by Anja S. on May 24, 2019

Sometimes, no matter how much you take care of your dog’s health, the things can simply go unplanned. Dogs, like every other living being, are susceptible to suffer from certain health issues, and elbow callus is one of them. Dog elbow callus is a condition that affects almost 20 % of dogs of all breeds and can occur in any period of life.﻿﻿

What is a dog elbow callus?

Dog elbow callus is a condition that affects a dog’s elbows by developing thick crusts, cracked and even bleeding skin. If it’s not treated on time, it can turn into an infection. Chewing and hurting those dry patches and crusts usually become affected by Staphylococcus bacteria that is a natural habitat of the skin. In severe cases, this type of infection is followed by pains and a dog’s discomfort in front legs.

What dog breeds are on a higher tendency to suffer from a dog elbow callus?

As we previously mentioned, almost 20 % of dogs of all breeds become affected by elbow callus through their lifetimes. However, large dog breeds with short coats such as Labrador retriever, Great Dane, Cane Corso, Rottweiler, and Mastiff breeds are on a higher risk to develop this condition.

It happens because large dog breeds experience stronger pressure on the elbows while lying. On the other hand, stray and shelter dogs are also likely to develop this condition because they usually sleep on a hard surface. That’s why they are otherwise called bed sores.

What are the main causes of a dog elbow callus issue?

One of the main causes of this painful condition presents the dog’s place of sleeping. It means that a pooch who sleeps on a solid surface often experiences pressure on joints, and elbows and may develop thick pressure sores called calluses.

Elbow sores occur as a reaction to protect a bone from hard and sharp floors, or occurred cuts and wounds. Besides on elbows, bed sores can occur on a dog’s hips, and along the sides of his hind legs.

What are the main symptoms of dog elbow callus?

One of the first symptoms a dog will show is a discolored and hairless skin. The patches are usually colored in dark grey or sort of white color and are also followed by bony tissue that covers the affected area.

“Otherwise called decubital ulcers or pressure sores, these patches can become very itchy and painful. Therefore, it’s highly important to be treated on time otherwise, a dog can scratch the injured spot and develop a bacterial infection.”

A dog that suffers from this condition will also constantly lick the injured spots to relieve the burning pain and even show blood trickling.

What is the best dog elbow callus treatment?







In mild cases of pressure sores, a dog’s affected elbows can be treated in home conditions. The best remedy is to use an elbow balm for soothing a cracked skin. Cleaning calluses with povidone-iodine and 3% Hydrogen is also advisable since in that way you'll remove all the collected dirt and prevent the wound of developing bacteria. In severe cases of calluses when patches release the pus, your vet will prescribe the antibiotic therapy (both oral and in the form of cream). It’s also important to mention that once a dog developed hairless and discolored spots, there are low chances for hair to grow again. Putting a Vaseline on cracked bed sores can also be very helpful because Vaseline absorbs the moisture. Buying an orthopedic dog bed definitely presents the best dog elbow callus treatment. Unlike pillow dog beds, orthopedic dog beds are filled with memory foam that provides support to a dog’s entire body. They are an especially good fit for older and giant dog breeds that are prone to suffer from arthritis. In case when your dog prefers resting on the floor, putting a soft blanket under his elbows can much prevent him from this condition. On the other hand, wrapping bed sores in bandages are not recommended since in that way you’ll not allow the skin to breathe. Buying dog sleeves can present a much better option. They don’t tighten the skin and protect elbows from further scraping. Other great natural remedies for dog elbow callus are marigold, chamomile and coconut oil. The magical mix of these 3 ingredients heals dog elbows and paw pads calluses, dog pressure sores, and other injuries. Check out our Flora4Pets natural healing oil If your dog is overweight, it’s highly recommended to switch into a low-calorie diet. Try to escape carbohydrate-rich food and consider a raw food diet for your pooch. Consider massaging the affected bed sores of your pooch because you’re the only person he can count on. You can do that by putting gloves on your hands and by using one of the previously mentioned home remedies. In cases when a dog developed a thick layer of callus, your vet might decide to perform a callus removing surgery.

What is the difference between Hygroma and Callus?

Unlike callus that is described as grey or white spot on a dog’s elbow, Hygroma looks like a swollen spot filled with lymph. It is surrounded by a thick capsule of fibrous tissue that usually looks like a huge fatty tissue. Small hygromas are soft and mobile on touch and when growing, they become hard and prone to transmute into an infection. Luckily, they can be removed by trepanning the affected spot in sterile conditions.

How long does pressure sores treatment last?

The treatment usually lasts 4-6 weeks depending on your dog’s case of severity. The process of sores development and healing comes in several stages. In the first stage, a dog develops red patches and shows excessive licking behavior. The second stage is followed by hair loss and developing sores that look like blisters and scrapes.

The third stage includes spreading the sores into the tissue beneath the skin. In the last stage, the sores go really deep and spread to muscles and bones. In case you started to treat this type of condition from the first stage, the improvement can be seen in only one week while the treatment in severe cases can last up to 2 months.