We live and learn. I feel it is best to care for our pets in the most natural way we can and still have the best results.  I never want to put anything on my pet that I wouldn't want to use myself.  We never want to use too much of an oily product and have an oily dog.  It would get all over everything, and our dog if outdoors would get sunburned.  We want to use mild, gentle products overall.

The best way to help our pet keep free of fleas and itchy skin is to be sure they have a healthy immune system.  Good nutrition helps this to happen.  Exercise is also important.
When we got our Cairn Terrier she had a bad odor from a poor diet.  She had a serious skin/flea problem.   I felt she maybe also had fungus. She would lick and lick her feet. Some people feel this is emotional.

The vet checked her thoroughly and gave her flea medicine and a powerful shampoo. After reading the label I decided not to use the shampoo because of the chemicals. I did use the flea medicine, and then looked for more natural ways.

I had read articles on how Head and Shoulders shampoo had worked for people problems, and since we had some around, I used it to give the dog a bath. They do not recommend you use "people" shampoo for dogs, but this really worked! I gave her another bath the next day if still itching. I lathered her fur starting with a little on top of her head and around her ears, working down the neck and body, and leaving it on a few minutes, then rinsing well.Later when the fleas came back, a bath with Head and Shoulders washed them away. After this if there was any itchiness or fleas, out came the Head and Shoulders.

If the dog had broken skin, it needed to be treated with a tiny bit of salve(I use Bag Balm or vitamin E )to stop the need for more itching. Any patches of sparse fur, I treated with a cool green tea soaked cotton ball. Also dipped her feet in a cup of cool green tea, one to two times a day for 3 days. We changed her diet and she continued to improve and no fleas.
Sometimes I would use organic, mild dog shampoo and add a few drops of Young Living Lavender essential oil. It doesn,t take much as they are high quality oils.

Years ago I tried a herbal flea collar for small house dogs.  It was a tube of fabric, stuffed with lavender, and it just ties on.  From time to time you could dab a drop of essential oil on it to renew the fragrance. Just a little as it is close to the eyes and nose.  Not all dogs will tolerate the same thing. Some have allergies etc. just like people have their differences.
The sleeping area of the dog needs to be kept clean.  Wash all bedding and vacuum often. This gets any flea eggs if there are any, and it keeps everything smelling fresh. A mild scent can be used on bedding, like lavender water, but keep it light. Dogs don,t need that many baths after everything is under control.

Now I have a friend who raises Maltese dogs. You can go to her site at diamondjs.net to see these special little dogs.  Her site also links to a site that prepares dog and cat food in small fresh batches, to be sent out directly to your door, as often as you need it. This site has food and products developed by a holistic veterinarian.  I am very happy to have found these great products.   A strong healthy dog, means less money spent on a sick dog!