Phimosis and Paraphimosis

Phimosis and paraphimosis are conditions affecting the penis in male dogs, involving the prepuce—the fold of skin that normally covers and protects the penis when it is not erect. Phimosis describes a situation where the opening of the prepuce is too narrow for the penis to emerge normally, while paraphimosis refers to the penis being unable to retract back inside the prepuce after it has extended. Owners most commonly notice paraphimosis after mating, an erection, or excessive licking, when the penis remains exposed and the prepuce forms a constricting band behind the bulbus glandis. The exposed tissue may appear dry, swollen, or discoloured. Phimosis tends to be recognised more gradually, often when a young dog matures or if difficulty with urination or discharge is observed. This page explores the signals that may be present with each condition, the anatomical and physiological factors that contribute to them, how they are investigated in practice, and the range of approaches—from conservative management to surgical intervention—that may be considered depending on severity and underlying cause.