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Natural Flea Repellents That Actually Work

by Lisa Porter in Flea & Tick Protection

The Heartbreaking Truth About "Safe" Flea Treatments

Every year, countless pet parents unknowingly expose their dogs to harmful flea and tick treatments. I learned this the hard way—when my King Charles spaniel crossed the rainbow bridge at just seven years old. The cause? A spot-on repellent I thought was safe because it was vet-recommended.

That heartbreaking experience changed everything for me. I knew there had to be a better, safer way to protect our pets, so as you may have guessed, PawPurity Flea & Tick Shampoo and PawPurity Flea & Tick Spray were born.

Our plant-based flea and tick shampoo and spray are formulated to repel pests without toxic chemicals. But they also do something most treatments don’t: they nourish and strengthen your dog’s skin and coat at the same time.

Why Chemical Flea Treatments Are Failing Your Dog

Most pet parents don't realize that traditional flea and tick treatments often create more problems than they solve. These chemical-laden products contain harsh pesticides like pyrethrins, pyrethroids, and permethrin that can cause skin irritation, neurological symptoms, and even seizures in sensitive dogs. Even worse, your dog's skin is 3-5 times thinner than human skin, meaning these toxic ingredients absorb directly into their bloodstream. When dogs groom themselves, they're also ingesting these harmful chemicals. The result? A cycle of skin sensitivity, allergic reactions, and health issues that leave your dog more vulnerable—not more protected. It's time for a safer approach that actually works with your dog's natural defenses, not against them.

Why Natural Flea & Tick Protection Matters

PawPurity’s plant-based flea and tick repellents are formulated to be not only effective but also gentle and nourishing for your dog’s skin and coat. Unlike formulas that use pesticides, ours carefully combined natural ingredients to repel pests safely without toxic chemicals.

Many customers have even told us it kills adult fleas during baths. While it’s designed as a repellent, it’s powerful enough to make a visible difference quickly.

The following are some repelling ingredients we use in PawPurity Flea & Tick Shampoo that are proven effective in warding off fleas and ticks on dogs. Keep in mind, it is a repellent rather than a pesticide.

We use these key ingredients because when combined, they prove highly effective. PawPurity's flea & tick treatment is potent, safe and natural. However, none should be used on your pet's skin alone.

Key Natural Ingredients PawPurity Uses in its Flea & Tick Repellent Treatments

Apple Cider Vinegar

Balances your dog’s pH levels to create an environment that fleas can’t thrive in. It also helps relieve dryness, itchiness, and skin infections.

Marjoram Essential Oil

A safer alternative to tea tree oil. It’s a natural antibacterial agent that conditions the coat, soothes skin, and helps repel fleas and ticks.

Witch Hazel

Acts as a natural astringent that reduces swelling, repairs irritated skin, and keeps pests like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes at bay.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Toxic to fleas and ticks but safe for dogs. This powerful essential oil also supports skin and coat health with antibacterial and antifungal benefits.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Repels insects while making your dog smell naturally fresh. Rich in iron, which helps prevent hair loss and promotes a healthy coat. We don't use Lemongrass in excess.

Calendula

Soothes flea bites and inflammation. It’s especially helpful for dogs with sensitive skin, eczema, or reactions to poison ivy.

Rosemary Extract

A potent antioxidant and natural preservative. It helps reduce skin irritation, supports healing, and repels insects with its strong herbal aroma.

Yucca

Naturally deodorizing and anti-inflammatory. Yucca helps soothe itchy skin and enhances the effectiveness of other repelling ingredients.

