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My dog has a round, scabbed, crusty spot on his elbow. What is it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 8 months and 10 days old | 30 lbs

I noticed my dog has a scabbed-over marking on his left elbow on his front leg. I can’t identify what it is. Is round and has some white crust with red mixed in. It does not look like a bite and he hasn’t had any exposure to a dog that would bite him. I need to know what this is!

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on November 25th, 2018

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!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on May 27th, 2018
From the pictures, it looks as though the lesions on Bruce’s elbow could be a callus (particularly if he likes to lay on hard surfaces) or an elbow hygroma. He should have these lesions checked by a vet, but if they aren’t changing, it isn’t a rush to have the lesions evaluated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sarah Box, BVSc
Veterinarian
Published on June 21st, 2017
Poor Spots! I love his name and coloring! From the picture it looks like he may be dealing with some elbow calluses. It is not uncommon for these to become abraded and infected. Without laying my hands on Spots I cannot be certain of this though, so I recommend he be seen by your regular veterinarian to have the areas thoroughly evaluated. He may indeed have a mass that has become irritated, or perhaps has been bitten by an insect. Once your vet has determined a likely cause they will advise you on a treatment plan and dispense any necessary medications.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on April 11th, 2019
It looks like an elbow callous that is a bit irritated. If Kenai isn't bothered by it, you can choose to monitor him at home. Watch for lameness, swelling, bleeding or excessive licking. Provide a well padded bed for him to lay down.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has a hairless scab on his elbow. Is it a normal callus?

This is a callus. No need to worry. Usually happens when they lay on hard surfaces. Completely normal. If they become red or irritated then I recommend a veterinarian. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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My dog has a white scab on her elbow. What is it and how to treat?

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.

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

Hello. Based on your pictures, it does look like Boo has developed an elbow callus. These happen when there is too much pressure when lying on a hard surface. Try to encourage Boo to rest on more padded surfaces, but generally require little more to treat. But I do recommend letting your veterinarian take a look at Boo's elbow at your earliest convenience just in case something else is amiss that would only become apparent after a hands on examination. Hopefully, all will be well with her & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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My dog has dark spots on her legs. Are they calluses? Should I worry?

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!

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My dog has sudden dry, thick skin on his elbows. What could it be?

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