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What's causing my dog's rash above his penis and how to treat it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 8 months and 24 days old | 50 lbs

My dog has a weird rash above his penis its been there for about 1 week but seems to be getting worse

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 13th, 2018

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Rashes around a penis are typically either caused by allergies to something he is lying on (grass, bedding, etc.), bug bites on the abdomen (ants in the grass), or from a urinary issue where he would be dribbling urine, or licking at his penis making the skin around it wet, and therefore getting a secondary skin infection. I recommend having it seen by a vet if it is irritating Dice or looks infected (any yellow/green discharge, any open wounds, etc). If it is just a little bit red, then I would recommend an E-collar to prevent self-trauma and licking which is likely making it worse, and just washing the area with water and drying it very well. Getting a urine sample checked by your vet is a good idea, especially if Dice is peeing more than usually, or straining to pee, or if there is any red discolouration of the pee. Best of luck with Dice.

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