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My dog has a red, itchy rash on his penis. Could it be allergies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 65 lbs

My dog has this bright red rash in his penile area. He keeps itching at it. Im taking him in to pet co tomorrow for a bath so hopefully that will soothe it. Any ideas what it is?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on April 8th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Mara Howard, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 5th, 2017

    I'm sorry to hear Buddy is having skin issues. Skin lesions like you are describing can have a variety of causes, including allergies, heat rash, infection (bacterial or fungal), or skin parasites (fleas or mites). If the lesions are itchy, he's licking/chewing at them, or they start to spread, i would recommend he be evaluated by his regular veterinarian to determine the underlying cause for his skin irritation, have any necessary testing done and start on any treatment (antibiotics, anti-itch medications) that may be needed. Good luck!

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 7th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! If you are referring to the darker pink/brown skin area in the groin, I would say it looks like a skin problem. Like Bruno has been licking there excessively. It's hard to see the area clearly in your pictures. I would try an antihistamine (see links below) and bath him in a medicated shampoo, leaving the lather on that area for 10 mins. bath him twice a week. If the skin isn't improving then have your Vet examine him. I wish you the best! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27307 https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/claritin/ https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/zyrtec/

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