Chancey's Swollen Elbows:
The Simple Amazon Find That Helped Protect Them
If you've ever had a large dog, you know they seem completely unaware of how hard they flop down on the floor. We have concrete flooring in our house, which is great for cleanup and looks pretty cool but not so great for lying around. Even though we have 3 cushy and orthopedic dog beds for Chauncey but most of the time he just prefers to plop down on the hard floor or the living room rug.
That's Chancey.
Over the last few months, we noticed that both of his elbows were becoming swollen. At first, I wasn't sure if it was something serious or just part of getting older, so I scheduled a visit with our veterinarian.
Thankfully, it wasn't anything that required surgery or medication. The swelling was caused by pressure from repeatedly lying on hard surfaces. Large dogs—especially seniors and breeds with less padding over their joints—can develop what are called elbow hygromas. They're essentially fluid-filled sacs that form to protect the joint after repeated impact. I was a bit shocked since he just celebrated his first birthday but grateful that it was not serious and we caught it early.
Our vet recommended giving his elbows a little extra protection whenever possible. I started researching and came across these padded elbow protection shirts on Amazon. They're designed to cushion the elbows while still being comfortable enough for dogs to wear around the house.
What I liked most was that they:
* Add padding right where it's needed.
* Stay in place better than wraps or bandages.
* Help protect the elbows while they're healing.
* Are soft enough for everyday wear.
* Easy to wash (even though we now have several)
* Stylish and with a very light elastic on the tummy, it doesn't prevent him from bathroom breaks :)
Since Chancey spends a good part of his day napping (living his best life!), having that extra layer of protection has given me a little more peace of mind.
If your dog has swollen elbows or has been diagnosed with elbow hygromas, these shirts are definitely worth looking into.
Chauncey weighs around 60lbs and I found that the XXL fit better and gave more room than the L.
👉 **You can see the padded elbow protector shirts I found on Amazon here:**
A Few Other Things That Help
Along with the padded shirt, we've also been trying to make Chancey's favorite resting spots a little softer by adding extra orthopedic beds and blankets where he likes to nap. Every little bit helps reduce pressure on those elbows.
Of course, if you notice swelling on your dog's elbows, it's always best to have your veterinarian examine them first. There are several causes of elbow swelling, and getting the correct diagnosis is important before trying any treatment at home.
Hopefully, Chancey's experience helps another dog owner who's wondering what those swollen elbows might be. Sometimes the simplest solutions can make a big difference in keeping our best friends comfortable.
*This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I use or would use for my own pets.*
Good news!! We've just noticed that the swelling in his left elbow has gone down!!
