Calluses in Dogs

Calluses are a problem seen in dogs, just as they are in humans. However, calluses in dogs are slightly different in structure from those in humans. Calluses in dogs are especially seen in the elbow area. Besides the elbow, calluses can also form in the area of ​​the hip joints, the rib cage, and the ankle joints of the hind legs.

Calluses may be a cosmetic problem for dog owners, but the problems they cause in the dog are not just cosmetic. If left untreated, calluses can lead to more serious problems.

Why Do Calluses Form?

Calluses develop in dogs due to various reasons. The most common is constantly lying on hard surfaces. In a dog's lying position, the elbow area is constantly in contact with the surface. Therefore, calluses form on the elbows of dogs that lie on hard surfaces over time.

One of the risk factors for calluses is age. Calluses are more common in dogs that generally have a sedentary lifestyle. As mobility decreases with age, calluses form on the dog's wrists. In addition, aging causes the dog's skin to thin and lose its elasticity. This increases the risk of calluses forming on the joints. Arthritis, the healing process of some diseases, and certain illnesses that reduce a dog's mobility can indirectly cause calluses. If a dog is inactive, or worse, constantly lying down, the areas in contact with the ground harden and calluse over time. Some dog breeds are more prone to callus formation. These dogs are usually large breeds with short fur. Their high body weight means more stress on the joints, especially when lying down. Therefore, calluses are more common in dogs like Great Danes, Rottweilers, Bullmastiffs, or Labrador Retrievers. Calluse or Hygroma? Although calluses and hygromas look similar, they are actually two very different problems. Hygromas, like calluses, occur on areas of skin over joints. However, while calluses are hard and dry, hygromas are softer and filled with fluid.

Arthritis, the healing process of some diseases, and some diseases that reduce a dog's mobility indirectly cause calluses. Due to the dog's lack of movement, or worse, its constant lying down, the areas in contact with the ground harden and calluse over time.

Some dog breeds are more prone to callus formation. These dogs are usually large breeds with short fur. Their high body weight means more stress on the joints, especially when lying down. Therefore, calluses are more common in dogs like Great Danes, Rottweilers, Bullmastiffs, or Labrador Retrievers.

Callus or Hygroma?

Although calluses and hygromas look similar, they are actually two very different problems. Like calluses, hygromas occur on areas of the skin over joints. However, calluses are hard and dry, while hygromas are softer and filled with fluid.

A hygroma is a swelling that occurs on the skin. Unless it causes pain in the dog, a hygroma does not need to be treated, but there is a risk of infection. Fluid coming from the hygroma, black spots around it, or inflammation in the area where it occurs are signs that the hygroma is infected. The hygroma should not be punctured, otherwise the risk of infection increases significantly. Infected hygromas are usually removed surgically.

Although these two problems can be confused with each other, you can easily tell whether the problem is a callus or a hygroma by touching the dog's ankle.

How to Treat and Prevent Calluses?

Calluses form as a result of repetitive pressure on an area. However, this is not the only cause. Problems such as ingrown hairs can also lead to callus formation in the area. The skin in question becomes thicker and the hairs on it fall out. With the shedding of hair, the skin becomes even harder.

Calluses are harmless as long as they do not cause discomfort to the dog. You can soften the callus with various methods you can apply at home and ensure that your dog does not experience any discomfort by controlling the existing callus. However, calluses carry risks such as cracking and ulceration. If you notice such a condition in your dog, it is recommended that you take it to a veterinarian for examination.

To prevent calluses from forming on your dog, you can get it a soft bed and let it sleep on it. When you go outside, you should not allow it to sleep on hard surfaces such as pavement or asphalt. You can make a protective bandage for your dog's ankle from old socks or other clothes you have at home. A soft bandage will prevent the joint from coming into contact with the hard surface while lying down. However, it should be remembered that calluses should not be wrapped or bandaged unless recommended by a veterinarian. Keeping the area moist will soften the callus. You can apply a moisturizing cream to the area, but make sure your dog doesn't lick it off afterwards. Otherwise, your dog may experience digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. You can also increase the amount of vitamin E in your dog's diet for skin health. Vitamin E is one of the important vitamins that supports skin healing. You can review vitamins and supplements for dogs here.

Keeping the area moist helps soften calluses. You can apply moisturizing cream to the area, but make sure your dog doesn't lick it off afterwards. Otherwise, your dog may experience digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. You can also slightly increase the amount of vitamin E in your dog's diet for skin health. Vitamin E is one of the important vitamins that supports skin healing. You can review vitamins and supplements for dogs here.