bacterial infection in 10 year old Beagle

Question
Bobbin is the Beagle. She suffers from a skin allergy since 2001, although it might have been present before than, and we did not observe it.

For the past 3 years, and beginning in November approx. (we are in the southern hemisphere) the problem has been exacerbated by bacterial infection which first needs treatment before treatment of the effects of the skin allergy. The skin allergy causes her to scratch incessantly and has been treated by carefully controlled doses of Prednisolone, commenced after treatment of the infection, and  given orally. She appears to react to almost every type of grass, dust mites, pollen etc etc etc.

The infection has been treated by the use of antibiotics.

By now (May)the problem has historically disappeared until the following spring or so. However the  weather pattern her has meant that there is a great deal of dry grass still present, (almost no rain at all) and I surmise that there are other similar issues that I have not recognised. THe lesions caused by the infection are very evident.

Bathing with Malaseb Foam has been used in addition to the medication to ease the condition.
Malaseb foam is an antibacterial and antifungal treatment for dermatitis. I contains Miconazole nitrate, chlorhexidine gluconate.

Are you able to suggest any other means of aiding control of the problem. I am particularly seeking additional home remedies to make Bobbin's lot (and ours) easier

Kind regards
Geoff Gray

Answer
Bacterial infection is a common result of allergies.  Ina 10 year old Beagle, the allergies should start waning as the dog ages.  You can use something called Omega3 fatty acids in the diet to help prevent the overreaction of the skin to the allergies.  I use a steroid called dexamethasone instead of prednisone because of all of the side effects of prednisone.  But a steroid is needed to quiet the skin.  If you have had himallergy tested, you can order a desensitizing serum to give him to immunize him against the allergens he is sensitive to.