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Dog licking penis, tip is red/swollen and pale. Is it a UTI?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Male | neutered | 1 year old | 50 lbs

My dog kept licking his penis and the area around it for about 2-3 days. The tip seemed a little bit red/swollen and it seemed to bother him just a few times during the day. He would stop during walks once in awhile to lick it. The penis just came out and it is normally pink or red but today it was a pale pink/white color. He doesn't have any discharge, bleeding etc. He is energetic and acting normal.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Veterinarian

Published on April 9th, 2017

Max's penis is definitely irritated. Most importantly, make sure he is able to urinate normally. If he is straining to urinate or unable to produce urine or urinating blood , he may have a blocked bladder, and this is an emergency. Otherwise, continue to monitor him for signs of pain or discomfort. It may be a good idea to have a urine sample tested by your veterinarian to make sure he doesn't have a urinary tract infection or evidence of bladder stones.

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11Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm glad to hear that Max is acting normally! Since he is neutered, conditions like prostate infection and inflammation are much less likely. However, some male dogs lick will lick their penis excessively if they have a urinary tract infection or crystals in the urine. Early in urinary tract infections, there often isn't blood visible to the naked eye. Max should see his vet for an exam and urinalysis to check for the presence of infection and crystals.

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    7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 30th, 2017

    It looks like there may be a bit of discharge going on in addition to the irritation which could indicate an issue such as a bacterial or fungal infection, or a secondary infection due to allergies/excessive licking. It would be a good idea to have the area looked at by your vet, so that it can be cleaned and treated with antibiotics as needed. Keeping your dog from licking the area with the use of an Elizabethan (cone) collar is also a good idea to prevent further irritation.

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    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 24th, 2020

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mochi. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. Urinary tract infections are rare in male dogs, but can occur. This is more likely if he is urinating blood, straining to urinate or having accidents in the house. Bladder stones are also a possibility. Most commonly though, male dogs can develop an infection in the prepuce. This is the skin covering the penis. The veterinarian will examine and may recommend testing a urine sample. I hope this information helps!

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    33Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 10th, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Oreo! Based on your picture I can't see Oreo's penis because it is inside the prepuce. The opening of the prepuce appears a little red. Causes could be a prepuce or penile infection or a urinary tract infection. He could also just have allergies affecting the skin of the prepuce I recommend having Oreo seen by your Vet. Catch a urine sample to bring to have it checked for a UTI. The Vet will extrude his penis to evaluate it. He may need antibiotics or steroids to relieve the licking and inflammation. I hope this helps and I wish Oreo a speedy recovery!

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    4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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