Experienced and professional animal trainer provide their insights in answering this question :
A. Lumps and bumps are very common in dogs. They can be caused by any number of things ranging from allergic reactions, to pockets of infection under the skin, to various tumors and cysts. If the bumps are spreading rapidly, or are very bothersome to your dog it is best to have a vet look at it to make sure it is not serious.

Allergic reaction bumps will often appear as small, red, itchy pockets of bumps anywhere on the body. These are usually treated with an allergy medication or over the counter antihistamine. Abscesses are pockets of infection under the skin that usually are one large bump, however in spreading infections may have other bumps appear. These are often painful or hot to the touch, and may ooze debris that is yellow or greenish in color. Abscesses are usually drained and then an antibiotic given to clear up the infection. Some tumors can also appear as small bumps that begin to spread and their type can be determined through biopsy of the site if other more common causes are ruled out.

Until you can have your vet look at the lumps, it is best to stop your dog from licking or chewing at them. Licking and chewing can cause cuts and scrapes to open, allowing bacteria and infection to spread over the affected area. An Elizabethan collar, or a T-shirt over the affected area can help prevent licking and chewing.

How to Identify Common Pet Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced pet care professionals :

Lipomas: these fatty tumors appear as soft, round lumps of flesh beneath the skin. They`re made up entirely of fat cells and are always benign, or non-cancerous. They`re usually found in older dogs and dogs who are overweight. Larger breeds are more prone to them, although they can be found in small breeds as well.
Lipomas occur more often in middle-aged dogs, overweight female dogs, and old cats, but some younger dogs can get lipomas. Dog breeds that are more likely to have these include cocker spaniels, dachshunds, poodles, and terriers.
Lipomas are harmless lumps that start in fat cells stored in tissue around the body and are not usually painful. They accumulate more fat as they grow and are more likely in middle-aged to elderly dogs.
Maintaining your dog at a proper weight (and instituting a weight-loss plan as needed) will usually help control the growth of lipomas and prevent future ones. Some lipomas will shrink with weight loss but not disappear altogether.
Way To Tell That My Dog Has a Fatty Tumor

Lipomas are characterized as small, hemispherical lumps that can be felt just under your dog`s skin. The lump will likely feel somewhat soft and you will be able to move it a little, although it`s important to keep in mind that firmer, stationary lipomas are also fairly common.

Lipomas feel like soft slightly movable lumps under the skin. They can range from being very small to being football sized, although most are very slow growing and never reach dramatic sizes. Many dogs will get one or more of these fatty lumps in their lifetime, and these will be monitored by your vet for any problems.
As the co-founder of West Coast Cocker Rescue, Marshall knew that Cocker lumps and bumps tend to occur more often in the breed, especially as they age. Cockers are one of those breeds that tend to have more sebaceous gland issues than some other breeds.
Your dog`s diet can actually lead to the development of a lipoma. Carbohydrates, chemical preservatives, and other toxins found in processed food all contribute to fatty tumor growth.
Fish oil, a potent source of omega-3s, has got a lot of scientifically proven benefits for dogs. It may be helpful in preventing and shrinking lipomas through several modes of action. Omega-3s may help reduce inflammation and obesity, keep the joints well lubricated and the skin and coat lustrous.
In mild cases, benzoyl peroxide alone may be sufficient to resolve canine acne; in more severe cases, long-term benzoyl peroxide may be used to decrease the likelihood of recurrence. “The most common treatment for canine acne is topical benzoyl peroxide.”
They rarely cause discomfort unless they are large.” They rarely cause discomfort unless they are large. Ulceration and bleeding are rare but large lipomas may necrose (die), causing yellow discoloration of the fat with, in the case of very large ones, toxic effects to make the animal unwell.
The current study reports the median age of lipomas cases was 10.02 years compared with the median age of 4.18 years for non-lipoma dogs. The odds of lipoma also increased markedly as dogs aged, with dogs aged nine-12 years having 17.52 times the odds compared with dogs aged less than three years.
Changing your diet may be effective for people with lipoma. Fresh fruits and vegetables include antioxidants that aid in decreasing fat blood levels. Choose brightly coloured fruits and veggies since they contain the most antioxidants. Eat fish and nuts as it contains healthy omega-3 fats and high-quality protein.
Can I prevent lipomas? Lipomas (and many of the conditions that cause lipomas) are inherited. Since they`re passed down through families, it isn`t possible to prevent them. You can lower your risk of developing Madelung`s disease (a condition that causes lipomas to grow) by limiting the amount of alcohol you drink.
Dog Cyst vs Tumor: How Do I Tell The Difference? Cysts are fluid-filled sacs under the skin that are usually easy to move around, while tumors are typically more solid. A cyst also may drain a white, yellow, or green discharge.
Since the vast majority of canine lipomas are harmless, surgical removal is only necessary if they are large enough to cause discomfort, hinder normal movement, or interfere with body functions.
Though not generally dangerous, these fatty tumors are formed as your dog`s body is unable to get rid of toxins that build up. Lipomas are usually a sign of kidney and liver dysfunction or an overwhelming amount of toxins in your dog`s body that the liver and kidneys cannot process and eliminate.
Though lipomas are not dangerous, many people opt to have the growths removed for cosmetic reasons. Surgical excision is the only cure for lipomas, and the tumors will not go away without treatment.
Give Your Cocker Spaniel a High Quality Fish Oil Daily

Fish oil contains omega-3, which is lacking in most commercial pet foods since it cannot survive the manufacturing process. Omega-3 helps soothe inflammation, and in some studies it significantly reduced itchiness in dogs with moderate to mild atopic dermatitis.

