Q: We just got a new puppy (rott/shepard mix) and noticed last week that he had a small lump on his neck and a tiny bit of a scab over it.  The other day we noticed a scabby looking area starting right by his eye, and by the next day it was noticeably worse and it is quite raised up with the hair now missing.  We took him in to the vet and he gave us an ointment to treat ringworm (there's another patch on his underbelly that the vet found and said was more consistent looking to ringworm.)  I guess I'm just over worrying about it because of the lump.  The vet thought that was odd too and he didn't seem totally convinced it was ringworm, so my head is running on what else it might be? Today, I have noticed yet another spot starting close to his nose.  It didn't sound like it was typical for the ringworm to cause a lump like it may have, have you ever heard of that happening?  Is it typical for it to show up and keep popping up in different places as often as it is?  Is it possible that it could be something other than ringworm?  Thanks for your time and your help!

A. It may be that the lump or lumps are an allergic reaction to whatever is causing your dog to lose his hair. Your description of the problem sounds like several things: ringworm, mites, or yeast infection comes to mind. All of these problems do spread. Since your veterinarian feels it is ringworm, you should continue the treatment, but don't hesitate to go back if you feel there is no improvement. Your veterinarian may want to do scrape the skin and examine it under a microscope to try to find out what is causing the hair loss.

Q: My dog sometimes get very gassy.  Is this normal and what could be causing it?  She just turned one year old.

A:  I have the same problem with my lab mix. A small amount of gas is a normal byproduct of your dog's digestion. But if the flatulence is really frequent and/or really smelly, there are some things you can try. Most people find that some foods cause their pet to be gassier than others. I can't recommend a specific food, since every dog's digestive tract is different. But I would recommend sticking to dry food, buying a name brand, and feeding your dog twice a day. Make sure she goes outside immediately after eating, as this is usually when she will need to have a bowel movement, and holding it in can cause gas. Processed treats such as rawhides may contribute to the problem. And definitely avoid feeding your dog people food!

If none of these suggestions help, or if your dog seems uncomfortable from the gas, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian.