery, some dogs will experience changes in the color of that area afterward. Typically, they become darker than they were before the surgery or even black in color.
Also Read: Are Police Dogs Neutered?
Final Thoughts
So there you have the answer, as we can see, the testicles of dogs can sometimes be black; this can be due to many reasons.
Also, sometimes your dog might have a medical issue that can cause their testes to be black. It’s always a good idea to take your dog to the veterinarian if you notice any issues.
If you learned anything new about dogs today, please share it with those you care about!
