In dogs, elbow calluses may be primarily a cosmetic problem. However, sometimes they can become infected or cause other issues. To give you the scoop on elbow calluses, integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby explains why calluses form, which dogs are predisposed to them, when to seek veterinary attention, and how to manage elbow calluses.
What might the fingers of a guitar player and the elbows of a Great Dane have in common? If you said “calluses” you would be right!
Guitar players develop calluses on their fingertips from repeatedly pushing down on the strings. Similarly, a dog’s body may form a callus in areas where the skin is exposed to frequent pressure or friction.
These extra layers of tough skin in a callus are a great way to protect an area from further damage. However, human calluses and dog calluses don’t quite look the same, so dog parents can understandably be a bit concerned if they notice changes in the skin of their dog’s elbows, hocks, breastbone, or other locations.
The good news is that many times dog calluses are harmless. But it is still a good idea to have a working understanding of them so you can recognize potential problems.
Why do dogs develop calluses?
Based on knowing that calluses form in areas where there is pressure or friction, it may not surprise you to learn that they are most common on the elbows. This is because the bone in that area is close to the surface rather than being buried under muscle and fat. When the dog lies down, much of his or her body weight is resting on the poorly-padded elbows.
In a small dog, this doesn’t present much of a problem. But giant breed dogs have a lot of weight resting on their elbows. Thus, it’s no wonder elbow calluses are most common in Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Newfoundlands, and St. Bernards. Along the same lines, these giant breed dogs are also more prone to developing calluses on the side of the leg or the hocks due to pressure from lying down.
Dogs may also form calluses on their chest (i.e. over the breastbone or sternum). This may be a result of lying on rough surfaces or having a chest that is very low to the ground. Overall, large dogs with short coats and deep chests like Doberman Pinschers and Boxers and small breeds with short legs like Dachshunds are more prone to sternum calluses.
Other factors that influence callus formation
Additionally, overweight and obese dogs have a significantly increased risk of developing calluses in any of these locations due to their excessive body weight. However, dogs who are extremely underweight can also develop calluses because they might not have enough fat to act as a protective cushion for the skin.
Plus, calluses may occur more often in dogs with underlying health issues like hypothyroidism in dogs or those with orthopedic diseases that cause them to spend a great deal of their time lying down. Finally, lying on rough or hard surfaces like concrete can increase the chances a dog will develop calluses.
What do dog elbow calluses look like?
Regardless of location or breed, calluses tend to be an area of rough skin that is:
- Well defined
- Round
- Hairless
- Thickened and slightly raised
- Pink or pigmented
- Wrinkled or smooth
Healthy calluses are usually soft and do not look irritated or sore. These sorts of calluses may be a bit unsightly but don’t cause pain or problems for a dog.
Signs of an infected callus
However, sometimes calluses can become irritated or infected. The crevices in the callus can trap moisture and bacteria, which creates the right environment for bacteria to grow out of control. Plus, trauma to the skin breaks down the normal defenses and predisposes a dog to skin infections (i.e. pyoderma in dogs). Staphylococcal species of bacteria tend to be the most common cause of infection, but other bacteria are possible too.
Additionally, hair follicles may become impacted near or over a callus. Sometimes the body treats that follicle as a foreign body and creates significant inflammation around it.
If a callus is inflamed or infected, it may crack and bleed or drain liquid. You may also notice that the callus becomes red, warm, and painful, or that the dog is trying to lick it.
The callus and surrounding area may swell slightly too. However, if a soft, painless lump suddenly pops up over your dog’s elbow or hock, it could actually be an elbow hygroma, not a sign of infection. This condition is also a result of excessive pressure over the hock or elbow, but the body reacts by forming a fluid-filled cavity instead of making a callus.
In more severe cases, an infected callus may develop a large ulcer or draining tract. This predisposes a dog to deep bacterial infections. Also, elbow calluses may become pressure sores on dogs, especially if the dog is spending lots of time lying down in one position.
If you see any of these signs or have questions about your dog’s elbow callus (or other callus), please contact your veterinarian promptly.
How are elbow calluses diagnosed?
Often the vet can determine that your dog has a callus based on the exam alone. However, he or she may recommend additional testing in some cases.
For example, minor calluses often have a hairless appearance that can mimic other skin conditions. Therefore, the vet may recommend a skin scrape to rule out demodex, a type of mite that lives beneath the skin’s surface. A fungal infection known as dermatophytosis (i.e. ringworm) can also cause an area of well-defined hair loss, so fungal culture testing may be necessary as well. Finally, occasionally a callus can look a bit like a mast cell tumor in dogs, so the vet may recommend an aspirate or biopsy of the area.
