allergies / frontine

Question
I have a 2 part question.
I adopted my dog in Feb. '10. He looked like he was an outside dog and came in with internal/external parasites, fly strike, and lots of hair loss. Since I've had him I've fed him EVO canned and dry mixed, give him omega 3 and 6 fish oil, bath him in anti itch anti bacterial shampoo and give him Tavist AM and PM. He is 33 lbs. The Tavist has made his skin sores go away but he is still very itchy on his paws and flanks.
First question, how long came a dog take Tavist, is this a life time thing? Will there be side effects from taking it long term?
2nd. the days when I put his Frontline on he is very lethargic and stays in his crate all day. I live in a heavily wooded area with lots of ticks and deer. He is handled and petted all the time so I think I would spot a tick right away, should I avoid flea and tick products?

Answer
If the tavist helps, it can be given long term.  It is safe.  In allergic dogs, we try and stop the meds in the winter when the allergens are not as plentiful. As far as the Frontline, the only thing that could cause this reaction is the alcohol in it.  You might try applying it in several spots along his back to minimize a local reaction that he may be objecting to.