Just a person with a question....

My dog--a 12 year old Beagle, has been gnawing on herself the past several months. She concentrates mostly on her lower abdomen and groin area. I just started putting Omega 3 EFA oil on this area--a couple of capsules cut open and rubbed into her skin. Too early to tell if this will work.

Vet has given her steroid injections a couple of times but the relief is VERY brief in duration and I don't want to expose her to this powerful medication any more if I don't have to. Tried a change in diet, but to no avail. Had her groomed a few times to see if that would help--again, any relief is nominal and short-lived. Groomer told me older dogs often suffer from dry skin, but other than oatmeal baths, didn't have a suggestion. She hates baths and gets cold very easily.

I think this chewing is a "nervous" habit, in part, but clearly she is uncomfortable. Any suggestions as to herbal preps that may soothe her? I've taken to giving her a Benadryl tab at night so she can sleep (and so I can as well, as she is sleeping in my bedroom).

Any help would be welcome.

Thanks