How To Heal Your Dog’s Tight, Uncomfortable Elbow Calluses by Justin Palmer on March 17, 2018 What Is An Elbow Callus and What Causes Them? Sometimes called pressure sores, dog elbow calluses can appear as a result of your dog’s body protecting the bone (the ulna) that protrudes from the leg. Continual trauma caused by your dog laying down on hard surfaces causes the skin to thicken in order to protect the bone. As a result of the thickening skin, the fur often falls out and the surface becomes coarse. Tile, concrete, and hard dirt surfaces are the worst offenders on a dog’s elbow. Hardwood floors and carpet are less problematic in creating these callouses as they are softer or smoother on the fur. However, over time any surface has the potential to wear down the elbow and create a callus. Large, heavy or giant-breeds are more prone to elbow calluses. Heavy coated breeds have less elbow callus issues since their thick coat softens the blow of the elbow on...