"It is important to understand that most natural flea and tick repellents should be used as a balanced compound and not on their own. Below are some of the ingredients we use. PawPurity has found that it is the most powerful and safest combination to repellent fleas, ticks, no-see-ums and mosquitoes." Lisa Porter, Founder, PawPurity

See the difference a gentle, chemical-free treatment makes.
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Post-Flea & Tick Repellent Bath Protection

After bathing your dog with this natural flea and tick shampoo, it’s highly recommended to use a flea and tick spray before going outdoors as a precautionary follow-up. PawPurity Flea & Tick Spray contains 11 repellents and provides a combined total of 118 natural conditioning agents to improve & maintain your dog’s skin & coat. If you travel with pets and visit new places, make sure to mist your pet with the spray. Prevention is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this safe for puppies?
A: Yes, our formula is gentle enough for puppies 12 weeks and older. Always do a patch test before full use.

Q: How often should I bathe my dog with this shampoo?
A: Once every 7–10 days during flea and tick season, or as needed if your dog is exposed to high-risk environments.

Q: Does it kill fleas or just repel them?
A: It is designed as a natural repellent, but many customers report that adult fleas die during bathing.

Q: Can I use this on my cat?
A: The shampoo can be used on your cat. It works wonders on cats with dry skin, dander, hot spots, and coarse fur. The spray may be used in moderation on cats.

Q: Does the spray replace the shampoo?
A: No. The shampoo cleans and repels, while the spray is meant for daily use in between baths to maintain protection.

🐾 Prevention is powerful. Protect your pup the natural way—every day.
Order your natural flea & tick set today →

Tags: chemical-exposure-pets chemical-free-grooming chemical-sensitivity-dogs flea-ingredient-warnings holistic-flea-control ingredient-awareness natural-protection-methods natural-repellent-education pet-parent-awareness pet-product-safety-guide pet-wellness-education plant-based-alternatives safe-bathing-practices shampoo-reaction-prevention toxic-pesticide-ingredients

February 27, 2025

Do Ticks Survive in Winter?

Now that winter is settling in, everyone is probably wondering if ticks are still a threat. Are they going to go away until next spring? Can we relax now that the colder weather is here? In this blog post, we’ll explore whether or not ticks survive in winter and offer tips on protecting your pets from these pesky critters. Read on to learn more! Ticks In Winter – Do They Die Off? As the weather gets colder, you’d think ticks would go into hibernation or die off. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Although they are less active in winter, ticks can survive the cold months by going into what’s called “torpor.” In torpor, ticks enter a dormant state where their metabolism slows down, and they don’t move around much. They can stay in this state for long periods, even months. So if there are any ticks on your property at all or wherever you take your dog or cat on walks, there’s a good chance they’re just waiting for the right moment to come out and bite your furbaby. The best way to protect your pet from ticks is to take preventative measures year-round. How do Ticks Survive in Winter? Ticks are tiny arachnids that feed on the blood of animals, including humans. While they are most active in the spring and summer, during cold winter temperatures they continue to seek out hosts. They look for places to overwinter, such as cracks in buildings or under the bark of trees. Once they find a suitable spot, they enter a state of dormancy known as quiescence. Ticks can remain in this state for several months, waiting for warmer weather before reaching their typical level of activity again. While quiescent ticks are not feeding on animals or reproducing, they can still transmit diseases. As a result, it is vital to take precautions against ticks year-round. Ticks can transmit diseases even when they are not actively feeding on animals or reproducing. Ticks Can Be Extremely Dangerous! Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their host, and they can carry dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. These diseases can cause serious health problems for your pet, including fever, lethargy, joint pain, and even death. The best way to protect your pet is to keep them away from areas where ticks are commonly found, such as tall grasses or woods. You should also regularly check your pet for ticks and remove them immediately if you find any. PawPurity urges you to try using a natural flea treatment before one with chemicals and pesticides, as they can cause their own set of problems. How To Prevent Tick Bites During the Cold Season Here are a few tips to help prevent tick bites on your pet: Inspect your pet for ticks daily, especially if they’ve been in areas known to have fleas and ticks such as wooded or grassy areas. Look for small, dark spots on their skin. Use a tick preventive treatment year-round, even in winter. Many different products are available, so talk to your veterinarian about which is right for your pet. If you want to avoid chemicals and pesticides, PawPurity Flea & Tick Shampoo and Spray Kit is a good option. While the spray reads for dogs only, it also may be used on cats for occasional walks. Keep your yard clean and free of debris where ticks can hide. Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention products, such as topical treatments or collar-impregnated insecticides. However, as a pet owner, I believe in the power of natural tick repellents. What Do Ticks Look Like In Winter? How Do You Identify Them? When you think of ticks, you might picture them crawling on warm summer days. But they can be active even when the temperature is below freezing. So, what do ticks look like in winter, and how can you identify them? Ticks are small, dark brown or black insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. Because they carry such dangerous diseases, some of which can be fatal, it’s important to prevent any ticks from attaching to your pet’s body. Year-round protection is key. Thanks for reading. Let’s keep our four-legged babies safe!

