Bed Sores on an Old Dog: How to Prevent Pressure Sores, Calluses and Hygromas

Pressure sores form over elbows, hips and hocks when an old dog lies on hard surfaces or cannot turn over. How to tell calluses, hygromas and sores apart, a daily prevention checklist, and when to call the vet.

Pressure sores (bed sores) form when a bony spot such as an elbow, hip or hock presses on a hard surface for too long and the skin loses its blood supply. Old dogs who lie down most of the day, are large or underweight, are incontinent or cannot turn over alone are most at risk. Prevent them with thick padding, position changes every few hours for dogs who cannot move, and clean, dry skin; any open or smelly sore needs a vet.

Quick take: Start with deep, even cushioning such as the EHEYCIGA orthopedic bed (memory foam plus egg-crate foam) and check elbows, hips and hocks daily.

Callus, hygroma or pressure sore?

Problem	Looks like	What to do
Callus	Thick, gray, hairless skin on the elbow	Padding; soften if cracked
Hygroma	Soft, fluid-filled lump on the elbow, often in large breeds	Vet check and padding; never drain at home
Pressure sore	Red skin that can open into a wound over bone	Vet visit and pressure relief

Where sores form

Elbows, outer hips, hocks, shoulders and the sit bones near the tail, where bone sits close to the skin.

Which dogs are most at risk

• Large and giant breeds
• Dogs who have lost muscle or are underweight
• Dogs who cannot stand or turn over alone, for example with degenerative myelopathy or advanced arthritis
• Incontinent dogs, because wet skin breaks down faster
• Dogs who nap on tile, hardwood or concrete

Daily prevention checklist

• Use deep padding with a waterproof cover; if you feel the floor when you press where the hip rests, it is too thin
• Cover hard floors where your dog flops down with soft mats
• If your dog cannot turn alone, change sides every few hours (veterinary nursing guides use 1 to 5 hours)
• Part the hair over bony spots daily and look for redness or hair loss
• Change wet bedding right away and use absorbent pads for incontinence
• Add short supported standing time with a sling or harness
• Ask your vet about weight and protein; muscle loss and extra weight both add risk

Elbow calluses

Most calluses are protective and harmless. Do not pick or shave them. If one dries and cracks, a lick-safe balm can soften it, on unbroken skin only. See your vet if it splits, bleeds or oozes.

Call your vet if you see

• An open wound or scab over a bony point
• Pus, odor or discharge
• Heat, swelling or pain
• A hygroma that suddenly grows or turns red
• Fever, low energy or poor appetite with a sore

Shop the picks

• EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Dog Bed: memory and egg-crate foam with a waterproof film under the fleece top (sides are not waterproof); washable cover.
• Miller Eclipse Elbow Pads: cushioned, washable pads for large and XL dogs, not small breeds. Check daily for rubbing.
• The Blissful Dog Elbow Butter: lick-safe balm with shea butter and oils for dry, cracked calluses.

FAQ

Can bed sores on a dog heal on their own?

Early redness often fades once pressure is removed. Open sores usually need veterinary care.

What can I put on my dog's pressure sore?

Ask your vet first. Dogs lick wounds, and many human creams are not safe to swallow or can slow healing.

How often should I turn a dog who cannot move?

Every few hours, day and night, unless your vet sets a different schedule. Move from one side to the chest to the other side.

Should a hygroma be drained?

Not at home. A vet may drain a small, early one or recommend surgery for a chronic one; home draining risks infection.

Sources: VCA: Hygroma in dogs, Merck Vet Manual: Hygromas, Clinician's Brief: Pressure wounds.

Related guides: Choosing an orthopedic bed, Home setup for a paralyzed dog, Heated beds for seniors.

Educational only, not a substitute for your veterinarian. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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