The phone call started in an ordinary way, “Dr. Randolph, I need to make an appointment for Gus.”
A quick glance at Gus’ file in our computer system showed he wasn’t due for a routine visit, so I inquired of his owner about possible problems as a reason for the visit.
“He has a yellow-green discharge from his penis.”
I closed the appointment book, and pressed F1 on the keyboard, sending the computer software back to the Main Menu.
“No appointment needed,” I explained to Gus’ master. All male dogs have a yellow-green discharge. It’s actually coming from the sheath, not the penis. Quantity can vary from undetectable to a drop, but it’s all normal.”
The material, which looks much like pus to the naked eye, is actually made of cells and lubricant fluid in the prepuce that surrounds the penis inside its protective sheath. It has a pungent, acrid smell and will sometimes be noticed where a male dog has lain.
Discharges from the sheath with other characteristics, such as blood, or a large volume of material that resembles pus, would be a cause for concern.
As for me, I’ll just have to wait for a big, sloppy Gus-kiss until another day.
See you tomorrow, Dr. Randolph.
I’ve never noticed the discharged until the last couple of weeks. I see drops all over my floor and on blankets he lays on throughout the day. He’s neutered and just turned 3 years old. Why all of the sudden am I noticing it and it seems like a lot. Thoughts?
If you think there’s something abnormal you should schedule an examination. Thanks for reading, Dr. Randolph.
I have a shepherd collie mix that is 11yrs old intact male. He is always leaking a grey fluid, he doesn’t lick excessively. A drop here a drop there a drop everywhere it’s been going on for a long time has no change in colour no stink
I have seen the yellowish discharge numerous times on my 10 year old pittie. Yesterday I notice a small amount of blood come out. I checked his peed the next time he went outside. No traces of blood. He didn’t look to be in pain during urination, poops are normal, normal appetite, not lethargic in the least. I am going to give him a warm bath. Thoughts? Thank you!
You can’t tell whether blood is present without a urinalysis. Urine culture and sensitivity are needed to know whether infection is present. It all starts with a good physical examination. Thanks for reading, Dr. Randolph.
Today I went to give my 9 month old puppy a belly rub. I noticed a yellowish green discharge at the tip of his penis. I got so scared and assumed it was an infection since humans know they have an infection when they blow their nose and it’s yellow/green. After reading this article I feel so much better! I did call the vet and I’m waiting to hair back. It’s comforting knowing that this isn’t uncommon.
Thanks for the information. I was thinking I might need to get my dog an appointment because of the discharge on the tip of his penis. After reading this article I feel much better and we’ll just keep an eye on it. Plus my dog’s name is Gus So I thought that was great to read about another Gus having the same issues?
My 8 year old neutered boxer has a reddish, awful smelling discharge from his penis. I don’t feel any masses but it does seem tender to touch. I am going to get him to the vet as soon as possible but is there anything I should do?
A warm compress might give him some comfort. You want that appointment ASAP! Write back and let us know what the findings are, please. Thanks for reading, Dr. Randolph.
Thanks for this informative article! Is it normal to see this discharge daily?
Daily is not unusual. Thanks for reading, Dr. Randolph.
My dog is always licking it until he produces seamen it’s disgusting and he smells because of it will getting him neutered help at all
It might. Thanks for reading, Dr. Randolph.
Hello, my 6 year old pitbull has had some discharge in the past but today and yesterday it seems like an excessive amount and is thick and kinda of peach in colour. I gave him a bath and cleaned the area but he is still producing the discharge. What would cause this?
If you feel it doesn’t meet the criteria for “normal” in the article you should schedule an appointment with your pet’s doctor. Thanks for reading, Dr. Randolph.
Hello! My 5 year old male had a uti causing him to leak urine, and since then, I’ve been paranoid and putting a diaper on him at night because he sleeps in my bed. I now notice a small yellow drop or 2 on the diaper each morning. The vet said it could be urine and that this is normal for male dogs to drop a little bit. Do you agree? Could it be discharge? It doesn’t have a strong odor and seems transparent, not thick. Thanks!
If it “doesn’t have a strong odor and seems transparent, not thick,” good chance it’s urine. VERY IMPORTANT to follow up on that UTI! Thanks for reading, Dr. Randolph.
Hi, my dog has never produced any discharge and is neutered. all of a sudden, after a visit to the grooming salon, a piece of the tip of his penis is turning blackish-blue and he is producing discharge. He’s energetic and there are not problems regarding peeing or eating. We have an appointment to see the vet on Saturday as the discharge is new. It’s not copious amounts- just small amounts but consistently throughout the day. What do you think is going on?
There are very few tissues in the body that should be black or blue, and, especially, ones that used to be pink. I’ll be interested to hear the doctor’s findings and hopeful that you can get an appointment sooner. Thanks for reading, Dr. Randolph.