If the vet suspects the elbow callus is infected, he or she may also want to do a skin cytology or skin culture. The cytology allows the vet to confirm that bacteria or yeast are present. And the culture will indicate the type of bacteria and best antibiotic choices.
Additionally, the vet may want to run some bloodwork and a urinalysis to look for systemic disease. Or he or she may perform an orthopedic exam to look for osteoarthritis in dogs or other orthopedic conditions.
What is the treatment for elbow calluses?
After the examination and any testing, your vet will work with you to create a treatment plan for your dog. Remedies for dog elbow calluses primarily focus on maintaining overall skin health and preventing ulcers and infection. Unfortunately, there is no definitive way to make elbow calluses go away once they have developed.
Antibiotics
Mild infections often resolve quickly with a combination of topical and systemic antibiotic therapy. However, dogs with deeper skin infections may require several weeks of treatment. In those cases, the vet will use the culture and sensitivity results to select an antibiotic that is most effective and keep your dog on antibiotics for at least a week after the symptoms have resolved.
Additional therapies
Dogs may also benefit from:
- Topical moisturizers to help with mild dryness
- Products with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to help resolve folliculitis (i.e. inflamed hair follicles)
- Omega-3 fatty acids for dogs to reduce inflammation and promote good skin health
- Epsom salt soaks to soften skin and reduce inflammation in dogs with embedded hair shafts (Please note: Do not allow your dog to drink the Epsom salt solution as it could cause toxicity if ingested in large enough quantities. Also, for added safety, rinse the affected area after the soak.)
- Daily whirlpool baths with warm water (i.e. hydrotherapy for dogs) for mild cases of callus inflammation
- Pentoxifylline, an anti-inflammatory drug that can decrease skin inflammation and increase blood flow to the callus site in more severe cases
- Topical anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation from embedded hairs
- Trying a few home remedies to protect the elbow calluses from further trauma (see the prevention section for details)
Surgery for elbow calluses
Occasionally, there are situations where all of these medical management options fail. If the infection or inflammation remain severe, the vet may attempt to surgically remove the callus. However, this is “plan Z” because calluses are typically over high-motion joints, which spells trouble for trying to get an incision to heal well.
Interestingly enough, there was a study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) that looked at using pipe insulation to protect wounds over the elbow joint. This same concept may potentially help callus removal surgery be more successful.
How can I prevent dog elbow calluses?
As you have just learned, treatment is geared toward addressing problems with the callus, not getting rid of it. Along the same lines, it may not be possible to prevent calluses from occurring altogether. However, there are various steps you can take to reduce the chances a callus would form or keep an existing callus from worsening. They include:
1. Provide soft bedding for your dog.
The most important thing to remember is that increased pressure and friction on the skin over the elbows, hocks, and sternum contribute to callus formation. Plus, continued trauma to the callus can lead to inflammation and infection. Therefore, soft bedding and cushioned surfaces are one of the best ways to prevent calluses from forming or worsening.
There are many dog beds available that promise comfort and cushioning. Some orthopedic beds have memory foam or egg crate foam. Or other beds have cooling gel layers so that your furry friend won’t get too warm while sleeping. It may take some trial and error to find the one your dog likes best.
2. Consider elbow callus protectors
Some veterinary companies create other products that can protect the pressure points on the elbows and hocks from trauma. For example, DogLeggs provides special pads and braces to help dogs with calluses and orthopedic issues. Their hock and elbow pads are comfortable for dogs and can prevent further trauma to the callus.
3. Get your dog up and moving
If your dog struggles with pain or limited mobility, work with your vet to find a solution. This may involve pain medications, joint supplements like Dr. Buzby’s Encore Mobility™ hip and joint supplement, or natural pain relief for dogs . Additionally, applying Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips can help older or arthritic dogs navigate slick surfaces with confidence. Once your dog starts spending less time lying down, this should take the pressure off the calluses.
4. Watch your dog’s weight
Overweight and obese dogs are heavier and have more trouble moving. This can put excess pressure on the skin covering their joints.
Start by finding your dog’s body condition score (BCS). Then work with your vet to help your dog lose weight. This may involve low impact exercise and a lower calorie diet for your pup. Or, for a more significant weight-loss boost, prescription weight-loss diets are also available.
5. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
Topical moisturizers are an easy home remedy to help keep calluses soft, which makes cracking and drying out less likely. There are many different moisturizer options available. Some are advertised as balms for paws and dry noses in dogs, but you can put them on calluses too. There are also products created specifically to moisturize dog elbow calluses. Additionally, some people have had luck with bag balm or creams containing moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E and coconut oil.
