Dog - Skin and Ear problems

Question
Our 1 1/2 year old lab, whom we have just adopted from another family has ear and skin problems. They have given us liquid and gel for the ears and from prior experience with a golden retriever I know this will be a lifetime problem. They had also given us a antihistamine for her skin "allergy". She has raised patches which usually scab over. Unfortunately I have neglected to give her the pills. I am very hesitant. I don't like the idea of her having to rely on a daily pill to clear her skin. What else can I do for her? Is there a food supplement, vitamin or anything besides a pill that will alleviate her skin problems? Can this be somehow contagious? My mother's lab and our dog had both broken out in these patches at the same time in the summer. We had gone to the beach and they went swimming in the bay after a hurricane (I was thinking maybe the hurricane brought some kind of bacteria in). Also we had recently given her a medicated bath and her skin seemed to clear a little. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Karen and Belly Bean

Answer
As far as giving medicine, antihistamines won't work for dog skin allergies.  That requires corticosteroids.  If your lab has a food allergy, then changing to a different protein source may help.  These allergies are not contagious even though the dogs broke out with their skin problems at the same time.  Often the allergic dogs will get a baceterial and/or yeast infection on their skin that also requires treatment.  I would advise you to take the dog to a vet and get proper treatment for the skin and ear disease.