Calluses on Dogs Calluses on Dogs A callus is an area of thickened skin that generally develops where there is little or no muscle or fat to separate the skin from the bone. Calluses on dogs appear as gray, hairless areas usually on places like the elbow.
Calluses are the body's natural reaction to prolonged pressure on the skin.
If your dog lies on a hard surface for long periods of time, he can develop calluses. They are most often found in large, heavy dogs and are generally just an aesthetic problem. Some dogs simply like hard, cool surfaces like wood, tile or even concrete. A thick-coated northern breed like a Husky may find a hard, cool surface preferable to a soft, warm one especially in summer. Most dogs welcome a well-cushioned bed to sleep on.