My dog's elbow is raw and scabby from licking. What could it be?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From your picture, it appears as though this may be a a pustules or infected callus. I would recommend cleaning this with a Betadine and saline solution (light brown color) and apply a medication such as zymox topical ointment twice daily until resolved. If this worsens or does not resolve, I would recommend having this looked at by your veterinarian. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am assuming you are referring to what is called a "hot spot" but it is very difficult for me to say for sure. It would have been better if you had included a photo. The best I can tell you without seeing this lesion is that Oscar needs to see a veterinarian for an exam. If you would like to post again with a photo we may be able to help you better.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely just a callus which happens commonly at the elbow joint given it is a pressure point due to the presence of a bone in that region. I would not be too concerned about this. However, if you ever notice any discharge or open wound in this region, have him evaluated by a veterinarian as that can be an infection. Best of luck!

There is nothing you can do other than keep your dog from licking the lesion so it does not get worse. This looks like a nasty hot spot, but only a hands-on exam can determine what this is and how it is to be treated. Please schedule a recheck with your veterinarian.

Based on the picture it could either be something called acral lick granuloma it it could be some sort of tumor. Acral lick granulomas are deep infections that usually require oral antiantibiotics and sometimes steroids and you have to break the lick cycle. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian soon. Once there is a diagnosis you can make a treatment plan. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon, Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Unfortunately, without pictures, it is very hard to guess. Some possibilities include: urine scald (basically an extreme diaper rash), skin infection, allergies/hot spots, tick/flea bites, insect bite hypersensitivity, and more. If it looks serious (painful, infected, or very itchy), he should see a vet right away to get on medication to control itching or infection. If it looks only mildly uncomfortable, try an E-collar to prevent licking. Keep him from lying in his urine/feces and keep him clean and dry as much as possible. If it is a urine scald, it should improve dramatically in a few days with just this. Best wishes to you and your new buddy Jackson!