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February 27, 2025

Safe Flea Shampoo For Kittens

Fleas are a common problem for both cats and dogs. Kittens, in particular, can be super susceptible to flea infestations as they have not yet built up the immunity that older cats have. Flea shampoos are one way to deal with a flea infestation by killing and repelling them. However, it is essential to use a safe shampoo that will not harm your furbaby and these are hard to find. This blog post will discuss the best flea shampoos for kittens and how to use them safely. Flea Health Problems for Kittens For many pet parents, dealing with fleas is a part of life. But when it comes to kittens, fleas can pose serious health risks. Kittens are especially vulnerable to flea-borne diseases like typhus and bartonellosis. And even if your kitten doesn’t contract a disease from fleas, an infestation can still lead to anemia and other health problems. This is why it’s so important to prevent fleas in the first place. And if your kitten does get fleas, you’ll need to take quick action to remove them and treat any resulting health issues. Why Should You Only Use Safe Flea Shampoo for Kittens? While many products on the market claim to kill fleas, not all are flea shampoos that are safe for kittens. In fact, some of the most popular flea shampoos contain chemicals that can be harmful to your kitten’s and even adult cats’ health. That’s why it’s essential only to use safe yet effective flea shampoo when bathing your kitten. Look for products specifically designed for kittens and contain natural ingredients like ginger, rosemary, cedarwood, lemongrass, and other flea repellent natural herbs and oils that are formulated in a way that won’t disrupt your kitty’s ph level and natural oil balance. These products are gentle on your kitten’s skin and won’t cause harm if accidentally swallowed or licked off during your furbaby’s self grooming. Repelling Ingredients in Flea Shampoos That are Safe for Kittens When choosing a flea shampoo, you want to make sure you are using a gentle product for your kitten’s delicate skin. Here are a few ingredients to look for in a flea and tick shampoo for kittens that are safe and effective in repelling insects: Cedarwood is an essential oil with antibacterial and antifungal properties, yet it’s toxic to fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Plus it has conditioning agents. Rosemary is a herb with antimicrobial properties that can help keep your kitten’s skin healthy and free of infections. Insects will avoid Rosemary at all costs. Lavender is an essential oil known for its calming effects, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety in your kitten. It is also believed to have insecticidal properties, making it effective against fleas. Lemongrass is one of the best choices for flea and tick prevention. Properly formulated with other ingredients, it is an excellent fur/hair conditioner. Witch Hazel is an excellent mosquito repellent and also effective in relieving the pain from insect bites. Say “NO” to Unsafe Ingredients! There are many ingredients in flea shampoos that can be harmful to kittens. Some of these ingredients include pyrethrins, organophosphates, and methoprene. Pyrethrins are neurotoxins that can cause seizures, respiratory distress, and even death in kittens. Organophosphates are also neurotoxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Methoprene is an insecticide that can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems. Kittens should never be exposed to a flea shampoo that contains any of these ingredients. If your kitten has fleas, there are safer alternatives available. Try using PawPurity Natural Flea Shampoo for Dogs & Cats enriched with organic and soothing ingredients for your little ones. How