I have been using the "Search" function and have read plenty of threads where vets seem to be recommending Revolution as a cure all for any itching issues.

Add me to the list.

I know Sentinel is a pill that, in addition to many other things, keeps the flea eggs from hatching and there by breaking the flea life cycle. My dogs have been on it for many years.

I know Revolution is a topical that takes care of live fleas by killing them, there by getting rid of the live fleas quickly.

Here's my issue: My three dogs have had some itching and scrtatching for a while that is unrelieved with salmon oil and vitamin E. My GSD seems to be doing the worst. Although I never see her chewing on her tail, she is missing some hair there. She also has what look like bites or maybe hives on her legs. All of the dogs have had some dry, flaky skin.

I brought the GSD to the vet today. He immediately declared "Flea allergy." I responded that I cannot remember the last time I saw a flea. I relayed how the dogs have all been on Sentinel. The vet tech combed the dog over and over again with a flea comb. The vet vigorously scratched the dogs fur by the tail, letting everything fall onto a damp paper towel. All of this could not produce a single flea.

The vet is adamant that it's a flea allergy. I'm not convinced.

Maybe I am thinking about this all wrong, but I hate the idea of a topical like Revolution as oppossed to a pill like Sentinel. To my way of thinking,a topical PESTICIDE must take more of a toll on the dogs endocrine system. Am I wrong?

I'm not sure...but could the skin issue be Staph?
My vet just recommended some new flea tablet called Comfortis...he said it is supposed to be good for dogs with flea allergies...I was going to ask here if anyone has heard of it.
We have MAJOR flea problems here on the coast...I wonder if it is similar to what you have been using though?