I battle it with my bassett hound as well, I have to be diligent that she gets no fleas as they make her worse. She only gets lamb and rice dogfood. The thing that helps the most is at least twice a week baths with a dandruff shampoo like selsun blue. I did use special shampoo from the vet when she was in real bad shape then he told me to use dandruff shampoos and be sure to bathe her at least twice a week. She also gets a small dose of prednisone as needed but no more than every other day when itching is severe. I sure can tell if she skipa a bath and so can shee.Good luck finding the remidy that works for your friend.