Is this bulbus glandis? Should I be concerned?

Something weird just happened and I’m a bit freaked out. My dog, Max, who’s a 3-year-old Labrador, has this strange swelling at the base of his penis, and I’ve never noticed it before. We were just chilling after our evening walk, and I was giving him belly rubs when I saw it. It didn’t seem to bother him at first, but now he’s licking at it more than usual. Is this normal, or should I be worried? It’s like 9 PM, so too late to call my vet. Has anyone else experienced this with their dog? I’m not sure if I’m overreacting or if it’s something serious. Thanks in advance for any help!

Answer

Thanks for reaching out! It sounds like you're observing something quite common in male dogs: the bulbus glandis. This is a normal anatomical feature that becomes more noticeable when your dog is excited or aroused. It's part of their reproductive anatomy, and it helps during mating.



Typically, the bulbus glandis swells due to increased blood flow and forms a distinctive lump just behind the tip of the penis. This swelling can look a bit startling if you're not familiar with it but is usually nothing to worry about.



At home, you can monitor to ensure your dog is comfortable and that there is no excessive licking, redness, swelling, or discharge, as these could indicate irritation or an infection. Avoid touching or attempting to reduce the swelling; it should subside on its own once your dog relaxes.



Keep an eye out for signs that might warrant further attention, such as difficulty urinating, signs of pain, or if the swelling doesn't go away after some time. These could point to an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.



If any of these concerns persist or if you're ever unsure, it's a great idea to book a video consult with a veterinarian through Dial A Vet for peace of mind!

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