Schnauzer Skin Problems

Question
Hello - I was searching the internet and came across a question that a client sent to you that seemed to have had the same issue with her pet as I do mine.  I have been dealing with my pets skin issue for almost a year, I've tried steroids, medicated shampoos, cream rinses, hydrocortisone sprays, and no good results. My pet started out with a terrible yeast infection in her ear... and her skin "smells" all the time; I think its something internal... but the vet cant seem to find it, and I've spent more money trying to figure this out than I can afford...   please help.  V/r Kimberly  
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2006 question from a client is below:
am the owner of a precious 4 yr old pale silver mini schnauzer.  For the past 2 yrs we have been fighting skin allergies.  He sometimes gets round blister-like places on his belly and chest area that are about the size of a quarter, and small sores down the center of his back.  They come and go in no particular pattern.  I have taken him to the vet numerous times, and finally was told he was allergic to the dew.  That confused me, because he rarely ever has sores on his legs, and never on his paws.  They gave me a medicated shampoo and a cortisone cream to rub on him.  We have learned to live with this problem, and I have learned if I have him groomed every 3-4 weeks the problem isn't as bad.  I am trying to work up the nerve to start grooming him myself, which is ironic, because I am a hairstylist.  I have a feeling it is quite different from my line of work.
A new problem has occurred in the last few months.  Earlier in the spring, I noticed 3 small black spots on the outside of his ears.  They looked like little moles.  About a month ago when I was putting his lotion on him, I noticed a few down the center of his back.  In the last month it has went to 5-6 to 15-20.  Some are as big as dimes, and others look like freckles.  They are blackish-brown and flat.  And he goes bananas when you rub him.  Both hind legs kick and he shivers all over like it tickles him.  I have searched and searched the internet on what it could be but can come up with nothing.  His coat hasn't changed nor has his allergy condition.  Could it just be moles like humans have?  I just find it strange that they appeared so sudden.  I would greatly appreciate any help or suggestions you have.  

Answer
Smelly skin is often due to an overgrowth of yeast, but it can also be caused by a staph infection. Staph infections generally have accompanying sores, and really need antibiotics to clear them up. I have found that putting Listerine on the sores is helpful.

http://www.pet-supplies-review.com/dog-yeast-infection.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_4865728_treat-canines-skin-staph-infection.html

First, have your dog's thyroid tested; low thyroid can aggravate these issues. Some recommend giving the dog a spoonful of plain yogurt every day, and spraying his skin down with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water every day. Some say apple cider vinegar and some say white vinegar. I would try the apple cider vinegar first as it isn't quite as smelly as white. Some also recommend putting a bit of apple cider vinegar in the dog's drinking water; I would NOT recommend that unless you know what your dog's pH level is (use urine test strips) as ACV can change a dog's pH level (the whole point of putting it in dog's drinking water)... and schnauzers can be prone to bladder stones if their pH is altered high or low.

Another recommendation is to put the dog on a grain-free (or low grain) diet. Certainly make sure you are feeding a quality food, with protein as the first ingredient.

Make sure that you are not using any real cleaners or sprays on your furniture or floors/carpeting. Dogs can be highly allergic to those things.

http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/yeast_infections_dogs.html

I realize that you have already invested a lot of money in this, but you might want to consider trying a veterinary dermatologist. They specialize in this type of problem. http://www.acvd.org/