Scarlet

Question
My 10 year old cocker has been getting these sores on her chest, sides and back. I bathe her at least twice a week. Seems to help for a couple of days but then the smell comes back. I adopted a st. Bernard and a mutt about 2 months ago and am wondering if scarlet, being an older dog is causing her stress. thats roughly about when the sores came about. I know they have sensitive skin and ears. I have owned her for almost 2 years now and am concerned about her health and the smell. I fed her dog chow from Purina and just read how bad it is for dogs.

Answer
Yes, Purina is about the worst food on the planet so I'd definitely recommend changing and you won't find a better food in the supermarket but I'm happy to help with choosing a new food if you tell me your budget and what stores are available to you.  You can also order online.

Now, the skin and the odor.  This sounds like yeast and you're doing the right thing by bathing but I'd like to know what shampoo you're using.  And is she itchy?  Is her skin red?  Oily or dry & flaky?

Right now I'd try using Nizoral shampoo (available in most drugstores/supermarkets).
SHAKE BOTTLE WELL, lather up, leave on 10 minutes and rinse, rinse, rinse.  Then rinse more.
Bath her 3 times this week - then go to twice a week and see what she needs for maintenance.

Yes adding two new dogs can be stressful for her but I'd have your vet check her thyroid.
It's no big deal (just a blood test) but request a "full 6 panel test" and it should be sent to either Antech or Michigan State.  If she's hypothyroid (very common in cockers) this can cause bad skin problems.  It's also an easy fix with inexpensive daily meds.

And make sure she has quiet time and don't let the two new dogs constantly annoy her.