to Bath Your Kitten With a Safe Flea Shampoo? The best way to do keep fleas off your kitten is to bathe it regularly with safe flea shampoo. Here’s how to do it: Look for a shampoo specifically designed for kittens or marked “safe for all life stages.” Wet your kitten’s fur entirely with warm water. Be sure to avoid getting water in their ears or eyes. Apply the shampoo according to the directions on the bottle. Usually, you will need to use more shampoo for a thick-coated kitten than you would for a short haired one. Massage the shampoo into your kitten’s fur and skin, being careful not to irritate their skin with your nails. If your kitten already has fleas, use a flea comb while the shampoo is still working to kill the pests. This will ensure you get them off and the flea shampoo will attack the rest. Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly with warm water. Again, be sure to avoid getting water in its ears or eyes. Towel dry your kitten and brush their fur if necessary. If your kitten is very young, you may need to help them stay warm until their fur is completely dry. Quick Questions How often should you give a bath to your kitten? Bath time for kittens should be a fun and enjoyable experience for you and your furry friend. But, we all know this isn’t the case and typically try to avoid this bathing as much as possible. So, the question is, how often should you give your kitten a bath? The general rule of thumb is if your cat has fleas, once every week should suffice or, if it’s a major infestation, even more often. If your kitten gets dirty or starts to develop an odor, then it’s probably time for a bath. If you have a long-haired kitten, you may need to bathe them more often to prevent mats and tangles from forming in their fur. You should also pay close attention to your nails and trim them regularly. How to wash your kitten without stressing it out? First, choose a quiet time when there won’t be any distractions or loud noises that could startle your kitten. Ensure the room is warm, so it doesn’t get cold during the bath. For many kittens, bath time can be scary. You may want to try supporting your kitty’s bottom while putting your furbaby in a sink with a small amount of warm water with a toy to start. This will get it used to being in water. Use a cup or pitcher to pour water over the fur, being careful not to get water in its ears or eyes. Once your pet is wet, apply a small amount of pet shampoo to the fur and massage it in gently. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until all the soap is gone. What are the dangers of using low-quality flea shampoo for kittens? Flea shampoo is a standard treatment for kittens with fleas and to ensure they don’t pick them up. However, using regular low-quality flea shampoo for kittens can be dangerous. The shampoo’s chemicals can harm the kitten’s skin, and eyes and, if used frequently, eventually their organs. Also, some ingredients in low-quality shampoo are not meant to be ingested and since kittens groom themselves, this needs to be taken into consideration. If a kitten ingests the shampoo, it can be toxic. In addition, flea shampoos often do not kill all of the fleas on the kitten, which can lead to re-infestation. It’s better to repel fleas and ticks than treat an infestation. Again, prevention is key. Bundle Up Shampoos are an essential part of caring for your young one. Flea shampoos safe for kittens can help keep them clean and free of fleas, but choosing a safe and effective product that nourishes the skin and keeps it healthy also is important. Some shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can harm these little furbabies, so it is important to read labels carefully before purchasing. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your kitten stays healthy and happy.

