My dogs penis is swollen red and puss is coming out he is in pain and only walking on three legs what can it be. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | 1 year old | 20 lbs

Ouch. There are several possible causes of an inflamed penis and/or penile sheath, including a foreign body thats stuck in the sheath, trauma (i.e. persistent erection), or an infectious disease. You can try to see if this gets better with soaking the penis in an antiseptic solution, my first choice would be chlorhexidine solution 3% diluted with water, but you can also try warm water with Epsom salt to relieve some of the inflammation. However the underlying cause needs to be found. If you are unable to get a good visual of the entire are itself to find cause, then it is in Cody's best interest to have your vet look at the area thoroughly to find the source. Chances are also that he will need anti-inflammatory medication, that can only be found through your vet, to at least help bring down the swelling and make it more comfortable for Cody until things can be figured out.

The sheath may be red and swollen for a number of reasons. Toby could have a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or an infection in his prostate that is causing him to lick at the area and traumatize it. Or he could have an underlying skin condition such as an allergy that is causing him to lick there. I recommend that you book Toby in to see his regular vet, so that they can examine him and run tests to find the underlying cause.

Poor Chip! He could have had an erection, causing his penis to be so enlarged and red. Given that he is eating normally and behaving normally, I would monitor him for now. Should his penis come back out and stay out for a while, it could be caused by paraphimosis. This 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 Chip into your vet.

Why is my dog's penis swollen, red, painful, and discharging?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | 1 year old | 20 lbs

My dogs penis is swollen red and puss is coming out he is in pain and only walking on three legs what can it be

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4 Answers

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Answered By Emily, DVM 140

Veterinarian

Published on July 7th, 2017

Chico could have a urethral prolapse, an infection or some type of trauma to that area. He needs to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Without treatment that tissue could become dead/necrotic, he could have trouble urinating which leads to other issues like kidney failure as well as long term damage like scarring. Do not give him any human medications as it can be toxic to dogs. Keep him from licking at the area and remove and discharge with a warm, moist, clean cloth.

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Why is my dog's penis swollen, red, painful, and discharging?

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