I agree with making him an indoor dog. It has to help. It also couldn't hurt to add a large tablespoon of yogurt to his food.

I have a shepherd/beagle/?? mix that has some trouble with his skin, too. He lost most of the hair on his rear several years ago before I got him. He's dry and flaky in spots and always was itching or licking, and shedding.

I put him on Nutro dog food and this helped, but he was still itchy and shedding like crazy. I finally bought some VitaCoat Plus from Drs. Foster & Smith. After 2 weeks I saw a noticeable difference. Very little shedding and much less itching and licking.

This may not solve your problem, but there has to be help somewhere. I think I'd ask a different vet for an opinion. He may be alergic to something in his food.

Let us know how he does.

Mary