Some breeds such as the mastiff, Great Dane, Rottweiler, or Labrador retriever are prone to elbow calluses. They can also pop up more frequently for dogs with arthritis. A less common cause of an elbow callus is ingrown hair. The hair becomes trapped within the skin, and the skin may begin to grow hard and scaly over the hair. To prevent calluses, including severe varieties that might require surgical intervention, consider these tips:

Try an elevated dog bed — Elevated or raised dog beds are designed to protect your dog’s joints. They provide comfort and support, plus they’re easy to clean and hard to chew up. Elevated dog beds are also a great option for pups that love cool tile floors because they don’t trap heat beneath the dog.

Try a cooling mat in the summertime — Your dog probably seeks out cold tile floors or shaded patio and sidewalks to lie on when the temperatures are high. But the prolonged contact between their joints and hard surfaces can lead to calluses. Cooling mats are an easy-to-clean bed alternative that offers some cushion and support while also keeping your dog’s body at a comfortable temperature.

Get an elbow brace for your dog — An elbow brace can help protect elbow calluses and hygromas for dogs. The brace wraps comfortably around your dog’s body and sits snugly over the callus or hygroma Trusted Source The Merck Veterinary Manual Trusted provider of veterinary medicine. Go to source with a non-irritating fabric. With this product, your dog can still move and play freely while allowing the spot to heal.