Having a large dog means bigger cuddles, bigger kisses, and unfortunately, a predisposition for elbow calluses.
While these patches of dry, rough skin are typically harmless, some dogs experience itching, cracking, bleeding, and may even develop painful ulcers and infections.
Sometimes referred to as pressure sores, elbow calluses form as a result of the dog’s body weight repeatedly pressing the limb against a hard surface like wood flooring, tile or concrete.
Despite their unsightly appearance, these calluses do serve a purpose. They mainly develop on the elbows, but can also form on the hips, hocks and sternum where dogs tend to have bony protrusions. The calluses cushion and protect the bone, taking the brunt of the pressure each time a dog flops down on a hard surface.
Since their development is dependent upon weight and pressure, larger, shorter-haired breeds tend to be predisposed to elbow calluses. Dogs with longer, thicker coats have more cushioning to protect against calluses and smaller breeds have less pressure-causing burden on their joints.
Below are some of the popular breeds known to develop elbow calluses:
-Great Danes
-Mastiffs
-Labrador Retrievers
-Basset Hounds
-Boxers
-Rottweilers
-Weimaraners
-St. Bernards
-German Shepherds
Senior dogs are also more likely to develop pressure sores. This may be because they spend more time lying down or that their joints are more prominent due to muscle wasting.
If you begin to notice elbow calluses forming, there are steps you can take to prevent them from becoming more than just a mild inconvenience.
First, be sure to provide plenty of soft, cool, comfortable places for your pooch to lie. Place beds throughout your home so your dog has a cozy spot in each of the rooms where your family congregates. You may also want to consider a weather-resistant bed for spending time outdoors.
Even pups with big, cushy beds sometimes opt to lounge on the cool surfaces of your hard flooring. Try encouraging your dog to choose soft surfaces for his naps by providing cooling pads or placing towel-wrapped ice packs in his bed during hot weather. Luring him with treats may work, too!
Next, choose a high-quality, non-toxic balm to soften and soothe your dog’s rough, crusty skin. Nature’s Butter™ Elbow Balm contains a mixture of light essential oils for fast absorption, medium weight oils for longer relief, and heavy-weight butters for ultra long-lasting support.
The all-natural ingredients are hand-mixed on a Minnesota farm to create a pet-safe product you can trust. Nature’s Butter is made by animal lovers, for animal lovers to protect your pooch from the cracking, bleeding, and dangerous ulceration and infection elbow calluses may cause.
Not only is Nature’s Butter Elbow Balm safe and effective, it also gives back to less fortunate dogs! Each tin you purchase provides five nourishing meals to shelter dogs across the country!
Click here to learn more about the product or try it out for yourself!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
