My older GSD has very big calluses on her elbows, which sometimes become really sore. The vet said to put vaseline on them, which I have, but this seems to make the skin softer and therefore more prone to become sore. He says that this is very common in bigger dogs. Does anyone have any good advice, or used anything which has helped with this problem?
Thanks
Kat

The only thing I found that helped was to make sure the dog always lays on a soft surface a vetbed (not one washed to death) or old duvet, even outside I would put a couple down when the dog is out one in the sun and one in the shade. Most dogs will lie on them if they are there.

My vet suggested sudocrem for our elderly lad when he had a similar problem and it worked. Does make the fur a bit sticky but did the trick. My sister-in-law also had good results when she used it on her dog.

Vaseline is what I have heard recommended before, together with nice thick padded soft beds.

I have used surgical spirit before on my finger tips to harden them for playing stringed musical instruments -- but not sure if that would work the same on calluses - I think it works on foot pads - and it would also sting if they are sore. Sorry, not much help, really.

If they are sore and inflamed you could try aloe vera to soothe them. :)

years a go one of my fcr had calluses to,
the vet said go and get neat lanolin cream from the chemlist appley daily and spead it around the area and leave.
it did the job it soften the skin up and put the oil back into dry skin and the hair will start to grow

Thank you all. She does have lovely soft beds (downstairs and upstairs :)) but of course chooses to lay elsewhere too! I do use aloe vera gel to soothe them, and it does help but doesn't really get to the root of the problem. I've never heard of sudocrem, is it by vet prescription only? and I will get some neat lanolin to try - thank you all again
Kat

Sudocrem is from the chemist - non prescription. Used to use it on my babies bottoms :)

You can also get sudocrem from most supermarkets.

I use Dorwest Calendula cream for dry skin on elbows.

Sudocrem is a great little antiseptic & barrier. I've used it for years on babies bums, minor burns & rashes etc but never thought about using it on the dogs until the vet suggested it. I'm glad he did because it worked really well on the old lads elbows.

:) Babies bums. Never thought it was that! Theres me thinking it's veterinary :)

I've heard the calendula cream is good too. Think I will try the Sudocrem first.
Thanks
K :)