Living with dogs involves accepting and overlooking some of their behavior that may seem gross. Whether it’s dogs sniffing each other’s behinds or rummaging through trash, these habits come with the territory of being a dog parent. One particularly embarrassing behavior of male dogs is the occasional appearance of their penis, often humorously referred to as a “lipstick” or “red rocket” in polite company.
Seeing your dog’s penis pop out unexpectedly can be quite awkward, especially in front of guests. However, it’s a common occurrence among many dogs, like my German Shepherd Dog Forest, who is somewhat infamous for this behavior.
So, why does a male dog exhibit such behavior with their private parts? Why does it seem to happen at the most inappropriate times? And what’s the deal with their fascination with other dogs’ nether regions? Let’s delve into some common questions about the dog penis.
Warning — Some images ahead may be graphic!
Understanding Dog Penis Terminology
Given our discomfort with using the word “penis” in reference to dogs, terms like “dog lipstick” or “red rocket” are often preferred to describe this anatomy. These terms refer to a dog’s actual penis, which typically remains inside the prepuce, the furry area that may have been mistaken for the penis in less informed times.
The terms “red rocket” or “lipstick” are fitting descriptions as a dog’s erection usually appears pink to red in color and has a stiff, rocket or lipstick-shaped structure, hence the nicknames.
Why Does the Dog Penis Appear?
As you may already know, a dog’s penis emerges when the dog is aroused.
However, this arousal is not necessarily in a breeding context. As veterinarian Dr. Eric Barchas explains, arousal in dogs refers to any excitement, which can be triggered by various stimuli, like your male dog getting enthusiastic during a training session.
Though it can be quite uncomfortable to have your dog’s “lipstick” make an appearance in social settings, Susan Newell, a dog behavior expert, suggests that the best approach is to ignore it and carry on with your activities.
By disregarding this behavior, the dog’s penis will usually retract back into the prepuce once the excitement subsides. By not giving it attention, you avoid inadvertently rewarding or reinforcing your dog’s reaction.
Other Reasons for Dog’s Erection: Humping
Male dogs, whether neutered or intact, may get an erection when they mount or hump another dog, regardless of the gender of the other dog. This behavior is often playful in nature according to Dr. Atif Wardany, a veterinarian. It’s not driven by sexual intentions such as copulation or masturbation.
Humping behavior usually stems from excessive excitement or stress, and dogs may engage in it when they haven’t learned appropriate ways to release these emotions. While harmless in most cases, humping can be embarrassing or offensive to many people. If your dog is prone to humping, it’s advisable to train them against this behavior.
Other Reasons for Dog’s Erection: Mating
Another instance where a dog’s penis becomes visible is when a female dog in heat allows an intact male dog to mate with her. This is a unique situation where a specific physiological response occurs in the dog’s penis.
During copulation, a gland inside the male dog’s penis swells up, anchoring it inside the female. This characteristic leads to the dogs being physically connected for a brief period, commonly known as a male dog “tying” with a female.
Dealing with Abnormal Discharge from Your Dog’s Penis
Occasionally, you might notice yellowish-greenish discharge or pus coming from your dog’s prepuce. This discharge is a mix of cells and lubricant that serves to protect the dog’s penis while inside the prepuce. It’s not usual to see this discharge frequently or in substantial amounts.
If you observe a significant discharge accompanied by excessive licking of the genitals by your dog, it could indicate a serious health issue like a urinary tract infection or canine cancer. In case blood is present in the discharge, it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly.
Can Neutered Dogs Experience Erections?
Short answer – Yes. Neutered dogs may still display erections, even though they are incapable of impregnating a female dog. Dog arousal is not solely linked to sexual scenarios, so seeing a dog’s penis is a possibility regardless of neutering status.
Why Do Dogs Lick Other Dogs’ Genitals?
In addition to male dogs exposing their penis, another common behavior is when one dog licks another’s private parts. This behavior is considered normal for dogs, as they often engage in sniffing and licking each other in this area to obtain information about the other dog’s sex and receptiveness.
While it’s a standard form of canine interaction, some dogs may exhibit excessive licking, leading to discomfort for pet owners and other observers. In such cases, it’s essential to gauge the comfort levels of both dogs involved and intervene appropriately if necessary.
There you have it – a comprehensive insight into dog penis-related behaviors. You can now conveniently forget all the details you learned from this article.
Explore more informative articles on Dogster.com:
- All About Dog Genitalia and Dog Reproductive Systems
- 9 Things You Never Knew About Dogs in Heat
- Why Do Female Dogs Hump? Reasons for Female Dog Humping
