My lab is 4 years old and as long as I could remember her knees have always had small bald patches.  The skin is normal and not irritated, however recently the patches started to grow.   She will rub against furniture at times but she doesn't lick or chew at the area.  She spends most of the time indoors and on softer surfaces like carpet.   Has anyone encountered this before?  She doesn't seem to be bothered by it, but I'm concerned.

Thanks.

Hi Bree, If there is no irritation or underlying cause, dont worry about it. It is very common.  My Labs, not all of them, have these bald patches on their elbows. (for some reason more noticable on the yellows)  More common in 'outside' kennel dogs as there elbows rubon harder ground.  But Carpet is also abrassive and simply sliding the legs can cause small amounts of hair to be 'tweezed' out.  So dont be concerned :)
Kay

Thanks Kay.  One other question - on the bald spots sometimes she gets pimples or whiteheads - have you seen that before?  Is that just because the skin is exposed,  or is that more of a food allergy issue?

Bree

Not seen the pimple thing, no.