Cocker spaniels can get “hay fever” just like humans, which is an allergy to pollen, mold, mildew, or dust (called atopy).
Hairs can grow into the skin causing small red pimple-like bumps. Ingrown hairs are more commonly seen on your pet`s paws between their toes. They can also show up after clipping or grooming.
Aflatoxins are a type of mycotoxin that come from the Aspergillus species of fungus. This means they`re a type of mold and they are the cancer-causing ingredients in dog food. Many commercial dog foods contain grains like corn, wheat and rice.
Curcumin, a natural compound found in the spice turmeric, has been shown to shrink tumors in dogs with cancer. Studies have found that curcumin can inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells, including those of the bone, breast, and liver.
An incision is made over the lipoma that is to be removed. Simple lipomas can be removed with relatively small incisions. If there is a very large void (dead space) where the tumor was previously removed, a drain may be inserted to help prevent formation of a fluid pocket in the surgical site.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Q. My Cocker Spaniel keeps getting lumps on her body. She has some on the top of her head that feel soft with about six or so clumped together.
ANSWER : A. Lumps and bumps are very common in dogs. They can be caused by any number of things ranging from allergic reactions, to pockets of infection under the skin, to various tumors and cysts. If the bumps are spreading rapidly, or are very bothersome to your dog it is best to have a vet look at it to make sure it is not serious.

Allergic reaction bumps will often appear as small, red, itchy pockets of bumps anywhere on the body. These are usually treated with an allergy medication or over the counter antihistamine. Abscesses are pockets of infection under the skin that usually are one large bump, however in spreading infections may have other bumps appear. These are often painful or hot to the touch, and may ooze debris that is yellow or greenish in color. Abscesses are usually drained and then an antibiotic given to clear up the infection. Some tumors can also appear as small bumps that begin to spread and their type can be determined through biopsy of the site if other more common causes are ruled out.

Until you can have your vet look at the lumps, it is best to stop your dog from licking or chewing at them. Licking and chewing can cause cuts and scrapes to open, allowing bacteria and infection to spread over the affected area. An Elizabethan collar, or a T-shirt over the affected area can help prevent licking and chewing.

Q. How do I know if my pet is overweight?
ANSWER : A. There are many ways to determine if your pet is overweight: breed standards, body condition score (BCS), body fat index (BFI), and morphometric measurements. These tools are used to determine how overweight a pet is, as well as to determine how much to feed to reach the pet’s ideal weight. Most weight loss programs fail because food dose calculations are based on inaccurate estimations of ideal body weight.

Current methods of estimating ideal body weight (body condition score/ guessing) are most likely to underestimate % body fat and therefore overestimate ideal weight, which leads to overfeeding. Pets are being overdosed on food because of inaccurate estimations of ideal body weight.

To determine body condition score it’s often helpful to have a scale from 1-5 to compare to: http://www.hillspet.com/weight-management/pet-weight-score.html. This scale is based on your ability to feel or see the ribs, the size of your dog or cat’s waist, and the appearance of the abdomen.

An overweight animal can be predisposed to several health conditions including high blood pressure, arthritis, endocrine disorders such as diabetes, and hypothyroidism. This is why it is important to determine an ideal weight for your pet and work hard to maintain a healthy weight.

Q. Small lump on my dog’s throat, what should I do?
ANSWER : A. Lumps and bumps on the throat or neck can be caused by a wide range of things. Depending on the lumps size, if it is under the skin or appears on the skin itself, and its location on the throat can all indicate different things.

There are a large number of structures in the neck there ranging from thyroid glands, nerves, salivary glands and even lymph nodes. Illness, disease or irritation can all cause swelling or issues there. You may also see additional symptoms such as trouble swallowing, drooling, lethargy or changes in weight and appetite to help narrow down the cause of the lump. Testing via blood work or an X-ray may help to determine the cause and proper treatment.

Lumps and bumps on the skin can also be caused by allergies such as an allergic reaction or sting, or even an abscess under the skin. Allergies are usually treated with an allergy medication to help stop the response and any itching or redness. Abscesses (cuts or scrapes that get infected and swell with fluid) are usually hot or painful to the touch and may ooze debris. These are usually drained at a vet, and then treated with antibiotics.

If the cause of the lump is not known, your vet may also recommend taking a sample of the lump to send to a Lab. This can help to determine what exactly is causing the lump and how to treat it.

Q. I have a Peagle who is 3 years old. He eats everything in sight. I have noticed about a week ago that he has a lump in his lower abdomen. He is overwe
ANSWER : A. It’s often difficult to tell whether lumps, if what you’re talking about is actually inside the abdomen, are normal or not. A vet is trained to “palpate” or feel the abdomen and discern the individual organs, and whether they feel abnormal or not. There are many structures in there, from kidneys to the liver to lymph node. It takes quite a bit of training to know what a “normal” abdomen feels like.

