Golden Retriever with dry patches on his elbows.?

Question

We have a 3 year old Golden Retriever with dry patches on his front elbows. He's been licking them a lot over the past couple of days so I have put some anti-itch ointment on them. Can anyone recommend a treatment to diminish/cure these dry patches so that he's not so uncomfortable? Any help would be greatly appreciated. He seems so miserable with this heat so I don't know if that's making it worse. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Answer 1

Most large dogs get these elbow callouses from lying on hard surfaces.They can sometimes get infected and there will be an abscess beneath the surface of the callous that can make the dog very sick and needs treated with both topical and oral antibiotics.I would make an appointment with the vet if I were you.In the meantime,put Neosporin on the elbows a few times a day,and try to get your dog to lay on a softer surface.Good luck.

Answer 2

This could be a result of allergies, but most the time it has to do with the dog laying on a hard surface and causing pressure sores. Make sure he has a padded surface to lay on try something like Cornhuskers lotion (available at most drugstores). If it does not start to clear up after you do this, you should take him to the vet. The main problem with skin allergies and other skin ailments is the risk of a secondary infection due to the damaged and broken skin.

Answer 3

Actually the dry patches are calluses. Many big dogs get them and it is nothing to worry about. You can try putting either bag balm (you can get it at the drug store) or some other callas ointment on it to help soften it. You can also try Petsmart or Petco and see what they have available

Answer 4

What about some Bag Balm to soothe the itch? I put it on my GSD when she got them and it worked for her, so I would give it a shot.