Ticks are active across much of the United States—from Pacific Northwest woodlands to Northeastern suburbs and the Southeast. This article shares a pesticide-averse, skin-friendly plan that aligns with PawPurity’s philosophy and U.S. guidance, plus a personal note on why we choose a gentler path.
For an easy routine built around gentle care, start with our Flea & Tick Shampoo + Spray Bundle.
INGREDIENTS MATTER
PawPurity Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs & Cats: Olive Oil-Based Shampoo. Aloe Vera. Distilled Water. Rosemary Extract. Mullein. Comfrey. Apple Cider Vinegar. Witch Hazel. Red Clover. Lavender. Bamboo. Chamomile. Calendula. Yucca Root. Horsetail. Rosemary. Nettle Leaf. Witch Hazel. Apple Cider Vinegar. Colloidal Silver. Salt. Essential Oils: Frankincense. Cedarwood. Lemongrass
PawPurity Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs & Cats: Sweet Almond Oil. Jojoba Oil. Rosemary. Ginger. Licorice Root. Yucca Root. Apple Cider Vinegar. Witch Hazel. Lavender. Lemon Balm. Colloidal Silver. Frankincense Resin. Vegetable Glycerin. Salt. Black Pepper. Essential Oils: Cedarwood. Lemongrass. Frankincense. Thyme.
Why We Avoid Harsh Pesticides
Recent updates and studies have raised environmental and pet-safety concerns around certain flea/tick chemicals (especially high-impact topicals). Our stance is simple: use the least-harsh option that still fits your local tick pressure, and make decisions with your veterinarian.
My Experience with Spot-On Products
I’m sharing this because it’s core to PawPurity’s mission. I believe Zoey, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, died from complications after using a spot-on flea/tick product. The timing and symptoms we witnessed changed how I think about prevention—and why I advocate for plant-forward routines first. I’ve written about Zoey and our shift away from harsh pesticides on our blog; if you’d like more context, please read my related posts in the Best Ingredients That Work . This is my family’s experience, not medical advice.
Why Using Natural Non-Pesticidal Care Products Matter
A dog’s skin barrier is significantly thinner than a human’s. The outer layer (epidermis) in dogs is only a few cell layers thick—much thinner than in people—making it more permeable and more easily irritated. Dogs also have a more neutral skin pH than humans and far fewer sweat glands, so harsh solvents and strong actives can disrupt their barrier faster. What this means for care: favor low-irritancy, plant-forward routines, avoid overuse of potent topicals, and always follow dog-specific directions and dilutions.
A Practical, Pesticide-Averse Plan to Keep Ticks off Your Dog
Most of us aren’t bathing dogs after every backyard break—and that’s okay.
1) Pre-Exposure Shield (daily in season) - Lightly mist a plant-based repellent over legs, belly, chest, and tail before outdoor time. Try Flea & Tick Spray. Reapply per label during peak months or in high grass/brush.
2) Quick Post-Outing Routine - Do a 60-second hands-on check: ears, neck, armpits, between toes, under the tail, and under collars/harnesses. A soft brush or lint mitt helps dislodge hitchhikers before they attach.
3) Regular Cleansing (on your schedule) Use Flea & Tick Shampoo during normal bath days to lift debris and support skin/coat health—without harsh chemicals. 4) Yard Smarts (USA) Keep grass trimmed and avoid leaf-litter edges where ticks quest. If you ever consider yard products, don’t rely on spraying alone; prioritize landscaping and targeted prevention first. Make it simple: the Flea & Tick Shampoo + Spray Bundle covers steps 1 and 3 while you handle checks and yard basics.
U.S. Tick-Borne Risks to Watch Across the U.S.
Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and more. If you notice fever, lethargy, stiff joints, appetite loss, or behavioral changes after outdoor exposure, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Here’s the short, practical take for the U.S.—both where ticks tend to be and why they like those spots.
U.S. regions with more tick pressure
Northeast & Mid-Atlantic; Upper Midwest (blacklegged/deer tick hotbeds). Risk is highest spring–fall, but adults quest any winter day above freezing.
Southeast & Mid-South (lots of lone star ticks; longer warm season = longer risk window).
Pacific Coast pockets (Northern CA/OR) and some interior West areas, mostly in moist, wooded habitats. Local risk varies by county.
Yard & neighborhood “ticky” spots (even just a little)
Edges of lawns/woodlines, along trails, and ecotones (where forest meets grass). These “edges” hold moisture, small mammals, and cover—perfect for ticks.
Leaf litter, tall/overgrown grass, brushy beds, groundcovers (ivy, pachysandra)—they trap humidity and shade the ground.
Stone walls, woodpiles, compost, sheds—rodents and other hosts hang here, bringing ticks with them.
Bird-feeder zones—feeders attract mice, chipmunks, and squirrels (common tick hosts).
Invasive shrubs like Japanese barberry—dense thickets make a humid “tick hotel.” Removing barberry has cut tick and infected-tick counts in studies.
Urban parks/greenways—not just “country” problem; parks with forest patches and wildlife corridors can have plenty of ticks.
Why these places?
Ticks need:
Moisture + shade so they don’t dry out (leaf litter, dense shrubs, groundcovers). CDC
Hosts (mice, deer, squirrels, birds, pets, people) to feed and move around the landscape. Host-rich edges and cluttered yard spots raise odds you’ll “brush past” a questing tick. PMC
Quick tweaks that help
Keep grass trimmed; clear leaf litter; thin dense groundcovers.
Relocate bird feeders away from play areas; elevate/cover woodpiles; secure compost.
If you can only do one thing, clean up the lawn-to-woods edge (plus a simple chip/gravel border) to dry out that high-risk strip. CDC
FAQ
Q1: Will a plant-based spray really help without daily baths? Yes—our approach emphasizes pre-exposure misting plus quick manual checks. Baths stay on your normal schedule.
Q2: Are PawPurity products pesticide-free? Yes. We focus on plant-forward care to support skin and coat while helping deter pests.
Q3: Do I still need tick checks if I use the spray? Absolutely. No single step is 100%. A 60-second daily check is your best backup.
Q4: When should I consider stronger measures? High-pressure regions or medical risks may warrant vet-guided options. Start gently, monitor, and decide with your veterinarian.
Q5: Can I use human repellents on my dog? No, ingredients and doses differ. Stick with dog-specific products.
Ready to protect without harsh pesticides? Shield before walks, check after, cleanse on your schedule.