If you’re talking about a lump you’re feeling under the skin, this could be something benign or malignant. Hopefully it’s nothing serious, but it’s best to get it checked out. And you should be aware that a ravenous appetite can be the sign of some hormonal diseases, although I’ve also known a lot of Beagles (which is sounds like is half of what makes up your dog) who were ravenous eaters, so he may be prone to overeating. Your vet can also determine if he’s overweight and give you diet and exercise tips for him.

Q. Lump has recently appeared in middle of Tara’s ear. It is soft and squashy, what is it?
ANSWER : A. Lumps and bumps are common in dogs and can be caused by a variety of things. If the lump you are seeing is located on the ear flap (called the pinna), it may also be something called a hematoma. Hematomas are swellings of blood that collect under the skin due to broken blood vessels. The vessels are most often broken by a dog shaking its head repeatedly or scratching at the ear. Care should be made to prevent your dog from pawing at the spot or shaking her head as it can make the problem worse. Hematomas are usually drained or surgically removed by your vet depending on severity, and may also be treated with an antibiotic to prevent infection.

Other lumps and bumps can include allergic reactions (usually small, red, itchy bumps), abscesses (pockets of infection stuck under the skin), or even tumors and cysts filled with material or fluids. It is best to have the ear examined by your local vet as the only 100% way to determine what the lump is, is through aspiration and taking a sample of the materials inside. Your vet can then provide treatment options ranging from draining and antibiotics, to surgical removal of more serious growths.

Q. My cat is still purring but he’s coughing and what sounds like hiccups, he isn’t drinking, not sure if I need rush to vet or be ok he’s still himself?
ANSWER : A. Erring on the side of safety, any time there is change in how a kitty is breathing, it is best to get them into a vet clinic.

Coughing can be caused by innocuous things like allergies, but in a cat his age, there are concerns for things like feline asthma, pneumonia, or a condition like congestive heart failure.

Cats not only purr when they are feeling content, but they also can purr when they are frightened or feeling pain or illness. Combined with the fact that he’s not drinking, it sounds like your boy is feeling pretty icky. Cats are masters at hiding illness to keep themselves from being hunted by larger predators, so when it becomes noticeable to you, it means he’s ill enough that he’s no longer able to keep it hidden.

Your vet should be able to check him out and narrow down what’s going on and treat it as necessary. Good luck, and I hope he gets to feeling better soon!

Q. ALL ABOUT EYE CONTACT.. MY FEMALE ESS, UPON GETTING EYE CONTACT FROM PEOPLE SHE CRIES, WHINES & WANTS TO JUMP FOR ALL THE ATTENTION SHE CAN GET..
ANSWER : A. Somewhere along the line she has learned that this gets her something she wants, attention, food, something, and now we have to teach her that behaving and being quiet gets her what she wants. Don’t reward her whining and bouncing by giving her attention. Instead, ignore her, going about your business until she quiets and settles down. THEN give her a treat, petting, and praise. She needs to learn that being the well-behaved dog is what will get her the attention she craves. Teaching her obedience will help her learn how to behave in various situations and to look to you for how to behave. And, above all, make sure your dog is getting sufficient physical and mental exercise every day. A tired dog is a good, happy dog and one who is less likely to bark and misbehave from boredom or frustration. Depending on breed, age, and health, your dog may require several long walks as well as a good game of chasing the ball and playing with some interactive toys. Kong toys filled with peanut butter are an excellent way to reward her for being quiet and keep her that way for a good while as she plays with her toy and gets the peanut butter out.

Q. My dog doesn’t eat, what should I do?
ANSWER : A. If this is a puppy, see a veterinarian immediately. Puppies should want to eat. Common causes for anorexia in puppies include viruses (parvo is a big one), parasitism, and foreign bodies. They need immediate care – go to an emergency vet if yours isn’t open. Puppies can get low blood sugar and dehydration very quickly.

If this is an adult dog and you observe other concerning signs, such as diarrhea or decreased energy, you should see a veterinarian.

If the dog seems otherwise bright and stable, try offering different types of food: wet food, canned tripe, or cooked chicken and rice. Some dogs will go for canned baby food: chicken, turkey, or beef as the main ingredient. Make sure there are no garlic or onions in the ingredients!

Causes of anorexia in adult dogs can range from less serious to severe. Younger dogs are more likely to get into trouble- they tend to eat things they shouldn’t, and can get foreign bodies from eating things like socks, or stomach upset from getting in the trash. Any dog may stop eating due to stress, or just being a picky eater. Middle aged dogs can stop eating when they’re stressed and also have Addison’s disease, which can be fatal. Older dogs tend to stop eating when they develop cancer or renal disease.

There is no one-size-fits-all recipe to know when the right time is to take your dog to the vet. The moral of this story is, if it’s not getting better, your pup feels bad, or you’re worried – go see the vet!

Read Full Q/A … : My Dog Won’t Eat