If you own a male dog, you may have noticed a yellowish or greenish discharge coming from his private area. This substance is called dog smegma, and it is composed of oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes pus. While smegma is normal and natural, it can also be unsightly and smelly, especially if it gets on your furniture.

Smegma is produced by the mucous membrane that covers the dog’s penis, and it serves to lubricate and protect the delicate tissue. However, some factors can cause smegma to accumulate and leak out of the dog’s prepuce, or the skin that surrounds the penis. These factors include obesity, poor grooming habits, skin conditions, and hormonal changes.

In this article, we will discuss how to prevent smegma buildup in dogs, how to remove smegma stains from furniture, and how to recognize the signs of infection or disease that may require veterinary attention. By following these tips, you can keep your dog’s genitals clean and healthy, and your furniture free of smegma stains.

(Image from Deposit Photos)

What is Dog Smegma and Why Does It Happen?

Smegma is a fluid that accumulates in the space between the penis and the prepuce (the foreskin-like covering) of male dogs. It contains dead skin cells, proteins, and other substances that help protect the penis from drying out and becoming injured. 

Smegma is produced by glands in the prepuce and the penis, and it is usually invisible or barely noticeable in most dogs. However, some dogs may produce more smegma than others, or they may have a condition that causes excessive smegma production.

In these cases, you may see drops of smegma leaking from the tip of your dog’s prepuce, or you may find smegma on your dog’s hair, skin, or bedding.

Some of the factors that can influence smegma production in dogs are:

• Hormones: Intact (unneutered) male dogs tend to produce more smegma than neutered ones, especially during sexual arousal or excitement.
  
  
• Anatomy: Some dogs have a longer or tighter prepuce than others, which can trap more smegma inside or make it harder to clean.
  
  
• Hygiene: Dogs that are not groomed or bathed regularly may have more dirt and debris in their prepuce, which can increase smegma production or cause infections.
  
  
• Diet: Some foods or supplements may affect the pH balance of your dog’s urine or skin, which can affect smegma production or cause irritation.
  
  
• Health: Some medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections, prostate problems, allergies, or tumors, can cause increased smegma production or abnormal discharge.

How to Prevent Dog Smegma from Staining Your Furniture

While occasional smegma in dogs is typically normal and harmless, it can be annoying to deal with when it stains your furniture. To prevent this from happening, you can take some simple steps to reduce smegma production and keep your dog’s genitals clean. Here are some tips:

• Neuter your dog: This will decrease the amount of smegma produced by reducing the hormonal influence. Neutering also has other health benefits for your dog, such as reducing the risk of prostate problems or testicular cancer.
  
  
• Groom your dog regularly: This will help remove any dirt or debris from your dog’s prepuce and prevent infections. You can use a warm, damp cloth to gently wipe away any smegma from your dog’s genitals. Be sure to dry the area well afterward. You can also trim the hair around the opening of the prepuce to prevent smegma from sticking to it.
  
  
• Give your dog supplements: Some supplements may help prevent smegma production by improving your dog’s urinary health or skin condition. For example, some owners have found that green tea supplements have antibacterial properties that can stave off infections. However, before giving any supplements to your dog, consult with your vet first.
  
  
• Use protective covers: If your dog likes to sleep on your couch or bed, you can use a washable cover or blanket to protect your furniture from smegma stains. You can also use disposable pads or diapers for dogs that drip a lot of smegma.

 (Image from Deposit Photos)

How to Remove Smegma Stains from Furniture

Even if you take good care of your dog’s genitals, you may still find some smegma stains on your furniture from time to time. Smegma stains can be hard to remove, especially if they are old or dried. However, with some patience and persistence, you can get rid of them using some tools and materials that you may already have at home.

Here are some steps on how to clean different types of furniture from smegma stains:

1. Leather furniture: Leather is a durable material that can resist most stains. However, it can also absorb oils and odors from smegma if not cleaned properly. To clean leather furniture from smegma stains, you will need some leather cleaner or saddle soap, a soft cloth or sponge, some water, and some leather conditioner.
   
   First, wipe off any excess smegma with a dry cloth or paper towel. Then, apply some leather cleaner or saddle soap to a damp cloth or sponge and rub it gently on the stained area.
   
   Rinse with a clean cloth dipped in water and dry with another cloth. Finally, apply some leather conditioner to restore the shine and softness of the leather.
   
   
2. Fabric furniture: Fabric furniture can be more prone to staining than leather furniture. However, it can also be easier to clean with some common household products. To clean fabric furniture from smegma stains, you will need some dish soap or laundry detergent, some baking soda or vinegar, some water, a spray bottle (optional), a soft cloth or sponge, and a vacuum cleaner (optional).
   
   First, blot up any excess smegma with a dry cloth or paper towel. Then, mix some dish soap or laundry detergent with some water and spray or dab it on the stained area. Let it sit for a few minutes and then scrub it gently with a cloth or sponge.
   
   Rinse with a clean cloth dipped in water and dry with another cloth. If the stain is still visible, you can try sprinkling some baking soda or vinegar on the area and letting it sit for another few minutes.
   
   Then, vacuum up the residue or wipe it off with a damp cloth. Repeat as needed until the stain is gone.
   
   
3. Wood furniture: Wood furniture can be tricky to clean from smegma stains, as wood can be easily damaged by water or chemicals.
   
   To clean wood furniture from smegma stains, you will need some wood cleaner or polish, a soft cloth or sponge, some water, and some wax (optional).
   
   First, wipe off any excess smegma with a dry cloth or paper towel. Then, apply some wood cleaner or polish to a damp cloth or sponge and rub it gently on the stained area.
   
   Rinse with a clean cloth dipped in water and dry with another cloth. Finally, apply some wax to protect the wood and give it a nice shine.

How to Remove Dog Smegma Odor from Your Home

Smegma can have a strong and unpleasant odor that can linger in your home. To remove this odor, you will need to clean not only your furniture but also your carpets, curtains, bedding, and any other items that may have come in contact with smegma. Here are some tips:

• Use an enzyme-based cleaner: Enzyme-based cleaners are specially designed to break down organic substances, such as smegma, urine, or blood, and eliminate their odor.
  
  You can use an enzyme-based cleaner to spray or soak any items that have smegma stains or odor. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
  
  You can also use a steam cleaner or a carpet shampooer with an enzyme-based solution to clean your carpets or upholstery.
  
  
• Use baking soda: Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can absorb and neutralize odors. You can sprinkle baking soda on any items that have smegma odor and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, vacuum or shake off the baking soda and wash the items as usual.
  
  
• Use vinegar: Vinegar is another natural deodorizer that can kill bacteria and fungi that cause odors. You can mix vinegar with water in a spray bottle and spray any items that have smegma odor. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe off with a clean cloth. You can also add vinegar to your laundry detergent when washing items that have smegma odor.

 (Image from Deposit Photos)