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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 4 months old | 50 lbs

My dog has a white scab on her elbow. What could it be?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 27th, 2017

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.

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 24th, 2019
This appears to be an elbow callous - nothing to worry about. You can just put some Vaseline or Neosporin on it to keep it soft. if it starts to change a lot or it bothers him then you should have your vet check it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on August 3rd, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It looks as though Kaiser may have had an injury or an abrasion to the skin of the elbow. Based on your picture it looks like it is scabbed and might be healing. Just be sure he isn't licking it and keep him on soft surfaces. I don't think you have to go to the Vet unless new areas form or it isn't healed in 10-14 days.

Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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

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!

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

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!

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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's elbow calluses are cracking, bleeding, and look infected. What now?

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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's nose is scabbing and itchy. Is it allergies or fungus?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From the pictures I can see that the skin has darkened in the area around the mouth. It is common to have some hair loss at the elbow since this is a pressure point and bigger dogs lay down on this part of the leg quite a bit. Many times I will see callus formation near the elbow as well. As for the mouth and the crusted discharge you saw, it could be a bacterial skin infection or fungal as well. I typically recommend using malacetic conditioning spray and apply this 2-3 times per day until resolved. If there is no improvement then I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at this for further testing and treatment recommendations.

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My dog's inflamed elbow is getting worse. What can I do to help?

It is hard to say without seeing this in person but this does have the appearance of an elbow callus. Some dogs develop these if they spend a good deal of time laying on hard surfaces. I would consider getting a cytology done on the area to be sure it doesn't have a secondary bacteria or yeast overgrowth, and beign sure that she has thick bedding to lay on, or consider getting some elbow pads, high quality ones are available at https://www.dogleggs.com/front-leg-products/ . You can also try a skin soothing product like this one https://naturaldogcompany.com/product/skin-soother-tin/

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