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My dog has elbow calluses. How can I prevent or treat them at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 11 months old

I recent notice this on his front right leg side of it is it calluses or what and if it is calluses then how to cure this? Please help as i dont want to have this on any of his legs

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on October 28th, 2017

This is a developing elbow callus. Large dogs often develop these because they flop down on hard surfaces and the irritation causes a callus to develop. To prevent this from getting bigger I recommend having many soft beds available where Bruno likes to lay so he doesn’t keep irritating the area. In very large breed dogs elbow calluses can be a normal development from the amount of weight put on the elbow when they lay down. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care Bruno.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on December 27th, 2019
You can try a product such as Bag Balm or Elbow Butter for the elbow calluses. Make sure he doesn't lick the lotion off though. Padded bedding or soft areas to lay will also slow or prevent the formation of calluses. You can try Mushers Secret ( https://www.petco.com/category/dog/dog-apparel/dog-accessories/dog-paw-protection ) to protect his paws.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 6th, 2018
You can look for an over the counter dog wound wash or ointment (there are some available at PetCo and other pet stores) that contains an antiseptic such as chlorhexadine, and use that 1-2 times a day. I would not recommend bandaging it, as that may trap moisture and actually make the irritation worse. Based on how it looks right now I think its reasonable to try to treat it at home for a week or 2, but if it is not improving or if it is getting worse, please see your vet.
I would also recommend ensuring he lays on soft bedding or rugs; do not have him on hard floors or outside on dirt or concrete. A raised outdoor bed would be fine.
Lastly, get an E-collar (cone of shame) on him. This will prevent him from licking at it, which will only make it worse.
Best of luck with him! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 13th, 2020
This is a common area for callus formation and acne to form as well. I have had great success using a product on my patients called Biobalm by Dermoscent. You can purchase this online quite easily. Use this for the next few months and hopefully it will help! Sometimes a steroid cream is needed as well to relieve any inflammation. A steroid spray such as Well & Good Hydrocortisone spray, which can be found at your local Petco, may help as well. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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How to treat my dog's dry, bald elbow bumps and prevent calluses?

It is not uncommon for larger breeds to develop elbow callouses. Monitor for any licking or chewing of the spots. An e-collar (cone) can be used if necessary to stop licking. Provide a padded bed or beds for him to lay down. Consider adding an essential fatty acid supplement, such as DermCaps or EicosaCaps, to his diet. These may promote healthy skin and coat.

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Why does my dog have a rough, painful patch on her elbow?

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