Elbow calluses are (often) nothing to fear
While I’ve spent a fair amount of time talking about all of the things that can go wrong with calluses, I don’t want to leave you with the wrong impression. Yes, calluses can be problematic. And yes, there are some simple things you can do to help a callus-prone dog. But many dogs have calluses for years and never have an issue with them.
As a dog parent, you should be aware of why calluses form and what you can do to minimize their impact on your dog. And it is important to know what a normal versus an infected or inflamed callus looks like so you know when to call the vet. But beyond that, please don’t let worries about calluses keep you up at night or dampen your enjoyment of your dog.
Does your dog have elbow calluses?
Please comment below
Hi don’t if you can help. we have got a Dutch German shepherd whom is 15 year’s old. she has s callous on her right top of leg .We have taken her to the vets she has had antibiotics, steroids and Clorexyderm spot gel to put on in between we have put a barrier cream on as told to do. But as soon as we take her head protection off she will not leave the Callous alone. just wondering if their anything else we can do for her. her name is Tia. Thanks you.
Hi Lana,
I am sorry your girl is having this ongoing issue with a callus on her right leg. With her continually licking this area, it makes me suspicious that there could be a source of pain that is not being treated. Has your vet tried any pain medications? It may also be a good idea to discuss the use of anti-anxiety medications. Don’t forget you can always request a consultation with a specialist if needed. Hoping you can find a way to offer Tia relief and restore her quality of life. Wishing you both the best of luck!
We have a Great Dane…she is on the older side, 7, and we have had her calluses removed twice and they come back twice as large. They are like the size of oranges. She licks them from time to time and then they bleed…sometimes it looks like a crime scene 😂😂. She has soft beds and i bath her but they just keep coming back and huge!!!
Dear Janice,
My heart goes out to you as you continue to battle this recurring issue with your senior girl. It may be time to consider alternative therapies or talk with a vet in your area that practices integrative medicine. I wonder if laser therapy would help. Have you tried any topical products? If the licking is an obsessive behavior or due to pain, there are medications that can be used for both of these situations. I am hopeful you can find a way to offer your sweet girl relief and restore her quality of life. Best wishes to you both and good luck!
Hello! Thank you for this post, i have a 4 year old golden retriever and i suspect he has callouses on his front two elbows, however the vet diagnosed him with allergies and prescribed an allergy shampoo and temporary medication, however i am simply more concerned as the skin appears as scales as opposed to just dry, do you think this could be something else or is it just the fur interrupting the skin patch and causing the scale effect, and do you have any other advice for treatments as after at least a month of allergy shampoo and moisturising spray i’m struggling to see an improvement, thank you!
Hi Alexa,
I understand your concern for your Golden with these strange skin lesions that are emerging. Unfortunately, without personally examining your pup, I can’t make specific conclusions about what these could be. Without a diagnosis, I am not sure what treatment to recommend. Please make sure your vet is aware of this new development and don’t forget you can always ask for a consultation with a veterinary dermatologist if needed. Wishing you both nothing but the best and praying for clear answers.
Hello, thank you for this helpful blog post! We have our son’s GSD for the summer in the mountains as our son lives in Phoenix and it’s HOT! Anyway, Cadmus is licking frequently on his elbow callus and it seems to be slightly split. I called our vet today and they said she wouldn’t be able to respond until tomorrow. May we use either Sulfodene or Vetericyn on it to prevent infection? Or perhaps some kind of elbow butter and one of those leg covers a person can find online? Thanks again!
Hi Julie,
I am sorry Cadmus has caused some minor damage to his elbow callus. Without examining him myself, it is hard to make specific recommendations. I would not recommend applying anything topically before talking with your vet as Cadmus will probably just lick it off and we aren’t sure if infection is an issue. If you can use an E.Collar to keep his mouth off of the wound that would be ideal. Hoping you can talk to your vet tomorrow and they can advise you how to proceed or schedule an appointment to evaluate the situation. Wishing you the best of luck and praying for a quick resolution.
Also can I know whether it is fine if we cover the injury because there are flies everyone trying to stay in it
Hi Kiko,
I know you are worried about your boy and just want to make sure you do everything possible to ensure he makes a full recovery. There is just no way to know how a dog’s body will respond to treatment. There are no guarantees with this kind of thing. Is your dog spending a lot of time outside? If this is the case, it may be best to bring him inside so you can keep the files at bay and not have to worry with bandaging. Bandages are great for certain things but can also cause more issues of their own. Try to avoid a bandage unless your vet recommends using one. If you have any concerns about how things are going, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for guidance. Best wishes and good luck!
