Sweet orange oil is a natural flea killer. NOW Foods (http://tinyurl.com/qqxe3j) sells it in 2oz, 4oz and larger. Mix a few drops in a quarter size shampoo and bathe the dog. Let it shampoo sit for a bit (a minute or two), give the dog a relaxing massage with your fingers. The orange oil will kill any fleas on the dog. It is non toxic. I used this on one of my cats who was extremely allergic to fleas. One flea and he would literally pull the fur off his skin. Food grade diatomaceous earth can be used as a flea powder. (http://tinyurl.com/pvqyv6) 2.5 lbs will last a long time and you can sprinkle it in the dogs food as a natural de-wormer. Be careful not to get any in the eyes and don't let the dog breath it or you either. Put enough powder on to feel it (put it in a shaker or an empty spice bottle with holes). Work the powder in. The powder will kill and desiccate fleas and ticks. Apply more powder when you notice the dog scratching. The powder usually will last (stay) for a few days or longer. You can also go lower tech with a flea come and a shallow dish of water with a drop of dish soap. When the comb picks up a flea, swish the comb around in the water to dislodge flea/s from the comb.
All are a lot safer than the topical flea killers.