Why did my dog's penis have a temporary bulge? Should I worry?

Male dogs have a structure called the *bulbus glandis* along the shaft of the penis. The gland swells when they get excited or sometimes when they have to urinate. These glands are responsible for the "tie" that occurs during breeding. Even though your dog is neutered, he can still get erections, so likely something excited him causing the glands to swell. It is a perfectly [normal part of his anatomy](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anatomy-and-function-of-the-reproductive-system-in-dogs) and no cause for concern.

If what you're seeing looks like a symmetrical swelling near the base of his penis in front of the scrotum, what you see is likely the *bulbus glandis*. This structure is a normal part of the male dog's anatomy. The *bulbus glandis* swells during [mating](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anatomy-and-function-of-the-reproductive-system-in-dogs) which causes the dogs to tie or 'lock' together during the act. It may swell when the dog is excited, even in a neutered dog.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! At the base of the penis, in neutered and unneutered male dogs, a gland called the bulbourethral gland. This is quite common and nothing to be concerned about. Based on the picture you have provided, I would say that this is what you are seeing and is nothing to be concerned about. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

There is no picture attached to your post, so I can't say if his penis looks normal or not. There should be two bumps on the side of the shaft of the penis. They are called the bulbourethral glands, and they become enlarged when the dog is excited or aroused.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If the swelling is transient and goes away after a few moments this may be normal arousal in an unneutered male. However if it has lasted more than a few minutes I recommmend having Beethoven checked by a veterinarian. Prolonged swelling can be an emergency if it affects circulation to the penis.

First, stop touching the area since extra stimulation will keep them enlarged. As long as the penis is still within the prepuce (covered by the hair part), it is not a concern and will go down when the visual, smell, or physical stimulation is gone. If there are in-heat dogs in your house or neighborhood, it may go on longer. Having him neutered will also help.

What you may be seeing is the *bulbus glandis*. It is a normal part of the [male dog anatomy](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anatomy-and-function-of-the-reproductive-system-in-dogs). The *bulbus glandis* 'ties' a male and female dog together during mating. It doesn't mean his testicles have grown back, only that he is excited. It may also occur with an erection when a dog is overstimulated or happy. The swelling will go down as the dog calms.