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My dog has a red, ball-like growth on his penis. Should I be worried?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 12 years and 9 months old

My dog has a skin flap on his penis- overnight it has gone from looking almost like a nipple to a small ball, very red, looking like it has burst out of its skin- it's not leaking or bleeding but looks like it should come off. I have booked vet for next week. Should I be worried/what could it be?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 14th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! That area definitely looks like it needs to be removed. It likely has a poor blood supply and healing can be difficult. I recommend having it removed and have it sent to a pathologist to determine what it is. There is no way to know just by looking at it. I would see if you can move your vet appointment up to have the mass looked at sooner. When the skin is ulcerated like that, most pets won't leave it alone and it can get worse. I'm the meantime, you can wash it with a mild soap and water. Good luck and kisses to Jacks!

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 22nd, 2017

    From the picture, it looks as if there is a small swollen sore on the prepuce. This could be a pustule or insect bite. I would keep an eye on this and monitor for any further changes. If this does not resolve after 3-5 days, I would have your vet check this out. If it changes or gets much larger before then, I would get Zeus looked at sooner. Your vet can insert a small needle into the area and get a better idea of what it might be. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions / concerns.

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 23rd, 2017

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Judging from the photo that you provided, the prepuce (sheath of the penis) looks red at the tip and appears that it may be infected. If you are seeing pus or small white heads, then I would classify this as a skin infection. I would recommend applying a spray such as malacetic conditioning spray to the affected area twice daily until this is resolved. You can purchase this spray online quite easily. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on December 17th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to know what this may be just based on these pictures as they are dark and blurry. This may be due to inflammation or irritation which may be just transient. However, if this is not transient, he should evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check on this so that therapy can be recommended accordingly. Best of luck!

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