Itchy Skin

Question
I have a German Shepherd that is approx 8yrs old.  I've had her since she was 1.  Seems like every fall she gets real, real itchy.  She itches all day and night...makes me crazy.  I can't imagine how she feels.  I've had her to the vet for anal sac cleansing.  That was an issue one year.  Seems like after the first frost, her itching is reduced, but not the case this year.  I found one engorged tick on my floor this year for the first time ever, and treated both my cat and dog with anti tick/flea medicine (I can't remember the brand, but I got it at the vets and I put it on the back of their neck).  Nothing seems to work for this poor dog.  I'm adding a little olive oil and a raw egg to her food on occasion.  My husband calls her OCD dog.  I was thinking about trying Vitamin E on her food.  Seems like when I did pet her a couple days ago, her skin felt dry.  It seems like she's itched since approx Aug and nothing I've tried has worked.  Do you have any recommendations of remedies I haven't already tried?

Answer
Hello Debbie, You may find that at this time of year the mornings have a dew or dampness and when the leaves fall....then the mold increases.  This is a problem for a lot of dogs.  Remedies:  Well benedryl for children is safe for dogs, you give 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds, this is an antihistamine and may relieve some of the itching.  As far as a supplement on the food, I have found nothing better than Cod Liver Oil.  You need to introduce it in small amounts as it can cause diarrhea if added to much to soon.  Work up to 1 teaspoon or 1 to 2 gel caps. a day.  You can find it in the vitamin section of most stores.  It does wonders for skin and coat condition.  The last thing you could do would be to get a cortisone shot or prednisone pills from the vet.  This would be my last choice. You might also bathe her in a medicated shampoo, if it is mold she is allergic to then a good washing will help.  I hope this helps, good luck and Thanks for asking, Cindy Lou :)