If you're like me, you abhor the smell of flea powders, baths, flea collars and the like. More importantly, I'm not crazy about the poisons used internally or externally used to get rid of those nasty critters. Here are some natural methods that you can try to give your dog relief, and keep yourself, your dog and your family safe from unnecessary toxins.

Here's what you'll need:

Essential oil of cedar (Cedrus atlantica only!) Bandana, cloth collar, or piece of rope that fits your dog or cats neck. Garlic cloves Lemon juice or essential oil (lemon balm or lemongrass) Vinegar. Use organic white, red, or apple cider vinegar only.

1: Garlic is the simplest method for repelling fleas and takes the least amount of effort. Feed your dog a small clove of garlic a few times a week, perhaps every two days, or three times a week for dogs weighing about 50 pounds. Most dogs will not have a problem snarfing down a clove when offered, but if your pooch is fussy, you can mince it and add it to his food. The garlic will permeate your dogs coat giving him an odor that fleas won't like. Don't worry, the odor should not be so strong that it repels you too!

2: Using one of the recommended types of vinegar, mix one part vinegar to one part water. Dab with a rag or use a spray bottle to spritz your dog's coat. Vinegar soothes and relieves skin irritations and itching. Other methods include adding vinegar to your dog's water, 1 tsp to the average size water bowl, and/or adding vinegar to his bath, about a ½ cup. Do avoid getting vinegar in your dog's eyes or ear because it can sting!

3: If you prefer the refreshing scent of lemon juice mix one part lemon juice to one part water, then work it into your dog's coat, preferably right after a bath. A spray bottle to spritz the lemon water mix works nicely too, or simply dip the dog's brush into the mixture and apply it while brushing him. Lemon juice will sting the dog's eyes and ears, so use caution.

Lemon essential oils such as lemon balm or lemongrass are nice alternatives to lemon juice. Put a drop or two at the back of the neck and on the dog's rump, and this will help keep the fleas and ticks at bay. Please note that LESS is MORE with essential oils. These are concentrated and really, truly you only need to use a drop or two.

4: To make a natural flea collar, lace 4 drops of cedar essential oil, Cedrus atlantica, on a fabric collar, piece of natural fiber rope, or bandanna sized to your pet's neck. Allow the oil to permeate the collar by sealing it in a plastic bag or jar overnight. The collar should remain effective for two weeks. Just tie it around the animal's neck. Seal the collar again with new drops of oil overnight again to recharge. Please refer to note in step 3 regarding essential oils.