2 Dachshund Questions

Question
It would appear this isn't your specialty, but I figured I'd ask. I have two dachshunds (One is a standard neutered male about 2 years old, the other a miniature un-neutered male about 1 year old).

The standard male is a little overweight (although he and I are working on losing weight together), and seems to have developed a bulge near his penis. While it doesn't seem normal, it also doesn't seem to be hurting me. Can you give me any insight as to what may be causing this?

The miniature dachshund is un-neutered (although I have an appointment to get that done in a couple of days), and lately has been growling and snapping at the other dachshund. I'm wondering if this could be related to a nearby bitch in heat or if it's another issue I should be concerned about? This has happened within the last two weeks or so.

Answer
The bulge is most likely a fatty pad under the skin. Once he loses weight that should resolve, or it is a hernia or a fatty tumor. You will know once the weight is gone.

The growling and snapping IS because he isn't neutered and the smell of a bitch in heat will certainly cause a lot of stress and aggression.

Even once he is neutered it will take a bit of time for the mental part to subside but the hormone side will be gone in days. The sooner you neuter him the better, so good for you for getting it done.