Dachshund Hair Loss

Question
I know i should take to a vet but we have absolutely no money or transportation.  I have two dachshunds one female/mother and one male son.  The son has a great hair loss.  lots of itching chewing on feet etc.  Both are kept in a crate inside the house.  Only taken outside to use the bathroom.  My husband and I first thought it was just hot spots then mange.  However mange was ruled out because they are kept inside and only one dog had a hair loss.  We started using a medicated shampoo and some medication we bought for "hot spots"  After a few days the other dog has a hot spot on her back.  My husband bought another medication but I would not allow him to use it because of the "poison" on the label.  So I made a solution from 20 mule team borax, porixide  and water.  First shampooed them in dog medicated shampoo with aloe dryed them.  Then dipped each dog into the solution explained above.  Never rinsing them off but putting on a paste-like cream made from the borax and peroxide on the younger dogs (one with most hair loss) on his most exposed areas of hair loss (feet, legs, under arms)   Their itching has stopped and the male dog seems much more "like himself"  playful
etc.  Any advice as to what to do next?  I have changed their food as the hair loss started very slowly about 4 months ago when their food was changed.  I have read the milk of magnesia is also good to apply.  Along with using an oatmeal shampool

Answer
First let me say with all honesty that a life in a crate is really no life at all.  I have rescued many dachshunds from situations where they spend all day in a crate and they are miserable and unhappy dogs.  Fleas can cause hair loss and chewing - an allergic reaction can be to just one flea biting.  If both are getting it - it could be contagious or they both might have allergies.  Using people stuff on dogs is fine sometimes and sometimes not.  There are sites online that have vets you can ask questions of that might be able to help as well.  Oatmeal shampoo is good for the skin and is soothing.  I have heard things like make some non-herbal black tea only and then pour it over the areas while it is still warm but not hot.  You will read a lot of home remedies but the vet is your best person for advice.  Can you call and ask for advice?  Most vets should help without making you come in - at least give you some suggestions.  If it is mange, only a vet can treat it.