[FritzElmer=love]

My dog Fritz is constantly sitting on our European fire place and recently he has develpoed some black spot on his stomach no bumps or anything else, they are not specificly cirlces just bloches. He tends to get these when he is out in the sun or (in this case) on the fire place. They do not go away. He is a short haired docshound about 4 years old. Also does anyone know any tips to help him lose weight we are constantly having problems eating clothing and such also... but he is amazing and caring and is never violent. Best dog bread I can recommend.

[Jenelea]

Excess licking of certain spots often leads to a dark discoloration of the skin/hair. Its due to the saliva. Short of that, without seeing it I really have no idea. As for the weight loss, A visit to the vet is optimal to rule out weight inducing health issues such as Thyroid Disease. It is very common amongst older dogs. Diet of course being up there as well. No treats... or substitue vegetables or fruit such as carrots, apples, or green beans. NO table scraps in anyway shape or form. Most of the time it is up to us to change our behavior in order to change theirs.