Why does my neutered male dog still, for lack of a better word, felate himself?

Question

We got him 2 years ago, at the age of 3. He was neutered prior us getting him. Why would his penis even still work, if supposedly there is no testosterone in him to get him "excited" Its becoming an awful habit, and is especially annoying when his plumbing shouldn't even work anymore!

Added info....its not just licking his penis, but his penis extends out (the red part inside). I really really don't think that's just grooming...

Answer 1

Short answer....like the joke says....because he CAN. lol

Castration usually puts a stop to that, but I have seen a couple of neutered dogs who were able to do that to the point of ejaculation. It's NOT common, however. But if you think that's what he's doing....he probably is. It looks very different than the normal preputial licking/grooming that all male dogs do.

Are you POSITIVE he was neutered? By that, I mean....do you have any way to actually check his medical records? Lack of testicles does not always mean a male has been properly castrated. Believe it or not, there are still some farmers out there who will neuter their own dogs (since they do their own calves and piglets, etc.) They do it without anesthesia. *shudder* But if he had an undescended testicle, a lay person wouldn't have been able to remove it if it were still up inside his abdomen.

Here's an actual case example: I once saw a Basset Hound who was presumed to be neutered when he was adopted from a rescue group 3 years prior, since he had no testicles that were visible externally. His age was estimated to be 7-8 years. Physical exam revealed a huge abdominal mass...about the size of a large cantaloupe...which upon exploratory surgery was found to be a retained testicle that had become cancerous. His other testicle (which appeared normal) was still in there, too. He was what we call a bilateral cryptorchid....neither one of his testicles ever descended into his scrotum like they were supposed to. (That physical exam saved his life, btw....he was showing NO physical symptoms whatsoever, and the owners first asked for vaccines only. Fortunately, a sharp receptionist convinced them of the value of a yearly doctor's exam....something for which they'll never hesitate again!!!)

The only way you could know if he has any testicular tissue present (short of an exploratory surgery) is to ask for a blood testosterone level to be run. Additionally, a urinalysis might be helpful. He might have a urinary tract infection that is causing a burning sensation, which makes him lick, which feels good, which....well, you know. ;-) And if sperm happens to be found in his urine sediment....then you'll know he has a testicle up in there somewhere. (Retained testes often don't produce sperm...but they can.)

***Edit to add: Charlotte M, I just LOVE the name of your retirement ranch!!!....especially the 'antique' part. :-)
Good post, too.

Answer 2

He is NOT grooming. He's doing exactly what you say he's doing. At our shelter, we have a male dog who, having discovered his ability to stimulate himself a few years ago, is almost uncontrollable. We have learned to look the other way and let him "do his thing." Why punish a dog for doing what his human counterparts would do if they were physically able?

Oddly enough, this is the old only dog we've ever had here that does this.

Scientifical mechanicals aside, he can't reproduce, and that's what neutering is all about anyway, as far as we're concerned
:-) Bear in mind this is A Dog. You can't untrain him or control behavior 24/7, especially regarding this particular hobby. Spanking, yelling, muzzling, sprays---forget it. You have already lost this battle.

Granted, it's embarrassing in front of company, but he is A Dog. He's not doing it to annoy you. You aren't anywhere in his radar when this is going on.

This is something you either have to live with, or if you really can't say "Pardon me!" and look the other way when he indulges himself, then give him to an animal shelter. He is NOT going to stop, trust me.

Good luck in your decision.

Answer 3

I particularly have considered no longer something to alter my ideas relating to the classic 6 months. Nor has the AVMA been inspired by using the study suggesting later. Your male dogs could or won't finally end up a a million/2 taller by using neutering by using 6 months? keeping off it is nicely worth each and every of the hassles of waiting?

Answer 4

There is a fantastic book called 'How to be Your Dogs Best Friend', according to these guys dogs that chew things and lick themselves are generally bored. Maybe he is not getting enough exercise or needs some sort of entertainment - a chew bone, playmate.
Read the book. It has more suggestions that I can't remember at the moment. It has nothing to do with sexual arousal anyway. Dogs are not like men and don't get the enjoyment out of it, mating between dogs is purely instinctual... or so they say.

Answer 5

He isn't felating himself. he's grooming. Dogs are very clean animals (regardless of the fact that they eat their own feces sometimes) and spend a large amount of time grooming themselves and their pack. That being said, if you really want to stop him from licking his penis, then you should consider buying grannicks apple bitters and spraying it on his area. It's a taste deterrent that is completely safe. Do it for a few days, or for as long as necessary, and eventually he will do it less frequently.

Answer 6

Chit P is correct. Your dog is only cleaning himself. He's not human, so it's actually appropriate behavior for him. If you can't find the apple stuff, there is something called "bitter orange" you can purchase at a veterinary's office. Put a tiny, tiny bit on his plumbing (truly, it doesn't take much at all), and he won't want to lick there for at least a few days.

Answer 7

let me put it this way, his tool still works but the well doesn't work anymore... same concept as a human being...