Dogs that choose to sleep on hard surfaces, such as cement floors, tiles, or on the deck, tend to form calluses on bony parts of the body, such as the elbows and hips. Most calluses are not something to be worried about, but they can become a problem when they can develop into abscess or ulcers. So make sure to check your pet’s elbows, legs, and hips regularly for any calluses. It is also a good idea to let your dog sleep in a soft bed or a lounge chair to prevent callus formation.

Bedsores

Geriatric dogs or those that are ill may be forced to lie down on one side of their bodies for considerably long periods of time. This can increase their predisposition to forming bedsores. Pressure exerted by the hard surface on the body can affect the skin’s blood circulation which can eventually cause skin cells to die. Without proper treatment, bed sores can be very painful; they can also pave the way for infections to set in. Dogs that are unable to get up and change their position should be encouraged and helped to change the position of their body every 30 minutes or so to prevent bedsores from forming.

The possibility of bedsores or calluses becoming infected should be an important reason to take your pet to your South Dade, FL vet clinic for a thorough evaluation. Read more here.