[Looking4Rocks]

My dog (70lb shepherd mix, 18 months old) has started developing elbow calluses over the past month or two. It's summertime, and we have hardwood inside and he has access to the deck and patio, so many times he avoids his beds (too hot!) and lays on the cooler, hard spots. Typical scenario, I believe!

Anyway, in an effort to keep them from getting worse, I was digging in our first aid cabinet and found some samples I got from my doc when I had foot calluses. It's called Vanamide, 40% urea cream. It worked wonders for my calluses, but I haven't seen anywhere with an extensive online search of veterinarians using urea cream on calluses in doggies.

I'm thinking a very small amount and spending a good time rubbing it all in and then taking him immediately on a walk to let it all soak in will keep him from licking it off. But before I do, I wanted to check on here if anyone has used it before, or if there are any vets/vet techs that want to chime in as to whether it's safe or not.

I know I can go out and buy something new like bag balm, but if this works and is safe, I'd like to use what I have! :wink:

Thanks!

 

[zhaor]

Are the calluses causing an issue? Maybe it's cause I'm a guy but I don't see the point in dealing with calluses unless there's a issue. He's still young, they'll fade with time. Not a vet btw.

Chemically urea is pretty much what's in urine and turns into ammonia which is what makes urine smell. It's a mild base which is why it can dissolve organic tissue. The only adverse effect I can imagine would be to dissolve too much skin off and causing some skin irritation. I could also bleach his fur I suppose though I doubt the pH is high enough to do that.

Honestly on a pup that young, I don't see why you would need to do something like that.

 

[Amaryllis]

Dog skin is significantly thinner than human skin, so I wouldn't do that. I used pure Vitamin E on Kabota for the sores on his elbows. It worked very well and is safe for dogs. You can buy it at drug stores, usually you find it in the face cream aisle, on the first shelf above the floor. Make sure it's pure Vitamin E, though. They usually also sell safflower oil, which is high in Vitamin E, but not the same thing.