Skin conditions of dogs

Question
We have a seven year old Lab who is constantly scratching and licking himself. He has dandruff and we've tried all means of over-the-counter shampoos including a tar shampoo to help but nothing seems to work. We have recently moved into a new house and I am wondering if there are chemicals in the carpet that could be causing a skin allergy because these symptoms did not occur until the move. There was also a time when he had a large area of sores along his spine towards his hind quarters that have since healed, but that area seems to be the most prevailent for the dandruff. What measures do we need to take to help our dog?

Answer
Your dog could be sensiitive to something at the new house.  You should get your vet to look at the skin to see if there is a treatment for this.  It could be that the skin is infected with bacteria or yeasts, which also cause itching.  Labs are very prone to allergies and bathing frequently may help.  Cleaning the new carpeting and walking the dog on the concrete (off the grass) may also help.