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February 27, 2025

What Flea Spray is Safe for Pets

Fleas, those pesky little bloodsuckers, can make your pet’s life miserable, and they are the bane of many an owner’s existence. Luckily, there are several safe flea spray products that help fight these unwanted guests before they become a problem that needs to be dealt with by chemicals or even more drastic measures like flea collars or dips. This blog post will discuss the best ingredients in an effective flea spray and how to use flea sprays for your dogs. What to Look for in a Flea Spray When it comes to flea sprays, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to ensure that the spray is safe for your pet and your family. Second, you’ll want to choose an effective spray that repels adult fleas and their eggs. Finally, you’ll want to select a spray that is easy to use and maintain. There are many flea sprays on the market, so it’s essential to do your research before making a purchase. However, if you keep these three things in mind, you should be able to find a flea spray that’s right for your needs. Dog Flea Sprays vs Cat Flea Sprays There are a few key differences to know about when considering dog flea sprays vs. cat flea sprays. For one, dogs are typically larger than cats, so their flea spray needs to be more potent to be effective. Additionally, dogs usually spend more time outdoors than do cats, so their flea spray needs to be able to withstand exposure to the elements. Finally, cats are more likely than dogs to groom themselves, so their flea spray needs to be safe for them to ingest if they lick it off. Safe Ingredients in Flea Sprays Protecting your pet from fleas is essential for their health and your peace of mind. But you also want to ensure that the products you use to protect them are safe. The most important thing to look for in a flea spray is one that is made with natural ingredients. This way, you know that it won’t be harmful to your pet if they happen to lick themselves after being sprayed. Some good ingredients to look for include eucalyptus oil and cedarwood oil, which are both known for their insect-repelling properties. Another thing to keep in mind when choosing a flea spray is how long it will last. A safe repellent spray for dogs is PawPurity All Natural Flea & Tick Spray. It’s formulated with natural organic ingredients like rosemary, cedarwood, and lemongrass. With anti-allergens and anti-inflammatory properties, it prevents them from nasty fleas and ticks. Keep in mind, this is a repelling spray. Once you’re cat or dog actually gets fleas, you may have to resort to harsher treatments. The key is to keep fleas and ticks from ever attaching themselves. PawPurity’s spray is gentle on your pet’s coat and keeps it nourished, and also so effective in killing those irritating fleas. Following is the list of ingredients: Aloe Vera Juice Ginger Lemongrass Yucca Root Colloidal Silver Apple Cider Vinegar Vegetable Glycerin Cedarwood Rosemary Lemongrass Frankincense All these ingredients are organic and gentle for the skin of your pets. In fact, the ingredients also are conditioning agents. And the best part is that this spray doesn’t smell like those pungent toxic pesticides on the market. It’s citrus/honeysuckle scent is one that insects hate and pet owners love. How to Use Flea Spray BEFORE your pet gets fleas, use a repelling spray. If you’re already dealing with a flea infestation, you may be wondering how to best use flea spray. Here are some tips: First, make sure you’re using a quality flea spray. Some sprays are more effective than others. Second, always follow the directions on the label. This will ensure that you’re using the product correctly and safely. Once your pet has fleas, PawPurity’s spray may not be enough. You may have to go for the ones with pesticides in them. Third, be sure to treat all areas in the house where your pet spends time. This includes their bedding, carpeting, and other areas where they like to hang out. Fourth, remember to treat your yard as well! Fleas can live in grass and other vegetation, so targeting those areas is vital. Finally, remember that treating fleas is an ongoing process. Precautions When Using a Flea Spray When it comes to flea sprays, you should keep a few things in mind to ensure your safety. Always read the label carefully before using any kind of spray. This will give you essential information on how to use the product safely. In general, unless the spray contains natural ingredients only, chances are there are insecticides in it and you should always wear gloves when using it. This will protect your hands from any chemicals in the spray. You should also ensure that you use the spray in a well-ventilated area. For example, open all the windows and doors in the room where you’ll be spraying. Finally, be sure to follow all of the instructions on the label. This includes letting the spray dry completely before letting pets or children near the area where it was used. Conclusion Flea sprays are essential for pet care, but choosing the right one is crucial. Remember, it’s much easier and better for your pet and family (especially children) to prevent a flea infestation rather than treat one. We’ve highlighted some safe and effective guides for you to follow. Send us your questions regarding PawPurity’s Flea Spray. We would love to answer your queries.

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Natural Flea Repellents That Actually Work

The Heartbreaking Truth About "Safe" Flea Treatments

Why Chemical Flea Treatments Are Failing Your Dog

Why Natural Flea & Tick Protection Matters