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My dog has red, swollen bumps on his penis. What could it be?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | French Bulldog | Male | neutered | 3 years and 7 months old | 25 lbs

I noticed this evening my dog has 3 small bumps on his penis, one is very red and swollen, the other two don’t look as irritated. Is this something to worry about, or maybe just a bug bite or something? They all just showed up today.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 2nd, 2018

Hello, and thank you for your question. This looks like a bacterial infection of the skin. Around the penis is a common area to get skin infections due to the proximity to the ground. I would suggest bathing the area with a gentle aloe and oatmeal type shampoo. If Duke's skin does not improve within 1-2 days, I would bring him to the vet, as he may need something stronger such as oral antibiotics. In the meantime, you may need to put an e-collar (cone) on his head to prevent him from licking and further traumatizing the skin. I hope this helps, and that Duke feels better soon!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 1st, 2017

    That looks like an infection, it could very well be due to having sexual intercourse. you will probably need to take him to the vet to get it checked and he will need a course of antibiotics in order to resolve this infection quickly.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 25th, 2020

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Hammy and for providing a picture, it's very helpful. Puppies have very sensitive skin and can be prone to skin infections such as puppy pyoderma. It could be he has a skin infection causing these bumps. Please do not try to pop them, it will make things worse. Without seeing him in person, I can't say for sure what is going on, so I would have him seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing these bumps and can treat him. Best of luck.

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    5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 16th, 2017

    This redness and bumps along Wally's penis could be due to a skin infection from bacteria or fungus, or could be due to a contact allergy. As for the big lump, I'm wondering if you are seeing a large bilateral swelling along the sheath of the penis. If you are, those are Wally's bulbourethral glands, and they are a normal part of the dog's anatomy. If it's just one lump, then it could be a cyst, an abscess, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Without seeing Wally in person, I can't say what these things are caused by for certain, so I do recommend having him seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing all of his symptoms, and can treat him for them.

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