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Why is my neutered dog suddenly getting erections? Is it normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 15 lbs

My dog is between 1 and 2 years old and was neutered a few months ago. He had never had an erection before, but now he's suddenly had 3 in the past 24 hours. None have lasted more than 10 minutes or caused him any distress, but why now?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on August 31st, 2017

Hello! Sometimes male dogs' (even when they are neutered) penis will emerge when they are excited or frustrated. Perhaps there was something happening around the house today that he became just thrilled about! :)

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on August 18th, 2018
It can take several months for the testosterone to completely leave the body after being neutered. Unfortunately there is no way to correct the behavior other than just making sure to not encourage it. Give it a few months and see what happens!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 8th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Brady. Congratulations on adopting him! The signs you are describing typically occur in young dogs even if they have been neutered. It tends to happen with excitement and is not problematic for the dog. It does not indicate sexual arousal if the dog has been neutered. It is only problematic if the penis is unable to fully retract within the prepuce. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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

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 If you suspect that the penis cannot be withdrawn into the sheath, then I suggest you put vaseline on it to keep it from drying out and take your dog to a vet or Pet ER.

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Why does my neutered dog have a hard lump on his penis? Is it normal?

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.

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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.

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My neutered dog's penis gets hard with a knot. Is it normal?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ruger. This is common in young dogs, even in ones that have been neutered. It typically occurs with excitement in the dog. Most of time it happens less as the dog ages. It is typically not any anything to be concerned with, but you can also alert his veterinarian if you are worried. I hope this information helps!

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Why is my unneutered male dog's penis visible when excited?

Some dogs do get very excited at visitors coming over, but I do see that Tiny isn't neutered. It is most common in un-neutered dogs, and neutering him can reduce the behavior. I would recommend having him neutered :-)

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My dog had his first erection after bath. Is this normal? Neuter him?

Wrigley is such a handsome boy! Dogs can get erections even if they are fixed or not, I have a three year old fixed Basset Hound who occasionally gets them. Since you had just given him a bath, I would be more likely to attribute his behavior to his excitement from having a bath and having it be over than the erection. I'm not sure how old he is, but male dogs typically do not become fertile until they are six months of age or older. If Wrigley is at least four months old, it's fine to schedule his neutered at any time. Some people like to wait until around a year of age, which is also fine, but just be sure to keep him completely away from any intact females or there may be puppies on the way! Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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My unneutered dog's penis was out and he peed the bed. Is it normal?

Unneutered male dogs will masturbate and have discharge from the penis on occasion. This is normal as long as his penis does not stay exposed from it's sheath for longer than an hour or so. If it stays out too long it is an emergency and he needs to see a vet. If you do not like this behavior you can have him neutered which will probably help.

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