Why does my dog have black specks on his elbows or front legs?

Elbow calluses are quite common due to the pressure on elbows when dogs lay on hard surfaces. It is possible that Maya has developed lesions called comedones on these calluses. These lesions can indicate a bacterial infection, mites, underlying endocrine disease (such as Cushing's disease, but unlikely given Maya's young age), among others. Continue monitoring these lesions for changes, discharge, irritation, or licking. While this does not sound like an urgent condition, Maya's vet should examine these lesions within the next week or so to determine if further diagnostics or treatment is indicated.

I would take Cooper to the vet for evaluation. I am not sure what is going on from your description, and the picture is a little dark and blurry. Sometimes dogs will get calluses on their elbows and there are little raised areas. It shouldn't be painful or red.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to see well on these pictures but these look like calluses at the elbow. These are just basically the result of pressure on bony protuberances like the elbow. These are very common in large breed dogs like Labrador Retrievers. You can add more bedding for her to lay down. Otherwise, if no discharge or inflammation occur, it is ok to just monitor this. Good luck and have a good day!

Hello. These are comedones, essentially black heads, & they are commonly associated with dogs that have allergies. You can try bathing CJ in a benzoyl peroxide product ( shampoo or gel ) for its follicle flushing properties. Bathe weekly & make sure you leave the shampoo on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Jack being an English Bulldog, this is possibly due to allergies if associated with itchiness or just a normal change in skin pigmentation which may be just transient. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Hi there, Thanks for the good photo. This looks like some mild pigment change, probably due to friction of motion in the area. This may become more pronounced as she ages. This is not of any medical concern. Skin changes that you should be concerned about would include but not be limited to: redness, swelling, crusting or flaking, itchiness, increase in greasiness or discharge from the skin, or growths. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Rocco. Tough thickened skin can develop on the dog's elbow from laying on rough or abrasive surfaces. So his lesion could be the start of a callus forming. There are, of course, other skin diseases that can have similar looks. It is best for him to see his veterinarian to determine if skin tests are needed and if the lesions are anything to worry about for him. I hope this information helps!