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My dog's penis is sticking out, red, and he won't stop licking it. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cockapoo | Male | neutered | 10 years and 5 months old | 15 lbs

My dogs penis is sticking out slightly most of the time and he is licking it constantly. This is a new issue. It looks kind of red also, its usually lite pink in color. Its usually sticking out more than the photo shows. About 1/2 to 1 inch.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 30th, 2019

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. 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 Lukas into your vet. Best of luck.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 21st, 2020

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would recommend having him looked at by a veterinarian and check his urine to make sure he does not have a urinary tract infection to start. The veterinarian can then make the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations based off of the examination. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 7th, 2023

    Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. Sorry Duke it having this issue. Typically a dog will constantly start licking a specific area if it is causing pain or discomfort. Remember, they cannot verbally tell us something is wrong so, often times, you have to go by their behaviors to tell you something is amiss. There may be something inside the prepuce (sheath) that is irritating, he could have a urinary tract issue/infection that is causing the licking, etc. The vet will need to check him penis, a urine sample and explore the prepuce. I do think you need to take him to your vet for an exam, however, I do not think it is an emergency. In the meantime though, you should put a cone collar on him to prevent the licking. Vaseline will not deter licking. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/contech-procone-soft-recovery-collar-1558315 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 27th, 2017

    There is definitely something there that is bothering him, most likely an infection, i would recommend taking him to the vet indeed, if you can collect a fresh urine sample and put it in a clean container then bring it to the vet with you in order to have a urine analysis done.

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