My eight-year-old golden retriever stays outside. What I call him "elbows" on his front legs are very rough. What is it and how do I get rid of them?

My old dog had this issue. What I did was gave him a bath and after the bath id put on baby oil only on that spot, this will soften it up keep applying it to keep it smooth. You could also try udderly smooth. It comes in a container that is black an white. Found in walmart

They commonly get these rough elbows from laying on hard surfaces. You can pumice if he will allow it, but just be gentle. I have never tried the baby oil, but I can't see why it wouldn't work.

I just use Vaseline. Inexpensive and works great. They actually make stuff for the rough skin, but I find a heavy lotion works just the same. One think you should be cautious of is that the skin isn't cracking and bleeding as they can get infected. You can also put some Epsom salts in the bath water, and this will disinfect the area as well as soften the skin .

I'm not sure if a pumice is the safest thing to do. The elbows are sensitive bony areas an it can hurt them and may cause a open wound making it worse

im not sure if a pumice is the safest thing to do. the elbows are sensitive bony areas an it can hurt them and may cause a open wound making it worse

That's why I said to be gentle. I pumice, and my dogs elbows are just fine, infection free.

Baby oil is good but you do have to be mindful of the weather.
Any oils that stay on the skin and in the fur can make the dog feel hot and can cause itching.

I use baby oil on my Crested occasionally but just make sure to wash it off before it becomes an issue.

Mostly I use vaseline moisturiser on his skin to keep it soft, although I think I'll give the epsom salts a try too, thanks Bella.

Have you thought about getting him a hammock bed?
They are great for outside dogs as it raises them off the hard ground and they dry very quickly.
Here's a picture of one:

http://www.petplanet.co.uk/shop_dev/assets/new_product_images/doghammock/red_dog_hammock.jpg

Our old dog Indy (15) has this issue. I use diaper rash cream (penaten cream). I've also used vitamin E and aloe cream, it works great (so long as the skin isn't open. Otherwise it can burn).

The Penaten cream is great because it doesn't instantly soak in, it stays on the surface and protects the skin. The only bad thing is if the dog licks it off.