Hello
My dog has an infected callus, He previously had a callus which was normal after time it had a huge block of red meat forming around it and then I suppose it broke out and now it has a hole sort of thing and Im really confused. We took our pet to the vet but all he did was give some gel to apply. Please advise whether we should take him somewhere else and where it could be recovered
Hi Kiko,
I am sorry your dog is dealing with this worrisome infection. Without examining him myself, it is hard to make specific recommendations. I am not sure what kind of gel your vet prescribed but depending on what medications is contains, this could be exactly what your boy needs to make a full recovery. Are you seeing any difference since you started applying the gel as recommended? It is always ok to get a second opinion, but I am not sure it is needed in this case. Ultimately you have to trust your intuition and you need to feel confident with how things are progressing. If this means taking your pup to another vet, then that’s ok! Best wishes to you and your sweet boy.
Yep we noticed a slight improvement…I just want to make sure whether he will recover quickly
Hi,
we live in western australia in a country town. we have decking and gravel driveways. Our two and a half Rottie boy Boris likes to lay on the gravel and the decking. His callouses have appeared on his elbows and back legs and although unsightly do not seem to be worrying him. He has been diagnosed with skin allergies and is on medication for this.
I think we will take him for a check up though.
kind regards
Mel and Boris
Hi Melinda,
I am glad Boris does not seem to be bothered by these new calluses that have formed. I think it is good you are planning to take him for a checkup soon. Hoping he gets a good report from the vet and wishing you all the best for many happy years ahead.
First of all… thank you so very much for your being here and for speaking thoroughly on this subject!
I will take Shelly, my English Boxer, to a veterinarian soon, but I wanted to see what we may be dealing with while I’m waiting. Fear factor thing.
She is 6 1/2 yrs old, I’ve had her for 2 1/2 yrs and suddenly this week her elbow calluses seem to be infected.
Normally they are black and smooth, not too dry…but now they are soft and gray colored and the hair around the perimeter has turned a darker brown color. She is a cinnamon color and the hair around the areas is a band of much darker cinnamon. And she hasn’t been feeling well all week prior to my noticing her elbows yesterday. She’s also had runny eyes like when she has seasonal allergies.
Thank You for helping us, so very much.
Hi Nan,
I am so glad you noticed these subtle changes in Shelly’s health and appearance. I think it is wise you are planning to have her examined by your vet. Hoping for some answers and a clear path forward. Praying for complete resolution of this issue and wishing you both many happy days ahead.
Did you figure out what was wrong with you pet?
We live on an island in the south and dogs here usually develop calluses because outside and inside surfaces are concrete/tile and the local dogs tend to be medium to large size. Our two older dogs have calluses, my tallest dog also has the shorter and thinner hair so his calluses are much more noticeable than our other two, one whom is still young and very active and the other whom has very thick longer hair. Finn’s have become inflamed and the local vet has advised topical cortisone to reduce inflammation and since there are some noticeable comedones on the exposed skin, He’s not bothered by it but I don’t want to see it get worse. Any other suggestions because the inflammation doesn’t seem to be going down much.
Hi Cynthia,
I am sorry your dog is having issues with his elbow calluses becoming inflamed. If the topical steroids are not having enough of an effect your pup may need oral steroids instead. Please make sure your vet is aware this is an ongoing issue. There are other anti-inflammatory medications that can be used in combination with the topical cortisone to achieve the desired effect. Also, if possible, I highly recommend you offer your pup a more padded place to rest and sleep. Hoping these suggestions will help a bit. Good luck!
I would say having a supportive bed is far more important than a soft one. People hear soft and they think of those fluffy, flimsy, cheap (and not so cheap) mass produced Chinese beds. There’s almost no better investment for a large or giant breed dog than an orthopedic bed. They are not cheap, but you can either spend the money all at once and have a bed that will last you several dogs, or spend it (and more) in increments when the cheap beds inevitably fail to offer any comfort or support. This may make me sound like a commercial or employee (I promise I’m neither), but I recently bought a Big Barker for my Dane and now I feel absolutely terrible for all my past pups who didn’t get the support for their old joints. In case that gets censored out because they think I’m a bot, just Google orthopedic bed for large breed dogs, made in the USA. You’ll find it. Again, not cheap, but it has a 10 year warranty and is backed by science – and they link the study. Not that I’ll need to anytime soon, but in a couple decades when I might need another it’s the only one I’ll buy.
Hi Jessicah,
You are absolutely right!!! I cannot agree with this enough. Thank you for sharing!