What Are Concrete Burns on a Dog?

The patches referred to as "concrete burns" on a dog's elbows and other pressure points of the body are usually calluses, and are mostly caused by lying on a hard, rough surface such as concrete or pavement. The idea that they are actual burns is inaccurate, and this misconception is often the reason for using the wrong treatment on the patches. The calluses are bald, round or oval patches with rough, thickened skin and may be filled with fluid.

  1. Real Concrete Burns

    • To sustain a real burn from concrete, your dog would have to walk on it when it is hot. Concrete surfaces heat up under the sun, almost as much as pavement, and this can hurt the dog's paws if it walks on it for a long period without protective foot coverings. Newly thrown concrete gives off a certain amount of heat while it is curing, but this is seldom enough to cause a burn. Cement powder or wet cement contains chemicals that can burn or irritate skin, but none of these result in the rough patches commonly called concrete burns on dogs.

    Cause of Calluses

    • Calluses are caused by repeated pressure or rubbing against a hard, rough surface. Large, heavy dogs get them more frequently than small dogs, partly because their weight against the surface is greater and partly because they spend more time lying down. The calluses develop over the elbows, hocks and other bony areas, and occasionally on other spots that come into regular contact with the ground.

    Treatment of Calluses

    • Calluses can be treated by massaging them with cream to moisturize and soften the skin. Use a water-based cream, vitamin E oil or petroleum jelly that is not toxic to dogs, in case the dog licks it off and ingests it.

      Calluses occasionally become infected or filled with liquid. Infection is usually the result of the skin cracking and bacteria getting into the wound. A spongy look indicates a fluid-filled hygroma, which may need to be drained and can also become infected. If this happens, clean the area and apply an antiseptic ointment such as Betadine. If necessary, fit the dog with an Elizabethan collar, which is a broad circle of stiff cardboard or plastic around the dog's neck that prevents it from licking areas of its body. If the infection does not heal rapidly, take the dog to your veterinarian because it may need antibiotics. Add a few extra blankets to the dog's bed until the area heals.

    Prevention of Calluses

    • Calluses and hygromas can be avoided by ensuring that the dog has soft bedding to lie on. Orthopedic foam rubber, a cushion or a folded blanket that is at least 3 inches thick will help to prevent them from developing. For dogs that prefer sleeping on a cooler surface, grass or sand are softer than a hard floor. Treat any early calluses with softening cream or lotion as soon as they appear, but keep in mind that the soft skin will then be even more vulnerable to hard, rough surfaces.