Smart Parasite & Disease Prevention
At Raw Essentials, we believe prevention should be thoughtful, evidence-based, and tailored to the individual — not simply done by default. Every pet is different. Their lifestyle, environment, age, and health status all influence what they truly need.
Routine worming, flea treatments, and annual vaccinations are common practice across New Zealand — but more isn’t always better. An informed approach considers actual risk, confirmed need, and the whole animal, including immune resilience and gut health.
By using tools like faecal egg counts, regular flea checks, and titre testing, pet parents can make decisions based on evidence rather than assumption. It’s not about avoiding treatment when it’s necessary — it’s about using the right treatment, at the right time, for the right reason.
Because when it comes to your pet’s health, smart care is proactive, individualised, and always centred around their wellbeing.
Faecal Egg Counts (FECs) Before Worming
Routine worming is common practice in New Zealand. However, without evidence of parasite burden, it may not reflect an individual pet’s current needs. Repeated treatments increase overall treatment exposure and may influence the gut microbiome — something we aim to protect and support — so an informed, individualised approach can be helpful where practical.
What is a FEC?
A faecal egg count is a simple stool test performed through your vet clinic to measure worm egg burden.
Why use FEC-guided worming?
✔ Helps tailor decisions to the individual
✔ May reduce unnecessary treatments
✔ Supports thoughtful parasite management
✔ Complements veterinary guidance
Worming may be appropriate depending on risk and veterinary advice, particularly when:
Eggs are detected on FEC
Clinical signs are present (e.g. diarrhoea, weight loss, pot-belly in pups)
Risk is high (multi-pet households, kennels, heavy contamination)
👉 Learn more:
rawessentials.co.nz/education/natural-flea-and-worm-control
Check for Fleas Before Treating - Don't Guess!
Fleas are common and often missed.
How to check:
• Look for flea dirt (black specks) or live fleas
• Use a fine-toothed flea comb
• Do the white paper test — red staining from black specks indicates digested blood
Why it matters:
Fleas don’t just cause itching — they can:
Transmit tapeworm
Trigger flea allergy dermatitis
Stress the immune system
Nobody wants a flea burden, so management is essential. When treatment is required, we recommend targeted chemical use as indicated (commonly Advantage or plain Revolution), alongside environmental control.
Supportive measures:
Vacuuming and washing bedding
Regular combing
Pet-formulated topical deterrents (used appropriately)
Nutritional support for skin resilience
👉 Practical overview:
rawessentials.co.nz/education/natural-flea-and-worm-control
Titre Testing for Vaccine Immunity in Dogs
Titre testing measures immunity to core diseases such as parvovirus and distemper for dogs.
Why consider it?
Confirms immunity instead of automatically re-vaccinating
Reduces unnecessary vaccinations
Tailors care to your individual pet
Particularly helpful in mature or low-risk pets, or in individuals where minimising medical intervention is clinically appropriate.
How it works:
A small blood sample is taken by your vet
Some clinics can run the test in-house (more cost-effective)
If immunity is adequate, revaccination may not be needed at that time
👉 Learn more:
rawessentials.co.nz/education/vaccinations
Putting It All Together — A Smarter, Individualised Approach
Alongside routine veterinary schedules, we support a risk-assessed, evidence-based strategy:
🐾 Consider FEC’s before worming
🐾 Perform regular flea checks and environmental control
🐾 Use titre testing where appropriate
🐾 Use chemical treatments when clearly indicated
This approach:
✔ Minimises unnecessary exposure
✔ Supports immune and microbiome health
✔ Promotes informed, individualised care
Further Education & Support
See our Sustainable Health Care Options resource for NZ-based integrative veterinary services and educational videos.
These resources are designed to complement the care provided by your primary veterinarian.
Need Help Deciding?
Our team is happy to talk through your pet’s specific situation and direct you to appropriate resources.
Learn more:
rawessentials.co.nz/education/natural-flea-and-worm-control
rawessentials.co.nz/education/vaccinations
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RAW ESSENTIALS | Wildly Good Advice & Nutrition
New Zealand's raw pet food experts
Frozen raw, treats and freeze dried pet food
17 pet friendly stores across New Zealand
help@rawessentials.co.nz
Copyright Raw Essentials Limited. All rights reserved.