My dog has a skin problem, ..

I have a dog who is approx 9 and she is a cross breed, collie dashund type mix (apparently) she had sore patches on her stomach and bony parts of her back legs a few months ago, we took her to the vets and he said she had some some of allergy and a streptococcus infection (not sure of spelling) anyway she was given antibiotics and the scabs and soreness dissapeared. Since then she has had dry flaky skin which has obviously been bothering her as she sometimes appaers to be biting herself. it started to look red and sore again so we took her back and the vet said this time that she has some sort of dermatitus and has advised us to use a shampoo called Malaseb.Which cost a fortune! Have researched on the net a bit about skin conditions of this nature and have read that diet can be a reason alot of the time. Has anyone had similar problems with their dog, or any advice from anyone?!!? Any info appreciated as i dont like seeing her miserable! thanks

take to the vet

You could buy some regular dandruff shampoo for cheaper than the stuff your vet recommended. That's the only thing I can thing of, sorry. Good luck though!

Well, rice and chicken was what I was adviced to give my dog when the vet thought she might be allergic to some food.

Turned out all my dog's problems with itching and loosing fur came from fleas.