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My dog has an erection that won't go down. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Male | neutered | 5 years old | 16 lbs

Hello I have a 5 year old bichon frise. He is now currently sleeping but has had an erection for hours is this normal? Do I need to get him medical attention?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 18th, 2018

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Jax. It could be he is suffering from paraphimosis, which 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. Given that his penis has been out for hours, I would say that yes he needs medical attention now. Please take him into an ER vet right away. Best of luck.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 31st, 2017

    It sounds like he is suffering from paraphimosis, which 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 Alfie into your vet.

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