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My neutered dog had an erection. Is this normal or should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 2 years and 4 months old

Why did my neutered male dog have an erection and is it bad for him?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 9th, 2016

Sex does not only happen in the gonads but also in the head. A neutered dog can have an erection and that is quite normal. It is not bad for him as long as it goes away before drying out the penis. If you suspect that the penis cannot be withdrawn into the sheath, then I suggest you put vaseline on it to keep it from drying out and take your dog to a vet or Pet ER.

53Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on November 18th, 2018
Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Jax. It could be he is suffering from paraphimosis, which is an inability to retract the penis back into the sheath. This can quickly turn into an emergency situation, as constricting of the blood flow will lead to a larger engorgement of the penis, necrosis (dead tissue), and potential damage to the urethra. Given that his penis has been out for hours, I would say that yes he needs medical attention now. Please take him into an ER vet right away. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on December 3rd, 2017
This is a normal canine erection. It can happen because he is happy and excited or aroused by an in heat female dog. Usually if he is doing it because he is happy or excited then you can just leave him alone and it will go away on its own. If this is happening a lot, then I would consider getting him neutered to help decrease this from happening. If it ever stays out for a prolonged period, I would have your vet look at him to ensure his penis doesn’t dry out and cause more complicated problems. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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