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Why are my dog's elbows dry and scabbed? How can I treat them?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 9 months old | 100 lbs

My dog has extremely dry and scabbed up elbows. What can I do to help get rid of this? He has hexachor-k wipes for a different rash she gets on his stomach would this help?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 1st, 2018

Hello, and thank you for your question. Large breed dogs commonly develop calluses on their elbows as they age. It may be that you are seeing the formation of these calluses. However, if he is scratching or licking at the elbows, or if you are noticing redness or discharge in the area, then it may be an infection that warrants a vet visit and medication.

If it is only dry and flaky and Rosco is unbothered, you can try applying a barrier cream such as vaseline to protect the area from trauma, and also provide him with plenty of soft bedding to rest his elbows on when he is sleeping. This may help to prevent trauma to the elbows as they gradually form a callus.

I hope this helps, and that Rosco is well!

6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 12th, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. On the elbow, what you are seeing is a common problem in larger dogs. This area commonly becomes thickened and wrinkled from lying down on the area. As for the rash on the side of the stomach, this could be an allergy or skin infection. I would recommend using a product called BioBalm for the elbow, which can be found online quite easily. I would also recommend using a spray called Malacetic conditioning spray and apply twice daily to the stomach. If there is no improvement, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Scrappy so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 4th, 2017
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can see that the areas are losing hair and have a moderate amount of redness. It is unusual for dogs to have hot spots on their elbows, but this may be a local skin infection caused by a bacteria or fungus. It may also be a sign of food allergies, flea allergies, or allergies to something in the environment. There are also several hormonal and nutritional imbalances that can cause these symptoms. I recommend having Nala seen by a vet, you may want to bring her to a different vet this time for a second opinion. The vet can take some small samples from the skin, or biopsies, to determine what is going on and start her on the appropriate treatment. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 28th, 2017
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Elbows are a common area where we see calluses forming and excessive friction can cause them to become redeemed, thick and dry. In severe cases, dogs can develop a fluid filled swelling called a hygroma. I would recommend Biobalm and apply this to the elbows on a daily basis. You can find this product online. I hope this helps! If the elbows worsen, I would habe your vet take a look at the skin to make sure it is not a rash. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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