The Marvels of Dog Bulbus Glandis: A Closer Look at Canine Anatomy

poddle rolling over on the floor

This article was updated on August 26th, 2023

The bulbus glandis is an intriguing part of a male dog’s anatomy. Have you ever noticed two enlarged, round swellings beneath the skin on either side of the pen*s? That’s the bulbus glandis! Composed of erectile tissue, it becomes engorged with blood when a male dog is excited, resulting in the characteristic enlargement of these structures.

Have You Seen This On Your Dog?

Bulbus Glandis is a crucial component of the male dog’s reproductive system. It is situated at the base of the pens and swells during arousal, causing the dog’s pens to enlarge and lock into the female’s vag*na during copulation.

happy dog getting a belly rub

As a responsible dog owner, you may have recently discovered your dog’s Bulbus Glandis. It could be surprising or even concerning! You might worry about your dog’s health or feel uneasy about its visual appearance. Rest assured, this is a completely natural part of your male dog’s anatomy. In this article, we will provide pictures and explain what is normal and what isn’t, ensuring you can better understand and care for your dog.

How Do You Recognize Bulbus Glandis? [With Pictures]

When the bulbus glandis becomes engorged, it exhibits the following characteristics:

  • It appears symmetrical
  • It has a round shape
  • It feels firm to the touch
  • It is located on either side of the pen*s
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The bulbus glandis is positioned more cranially (towards the head) than the testicles and can be observed in both intact and neutered male dogs. Once the excitement subsides, the bulbus glandis will completely disappear.

Pictures of Bulbus Glandis on Dogs

During mating, the engorged bulbus glandis serves to keep the male’s pen*s securely in the female’s vagina just before, during, and after ejaculation. This “tie” can last from 20 minutes up to an hour. It is entirely normal for the bulbus glandis to become engorged and be externally visible in all male dogs, even those that are neutered.

close up picture of bulbus glandis
second closeup picture of bulbus glandis in a dog
Close-up pictures of bulbus glandis in dogs

Is What I am Seeing Swollen Bulbus Glandis – or is it Something Else?

To confirm that the structure you see in your male dog’s groin is indeed the bulbus glandis, make sure it disappears from view when the dog is no longer excited.

If the bumps persist, if one side is larger than the other, if there is just one mass, or if the pen*s is stuck outside of the prepuce, it is crucial to seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible. These variations in appearance could indicate an injury or tumor.

1. Hernia

Pictures of Dog Bulbus Glandis: What it Looks Like on Dogs

2. One-sided mass

If one side appears larger than the other or if you notice a single mass, please reach out to your veterinarian.

Pictures of Dog Bulbus Glandis: What it Looks Like on Dogs

Is there anything you can do at home if you notice a swollen bulbus glandis?

If your male dog’s bulbus glandis becomes engorged, there is no need to take any action. This condition is not painful for the dog and is perfectly normal.

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When to call your veterinarian

However, if the engorgement of the bulbus glandis persists for longer than two hours or if the pen*s remains outside of the prepuce, it is recommended to seek veterinary care.

Frequently asked questions

Why do dogs have a bulbus glandis?

The bulbus glandis is a natural part of a male canine’s anatomy. It engorges with blood during mating, allowing the pen*s to remain inside the female’s vagina before, during, and after ejaculation.

Does a swollen bulbus glandis cause any pain for the dog?

No, an engorged bulbus glandis does not cause any pain for the dog.

Does neutering your dog remove the bulbus glandis?

No, neutering (castration) surgery involves the removal of the testicles. The bulbus glandis, being a normal anatomical feature, will be present in both intact and neutered dogs.

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