If you are reading this right now, take a short break and walk up to your dog. Look carefully. Pay special attention to the area around the elbow. If at this stage you see chafed and hardened skin, unfortunately, it is a callus. What are calluses in a dog? How to cure them? Are calluses dangerous? We answer these questions in the article.

What are calluses?

Calluses in dogs are harmless skin lesions that can appear around the elbow joints and much less commonly around the knee joints. At the site of the lesion, the skin hardens, loses hair, flakes and changes color. Sometimes we observe purulent exudate. Although calluses do not pose a direct threat to our friend’s health, it is worth taking advantage of prevention to avoid them. However, when they do appear, they need to be treated, because advanced changes can contribute to bacterial infections that require antibiotic therapy.

Dog Breed Addiction – Calluses in Labrador Retrievers

Most often, calluses affect adult representatives of large breeds, for example, Labradors, in whom an unbridled appetite causes changes, but we will talk about this later. Calluses on the elbows of small dogs are much less common. Interestingly, this ailment usually does not appear in medium-sized dogs.

Causes of the appearance of calluses in a dog

Calluses in dogs are caused by abrasions and pressure in the elbow area. Mechanical damage occurs when the dog sleeps on a hard surface (tiles, concrete floor). Every time the dog gets up, lies down, or changes position, it rubs and presses on the swelling of the elbow, which is covered with a small amount of tissue. Body weight is also transferred to the elbows during sleep. Therefore, preventive measures to prevent the appearance of calluses include, among other things, providing the dog with soft bedding.
In addition, in prevention, it is important to monitor the correct weight of the dog. , after all, extra pounds is another reason for the formation of corns. The greater the weight of the dog, the greater the ground pressure on the elbow, which leads to mechanical damage.
Movement and play are important for getting back to normal weight. Gradually increase the physical activity of the dog, lengthen the walks. When you go out together, bring some baby toys with you. You don’t have to do difficult mountain hikes for your friend to lose weight.

How to treat calluses in a dog?

If you are the proud owner of a large dog, such as a chocolate labrador, take advantage of the preventive measures we wrote about above. These are simple patents that have power. Check your dog’s elbow area periodically for changes. Make sure your friend is lying on a soft den, rug, or couch, and not on tiles. If he takes a nap on solid ground, gently ask him to leave this place.

Ointment for calluses in a dog

However, when you notice the first changes (before the corn takes the shape and shape of a cured cow cake – sorry, but we want to be straight – in the place of mechanical damage, you will see thinning hair and slightly thickened skin) Take a moisturizing ointment. A suitable veterinarian will be selected after a visual examination. An effective dog callus ointment will reduce dry skin, lubricate the epidermis and soothe the lesion. The callus ointment will also create a protective layer and accelerate skin regeneration. But what to do when such methods for calluses in a dog no longer work?

Purulent calluses in a dog

You need to know that neglected calluses often aggravate their character. Cracks, pus and even blood appear. Purulent calluses in a dog require additional therapeutic measures. In addition to the ointment, you should also use a disinfectant.
It is very easy to get a bacterial wound infection at this stage, and this requires antibiotic therapy.
In extreme cases, when calluses interfere with the daily functioning of the pet, often recur and contribute to the development of infections, the doctor may recommend surgical removal of the lesions. If, despite treatment, the problem persists, additional diagnostics should be carried out.

Corns in a dog – the result

Your dog’s calluses, also known as calluses, are not harmful to your friend. However, any skin change requires your attention and intervention. Provide your dog with a comfortable bed and ask him to swap positions as he lies down on the hard tiles.
Don’t let your pet gain too much weight. If you do, stop feeding him between meals. As soon as the first changes appear, turn to gentle care products. If you find purulent exudate or inflammatory changes, be sure to consult a doctor.