Grooming and coat
Why does my dog have bald spots on its elbows?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Elbow bald spots, sometimes called elbow calluses, are frequently caused by repeated pressure from lying on hard floors, and are more of a skin thickening issue than true hair loss in many cases. Ongoing bald patches without an obvious pressure cause, or ones that look inflamed, are worth a vet check.
Pressure related calluses are common
Large and giant breed dogs especially, which spend a lot of time lying on hard flooring, often develop thickened, sometimes hairless patches on the elbows from repeated pressure over months. This is a mechanical response of the skin rather than a sign of illness, similar to a callus forming on a person's hands or knees.
Softer bedding as prevention
Providing a thick, supportive bed, especially in a dog's favorite resting spots on hard floors, reduces the repeated pressure that leads to these calluses forming in the first place, and can help an existing mild callus look and feel better over a period of weeks to months.
When it is not just a callus
A bald patch on the elbow that looks red, swollen, cracked, or has an unusual odor, rather than simply thickened and hairless, may have become infected or irritated and needs a vet's assessment rather than just a softer bed.
Key takeaways
- Elbow bald spots are frequently pressure related calluses from lying on hard floors, especially in larger breeds.
- Providing thicker, more supportive bedding can prevent and sometimes improve mild elbow calluses.
- Redness, swelling, cracking, or odor at the site suggests irritation or infection needing a vet's attention.