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My dog has a bump near his penis. What could it be and what to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 2 years and 6 months old | 20 lbs

Earlier this afternoon my wife called me and stated she found a large bump near the base of Bear's penis. I came home two hours later and saw the bump still there. Please advise what this bump is and how we can get rid of it. It is not painful to him and it doesn't seem to bother him.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 11th, 2017

This appears to be a little abscess/boil. It looks like the center is forming a week spot that may bust sometime soon (which is a good thing). You can help it along by applying a rag soaked in warm water to the area twice a day. When it finally bursts, you will want to flush the wound twice a day with clean water. Do not use soaps or antiseptics (i.e. iodine) as they can make the wound worse. The abscess and wound should be mostly cleared within three weeks with good care. It's possible that the infection could be more involved, or this is a type of cyst that will not easily go away, so Bear may need to go to the vet to get it treated. If the area starts to swell more and turn colors, then it's best to take him to the vet for treatment, because he may need antibiotics, or other prescription medication. I hope that helps and Bear get better soon.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on

    Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign growth such as an abscess or a malignant growth such as a mast cell tumor, melanoma, among many other possibilities. I recommend you have Bear evaluated by your veterinarian for a test called fine needle aspirate which is an easy, quick and pain-free procedure which in the majority of cases will help reach a diagnosis to identify what the best course of action is based on the findings. In some cases, a biopsy is needed for a diagnosis. If it turns out to be just an abscess, then it will be drained, flushed and he would be started on antibiotics. These often resolve without complications. However, if it is malignant and it has not spread to other locations, then surgical removal is recommended. Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed that it is something benign.

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