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My dog's penis is bleeding and swollen. Is it a medical emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 11 years and 4 months old

So my dogs penis is bleeding on the top and it is swollen on the tip I didn't see a cut or anything but I put ice on it and it started bleeding.

6 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 3rd, 2016

I would be concerned that the Boots is bleeding from the penis due to a urinary tract infections, urinary tract calculi (stones), neoplasia or cancerous and/or cystic developments in the urinary tract. It can also be a sign of a prostate disease, such as prostate cancer. I would recommend taking Boots into your vet as soon as possible to have this checked out. Your vet can do a rectal exam to see if his prostate is enlarge, take a urine sample to check for infection or stones, and x-rays for signs of enlarged organs.

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9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    You should take your dog to a Pet ER or veterinarian as this could be a serious infection or an ulcerated tumor. If you put ice on it , it is important to not put the ice on it directly but make sure there is cloth or a towel between the ice and the penis so you do not cause the skin to freeze. If the bleeding does not stop, please take him to a Pet ER.

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    7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    It sounds like he may have injured his penis somehow - this can sometimes happen if they get it caught on a fence, or sharp object like a branch. Another possibility is a tumor of the penis - older dogs sometimes get these, and they can bleed easily without any trauma. If the penis is swollen and stuck outside the prepuce (the sheath of skin that normally covers it), then this is an emergency that needs to be treated tonight - circulation can be cut off and the tissue can begin to die, which can sometimes require surgery to try and fix. If not, I would try to have him seen sometime tomorrow if possible since it sounds like he will need an exam to determine the problem and probably antibiotics to help the wound heal.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 17th, 2017

    The only way to stop the bleeding is to find out what causes it to bleed. This may be a prostate infection, prostate cancer, a urinary tract infection, trauma, or inflammation. You will need to take Petey to an emergency vet right away for a thorough exam and treatment depending on the diagnosis.

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 9th, 2017

    Poor Eddie. This is very concerning as this could be from a urinary tract infection, a prostate infection, a wound on the penis or prepuce itself, a tumor on the penis or prepuce, and other causes. I strongly recommend contacting your veterinarian for an exam, possible diagnostics (for example a urinalysis), and medication. Please feel free to contact us again on the forum or set up a consultation if you have additional questions or want more information. Thank you.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 2nd, 2018

    Poor guy The fact that the area is swollen and has bloody discharge means that he likely has injury to the penis caused by prolonged erection. I would highly recommend taking him to your local ER vet right away to have this corrected with medications and management. The vet will use methods to get the swelling to go down so that no permanent damage is inflicted to his genital area. If the swelling is severe it can impeded on proper blood flow and lead to dying of the tissue on his penis. We want to avoid this at all cost! I hope that your pet Bouncer is able to make a full and speedy recovery following his vet visit. Best wishes and take care.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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