Hi Lisa,
Itchy, smelly, scaly dog. Could be three problems sort of rolled into one.
The constant itching is likely allergies, like hay fever. Less frequently, food allergies present problems, but not the itching to the extent as from the airborne allergens. In dogs, allergies tend to show as a skin problem, not respiratory, as in people.
Frequently, constant scratching will cause the skin to start making an excess amount of black pigment, which tends to be pretty generalized over the itchiest areas. Other things to be considered if the blackness is more localized would be a possible yeast infection in the skin there.
The smell is usually from rancid, excess skin oiliness/waxiness called seborrhea. This could be due to possibly the skin irritation, diet (low essential fatty acids. ), thyroid imbalance.
The allergies, if such is the case, are to anything, just like people, and respond to meds, just like people.
A trip to the vet may be in order if the black scaly spot/s persist. While you are there, solicit an opinion on allergies and seborrhea.
I hope this helps. I remain open to more questions, if you have more.
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