A device for protecting the skin of an animal from damage, abrasion and/or moisture is provided. A first version includes an elastic element attached to a pair of protective sheets. The elastic element in combination with the protective sheets encircles an animal limb proximate to a hock, wherein the protective sheets are positioned over the hock. One or more protective sheets may be partially curved to form a cup shape for at least partially enclosing the hock. A moisture absorbent material may be attached to and disposed between the skin of the animal limb and both the elastic sheet and the protective sheets. The absorbent material may be a wicking material, such as a moisture wicking fleece. The protective sheet may optionally be asymmetric as positioned about a sagittal plane central to the hock.