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What's causing my dog's red, dry, bleeding skin near his penis area?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 65 lbs

My dog has red right above his penis area and it looks try and I think it’s kinda bleeding i don’t have any clue on what it is

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on December 8th, 2017

Hi there. Thank you for posting the picture of Larry. It is actually very helpful. The area just in front of the penis as well as the inguinal area both look inflamed. I suspect the has a skin infection. This could be bacterial or fungal, or both. I would encourage you to have him evaluated by a veterinarian soon. They will likely recommend oral medications such and antibiotics and maybe antifungal medications as well as possibly a special shampoo to help clear up the infection. Sometimes these skin infections can take weeks to resolve. Often they are secondary to skin allergies. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM
Veterinarian
Hi. The skin there does look mildly redenned and thickened. It appears to be mildly infected. Alot of times, when skin looks like this it is secondary to allergies. I would call your veterinarian on monday and make an appt with your veterinarian. In the meantime, Iwould recommend putting some hydrocortisone cream on it. Good lluck
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on October 9th, 2018
Even though a picture would help to understand better the underlying cause, this presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem.
Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking.

Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Why is my dog constantly licking his red, sore penis with discharge?

Poor Larry. The color change is most likely to him licking/biting at his penis and causing a small amount of trauma. I would recommend taking larry to the vet to determine the cause of the discharge. It is possible that larry has a urinary tract infection or possible normal discharge because he is not neutered. I would try and check and make sure he does not have anything around his penis that might be causing him pain/discomfort. However, a vet visit would be best. I hope this helps! and larry feels better soon

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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My dog has red, swollen bumps on his penis. What could it be?

Hello, and thank you for your question. This looks like a bacterial infection of the skin. Around the penis is a common area to get skin infections due to the proximity to the ground. I would suggest bathing the area with a gentle aloe and oatmeal type shampoo. If Duke's skin does not improve within 1-2 days, I would bring him to the vet, as he may need something stronger such as oral antibiotics. In the meantime, you may need to put an e-collar (cone) on his head to prevent him from licking and further traumatizing the skin. I hope this helps, and that Duke feels better soon!

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My dog has red, scabby sores near his private area. What is it?

That appears to be moist dermatitis. Rukas really needs to see a vet for this condition. He also has some dermatitis in the groin area that I can see in the picture. Since the sores next to the penis are open and weeping he will likely need oral antibiotics to get that to clear up. While you are waiting to get him an appointment at your vet you can apply a thin layer of Neosporin to them 2-3 times per day but he will likely just lick it off. If he is licking it you can go to Petco and get him an E-collar (cone). https://www.petco.com/category/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-first-aid/dog-recovery-cones Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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Why does my dog have small inflamed sores around his penis area?

Hi, It looks like Romulus has some inflammation around that area, possibly from licking or an infection. I would give him a bath with an oatmeal and aloe shampoo to soothe the region and if that doesn’t help I’d have your vet examine him because he may need antibiotics. Best wishes! Thanks for using Pet Coach!

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Why does my dog have red scabby lumps and yellowish penis discharge?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the photo you provided, I suspect that Viking may have a skin infection. I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at this so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. If you are unable to get to a veterinarian right away, I would recommend the below following products which can be found online quite easily. If there is no improvement or the condition worsens, I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at it. 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. 1. Douxo PS Chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved 2. Malacetic conditioning spray and apply to the affected area 2-3 times per day until resolved 3. Essential 6 spot on by Dermoscent 4. Welactin omega 3 fish oil capsules for dogs.

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Why does my male dog have a rash, swelling, and discharge near his penis?

This looks like a localised spot of skin infection which can be easily treated its antibiotic and antiinflammatory ointment on prescription from your veterinarian. The fact that he is licking his paw as well can be due to an allergy, which possibly can be considered in case infection is not resolved with treatment trial. I would recommend a check up at your local vet to confirm this clinical suspicion and treat appropriately. Hope this answer was helpful but please do not hesitate to contact us again in case you want to discuss this problem any further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my puppy have a skin fungus or infection near his penis?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor puppy! Can you post a picture? Causes of skin disease in a young puppy can be due to a bacterial or yeast skin infection, ringworm (fungus) or demodex (non-contagious mite). Puppy pyoderma (skin infection) is common on the belly of young puppies and they tend to out grow it. I would have your Vet examine your dog and then prescribe medications. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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