Labrador with allergies

[sunshine_sieben]

Hi,
last time I took our almost 6 year old yellow lab to the vet because of an ear infection, the vet pointed out that it looks like he has some problems with allergies as he had some irritated skin, mainly around his front feet.
Lately this seems to have gotten a lot worse and he scratches a lot. We regularly give him flea treatment and the usual, wormers etc. So I don't think it's parasitic.
He has started chewing his legs raw. He also scratches around his eyes, sometimes making his "eyebrows" bleed.
We've had to keep a bucket on his head to let it all heal up. But as you might know, these things are not only uncomfortable for the dog, they are also lethal for us. I can't let the kids play with him at all.

The vet's only suggestion was to book an appointment with a canine dermatologist. Didn't even know that existed. Unfortunately we are doing it very tough at the moment, so high vet bills are just not possible.

Does anyone know what we can do to relieve allergies?

ETA: I should add that we have checked our yard for plants that commonly irritate dogs. We do have wandering dew and are trying to keep it in check although it keeps coming back.