Most animals, if gently initiated, will consider this ritual a treat. Worms can usually be detected by a simple stool sample analysis. To check for tapeworms, however, you must see the worm segments in the stool of your animal. Dogs acquire tapeworms primarily by eating fleas. Cats acquire tapeworms also by eating other animals.
Whip worms are often difficult to find in the stool, making repeated analyses necessary.
Heart worms are detected by a blood test. Parasite eradication is necessary for the general well-being of your animal. In the context of this hand-out, it is necessary because parasites activate the immune system, making it more responsive to other stimuli which might cause itch. Internal parasites can be eliminated by worming and, in the case of hookworms, also by treatment of the premises. Because the premises cannot be treated for whipworms, an animal with whipworms must not be allowed in the area in which it had been defecating.