I'm concerned about the same thing. There's a reason why they say you need put that stuff on thier back: it's not safe for your dog. Plus, whatever you put on your skin gets absorbed by your bloodstream.
On youtube, there's
this guy that uses essential oils on his labrador, I believe cedar wood oil and some orange oil, and it works for him. I just bought a bottle of
Dr. Harvey's Herbal Protection Spray. It's a blend of oils on a witch hazel base. You just shake it and spray it. I have yet to try it, because my little one does not know how to walk on a leash yet. When I do I'll let you know how it goes.