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Why is my dog's penis red and discharging? Should I see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 9 months old | 20 lbs

Should I be worried if my dogs pennies is a little red and has a little bit of discharge is what it looks like

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 10th, 2018

Yes, I would be concerned about Guapo in that this redness and discharge can indicate an infection. From the pictures, it look like the discharge could be pus. He could have an infection of the prepuce (the penile sheath), or he could have a UTI or bladder stones causing these symptoms. I would gently wipe the area with warm water on a soft cloth, and have him seen by a vet. The vet can examine him and diagnose what is causing this redness and discharge so he can be treated. Taking him into a vet today would be best if possible. When dogs have infections, they can lick the area because it's uncomfortable to them, but licking it will make it worse. I would put an Ecollar on him if you notice him licking his penis area. You can make one at home or you can buy one at a pet shop. Good luck, I hope this helps!

http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinarian
Published on April 17th, 2017
Since Prince is not neutered, it is very common for unneutered male dogs to have a small volume of yellow/green discharge at the tip of the penis. However, if this discharge is reddish it makes me concerned he may have an irritated penis or a urinary issue like a bladder infection. It would be wise, if this continues, to have him examined by a vet. He/she will want to take a urine sample and test if for inflammatory cells and potentially do a bladder ultrasound or X-ray.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 5th, 2019
This much discharge is not normal. A little is, but not as much as you describe. Especially if this is a new problem I would be a bit worried. Did your vet actually check inside the prepuce (the sheath covering the penis) and/or flush it? There could be a piece of grass or something in there that is causing the discharge.

You will need to allow your vet to do a very thorough exam of the prepuce and maybe do some testing to get this figured out. I'm glad he is not actively ill but you don't want to wait until it's too late. This article talks about differential diagnoses and what tests need to run to rule things in/out.

( https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-health/preputial-discharge-licking-penis-in-dogs/ )

Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why is my dog's penis swollen, red, painful, and discharging?

Chico could have a urethral prolapse, an infection or some type of trauma to that area. He needs to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Without treatment that tissue could become dead/necrotic, he could have trouble urinating which leads to other issues like kidney failure as well as long term damage like scarring. Do not give him any human medications as it can be toxic to dogs. Keep him from licking at the area and remove and discharge with a warm, moist, clean cloth.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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Why is my dog's penis discolored and leaking discharge? Is it serious?

Dylan's prepuce is very swollen and appears infected and shows a lesion. This can happen if he licks it a lot, bacterial infection can cause that and also a type of venereal cancer called Canine transmissible venereal tumor or Sticker sarcoma. Here is information about Canine transmissible tumors: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/transmissible-venereal-tumor This is rather rare in neutered males, however it needs to be ruled out. I suggest you make and appointment with your vet to have your dog's external genitalia examined. Depending on the findings your vet may prescribe antibiotics or an ointment for treatment of the condition. In the meantime, if you have an e-collar, put it on Dylan to keep him from licking, as this will only make it worse.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My male dog has pus, scabs, discharge on his penis. Is it infected?

It is normal to have a small amount of discharge coming from the prepuce. However, if it is so excessive you are having to clean it every few hours, this is not normal. Your dog may have a preputial infection or a bladder or prostate infection. I would recommend taking Pluto to the vet to be checked out. He may need a course of antibiotics and/or a special antibacterial flush for his prepuce. In the meantime, continue to keep it as clean as you can and prevent him from licking as much as you can. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's penis is dark red and swollen. Should I take him to vet?

Unfortunately from the picture you have provided it looks like Patches has developed PARAPHIMOSIS. This occurs when the glans penis extrudes from the prepuce and over a period of time the swelling caused by irritation, drying out and contact with environmental factors causes the penis to swell to a size which prevents it returning into the prepuce. Due to the change in color I am concerned about blood blow and the safety of the tissues. I would take Patches to the veterinarian immediately for medical intervention. The vet will make Patches for comfortable by eliciting pain relief. The veterinarian team will then attempt several approaches to safely return the penis to the prepuce. This can include lubrication and careful manipulation. The use of medications to reduce the swelling may also be used. Occasionally a small surgical procedure is required to correct the problem. I am so sorry that this has happened to Patches and I hope he receives medical attention soon and this issue is resolved. Best of luck to you both.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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Why is my dog's penis red, irritated, and he won't stop licking?

Causes of licking the prepuce/penis area could be a urinary tract infection, crystals in the urine, stones in the urinary tract, or trauma to the area. It is important that you make an appointment to have Mako seen by your veterinarian as soon as you can to help determine the cause of his behaviour and to start treatment. If you notice him straining to urinate/unable to produce urine, this is a medical emergency and he should be seen by a vet immediately. I recommend you put an e-collar (cone) on him to help prevent him from biting/licking at the area as this may help reduce the risk of infection

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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Puppy's penis red/swollen after accident. Vet or home remedy?

Yes, I would recommend having him examine by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. It is hard to say for sure from the blurry photo but it appears as though the tip of the penis is stuck out of the prepuce. It looks as though Oliver has paraphimosis (inability to completely retract the penis into the prepuce) and this can be caused by a number of things. It would be best to have the veterinarian take a look at this for the most appropriate treatment recommendations. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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My unneutered dog's penis is bleeding and has discharge. What to do?

Hello, sorry to hear about Oscar. He could have an infection of his prepuce or penis. Additionally, he could have a UTI or urinary stones. Ideally, he should be examined by his veterinarian so that they can evaluate his penis, prepuce and look for evidence of stones or a UTI. Look for straining to urinate, persistent blood in urine, and leaking urine. If you note any of these, then have Oscar evaluated sooner. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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