My lab/german shepered has skin irritation. I have tried giving her medicine, soaking her in Cortizone cream. Nothing seems to work. She's shaving herself, causing redness, and to top it off my sister has lice. But the doc. Says lice can't be transferred from dog to human, or human to dog! I don't know what to do!

Has the vet checked for mites? I had a dog once that scratched like that and nothing worked. After the second exam, the vet found mites. Got the right medication and problem solved. See you vet again and good luck. Also, hope your sister gets rid of her lice. You know you have to disinfect everything, don't you?

Yeah, we've already disinfected everything, she's much better. Thanks, you're the only person who answered my question!

Actually, my dog scratches like mad too. We have switched her dog food to venison and rice because the vet said she might be allergic to the beef or chicken (and lamb gave her gas). The vet said that some dogs may even be allergic to "human dander" just as some of us are allergic to pet dander, but if that was the case you would not be able to solve the problem, and I have never been able to get my dog to stop scratching herself until she bleeds. So good luck, if you find the solution let me know.
Other tips: malaseb shampoo/cond. Or tea tree shampoo/cond (paul mitchell - hey it sounds funny, but helps for a couple days)

This topic belongs on the Pets & Animals forum. I'm moving it to the right forum, so that the Dogs Expert or people who have knowledge about pets can help you.

Have you been feeding her a dog chow and little else? Most dogs will thrive on most dog chows. They are all formulated to give the dogs the fatty acids they need to keep their skin and coat in good shape. Brushing for 5 minutes a day with a soft bristled brush is important. The fewer baths the better, and rinse, rinse, rinse the last bit of shampoo out when you do give her a bath.

If you have been doing that, and the dogs still has problems, you need to see the vet. Even the best vets may need several visits and try different things in the more difficult cases. Follow the above regimen, and keep working with the vet.

Something funny is going on. I remember answering your question, and don't see my other answer. Did you post it and delete it? I am sorry I missed this one. Not that I had a good answer. This sounds like a medical problem, and like most, you will just have to work through with your vet.