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Why is my neutered dog's penis red, exposed, and constantly licked?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Puggle | Male | neutered | 6 years and 7 months old | 30 lbs

My Puggle has been licking and using his paw to push and rub his penis. He is neutered and has been since he was 6 months he is now 6 years old. The rubbing and the licking has become more frequent over the past year. And now some of his penis is staying out and it’s really red. What should I do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 24th, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Buster. He should be evaluated by his veterinarian for this issue. The rubbing and licking indicate that he is uncomfortable in the region. He could have foreign material stuck in his prepuce. I had a patient that continually humped his bed and had pieces of blanket in his prepuce. He could also have a mass on his penis. In the meantime, you can try to get his penis back into his prepuce. If this is not possible, then you can apply lubrication such as KY jelly to the penis. This will prevent the exteriorized portion from drying out. I hope this information helps!

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on April 11th, 2019
Even neutered male dogs masturbate. When a dog's penis becomes erect, it does look red and protrudes from the prepuce (sheath). As long as Scribbles' penis fully retracts into his prepuce, there is no need for concern. However, if his penis remains partially out of the prepuce (as shown in the pictures), I recommend taking him to the vet. If this occurs, the tissues of the penis can become dry, irritated and inflamed.
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 2nd, 2018
It's possible that the area is sore due to trauma (hit it on something or was bitten by another dog), or has a mild infection. It's good that he is not having any issues urinating, or obvious deformities. This helps to rule-out anything serious. It would also be concerning of he had obvious swelling and excessive discharge from the prepuce.

In order to tell more, I would have to examine him. Considering it seems to be a mild problem, I think it's fine to just observe for now. If he is overgrooming the area for more than two weeks, then it would be best to have a vet evaluate Buddy.

I hope that helps and all is well with Buddy.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Why does my neutered dog lick genitals excessively & show lipstick?

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Some dogs will tend to spend more time than others licking around their genitals. However, excessive licking in this area can also be a sign of urinary tract infection, prepucial infection, inflammation or allergies. Even neutered dogs can have their penis come out from time to time. If it stays out for an extended period of time or the dog cannot get it back into the prepuce this can be an emergency medical condition. If Leo continues to exhibit these behaviors it may be a good idea to have a veterinarian check him out to ensure there are no issue. I hope this is helpful! Best of luck to you and Leo!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My unneutered dog's penis swells after licking. How can I help?

Keep it moist with some lubricant so it cannot dry out. You can gently try to pull the skin back over the swelling to protect it but he may not let you. The only way to permanently fix this and help it not reoccur is to have him neutered. This will remove the hormones and make him not so excitable.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's penis is sticking out, red, and he won't stop licking it. What's wrong?

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. If his penis hasn't been out too long (less than an hour), you can try to put it back yourself. First, thoroughly clean the penis, making sure there is no foreign material (such as fur) that is wrapped around the penis. Take a bag of frozen veggies wrapped in a towel, and apply it to the penis for five minutes at a time to try to reduce the swelling. Packaged peas work very well because they are mobile around the penis. Then apply a lubricant such as KY Jelly onto the penis, and very gently try to move the penis back into the sheath. Very gently try to push the penis back into the sheath, or try to gently pull the sheath over the penis. If this does not work, or if the penis has been outside the sheath for more than 30 minutes to an hour, you will need to take Lukas into your vet. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog's penis exposed for first time, looks red. Is it serious?

Hi. Yes this is.most likley a harmless inicdent that probly wont happen again. I would recommend getting an evollar cone to have him wear for a.couple days to keep him from licking. I would also recommend placing a small amount of lube.or vaseline or ky jelly in the rip of that prepuce to lube it. If it gets worse at all get him in. Good luck

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's neuter incision is red and he's licking it. Is it infected?

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection. 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 (if any). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem if the redness does not improve in the next 4 days.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

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

Why is my neutered dog's penis protruding and not retracting?

Excitement can definitely cause that but if it does not fully retract, then there may be a medical problem causing it. It can get dry and cause problems so if it is covered by now, I would get him checked by a vet. They may suggest getting him castrated to help and apply a small suture to hold it in temporarily.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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