cocker spaniel

Question
Delores,
I recently adopted a beautiful, loving, seven year old Cocker Spaniel that acts like she is two or three :) haha ! I was warned that she was of high maintenance but I immediately fell in love with her ! Anyway, I have had her for almost four months now and she has been nothing but a joy - only pain is the "ultra allergen" food and treats & NO HUMAN FOOD - but she begs for it all of the time ! Well, to the point - within the last week or so she has became very very itchy .. to the point (in the last two days that neither of us have gotten any sleep!) so I called the vet but I cannot afford it - but I checked her out and she does have a couple of "hot spots" maybe ?! or scabs should I say ! i have no idea what to do - please if you can give me some advice ! oh, and another question - I do not bathe her , she is groomed every three to four weeks , cause I've been told an oatmeal bathe can help !? but, i do hope to hear from you soon :) goodnight !

Answer
So this has only been going on for a week?

I need you to describe these spots precisely.  How many - size, color, any odor, are they flat or bumpy...location.

And I have some questions:
What flea control are you using?
Where do you live (climate)?
What has changed in the past week?
What food are you feeding her?  Tell me the ingredients on the bag.
What did the previous owner mean by "high maintenance"?

Right now before we go any further, get some Nizoral shampoo (most supermarkets or drugstores carry it).  SHAKE BOTTLE WELL BEFORE USE.  Lather her up and leave on for 10 minutes.
Rinse extremely well..then rinse more. Hopefully you have a hand held shower attachment.
Finish off with a last coolish rinse.  Never use hot water on an itchy dog.

I'd also start her on an antihistimine.  Buy 10mg. tablet Zyrtec (not Zyrtec-D - the "D" is a decongestant).  Read the label - one ingredient only "Ceterizine".
Start with 1/2 tablet a.m. and 1/2 p.m.
If all is well, go to one 10mg. tablet once a day.

I always start with half a dose since the rare dog can get too drowsy on an antihistimine.

So get the Nizoral and the Zyrtec - answer my questions above - and hopefully we can make your girl more comfortable.