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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Male | unneutered | 11 months and 22 days old | 40 lbs

My dog has a irritated penis and it’s red at the opening he’s liking and biting it

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 25th, 2019

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

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 30th, 2017
Neo may be licking excessively or mounting an object in the house excessively causing the raw area. Place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent licking and have him examined by your veterinarian to diagnose and treat local infection. Since he is an intact male, monitor him for mounting behavior. This can be on a toy at against his bed. Stop and distract him immediately if yo9u see true behavior. Praise and reward him each time he complies. Consider having him neutered if he is not a show or stud dog. This will decrease hormone levels which may be driving the behavior.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 27th, 2017
It looks like he might have a skin infection. You could bathe him with a medicated dog shampoo and see if that helps. Otherwise, he should be examined by a vet for treatment. He may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and a corticosteroid to help. You could also put an E-collar on him to prevent licking.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog keeps licking his private parts & has red marks. What's wrong?

Chestnut could have inflammation or some kind of irritant in his prepuce (the skin that covers the penis) that is causing discomfort. He could also have a urinary issue or allergies. I'd recommend preventing him from licking as much as possible if the skin appears red - you may need to purchase an e-collar for him to wear when he's unsupervised. Your vet can examine the area and might recommend checking a urine sample.

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Why does my dog keep licking his swollen penis after grooming?

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

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

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Why is my dog licking and pulling his penis until it's exposed?

Sometimes pets will do this behavior if there is an irritant around the penile sheath or if the pet has a urinary tract infection that is causing irritation. If he is also urinating and drinking more than normal then you should get Tommy's urine sample check by your vet for a possible UTI. However, if there is no increased urination or drinking and the penis is relatively normal in appearance, iIt is often helpful to soak the pet in a warm Epsom Salt bath to cleanse the area, or you can use a turkey baster to cleanse the penis and sheath thoroughly to help remove any irritants that may be stuck there. If there is no improvement with Tommy within 24-48 hrs or if this is progressively getting worse, then I highly recommend having a vet take a look at this area to ensure no other treatments are needed.

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Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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