Because treatment for worms can be both dangerous for the pet
and expensive for the owner, preventing worms is the best way to
deal with the problem. Cats and dogs are susceptible to at least
two kinds of worms: intestinal and heart worms. Your
veterinarian can give blood tests for these worms, which should
be done at least yearly so that prompt treatment can begin if
they are found. Worm larvae (lar-vee) can be ingested by your
pet in infected feces (fee-sees) and through some mosquito and
flea bites. Intestinal worms are usually seen on a pet's feces,
but heart worms can only be detected through blood tests or
severe symptoms such as weakness and weight loss. While
intestinal worms are easily treated, heart worms are more
serious and can be fatal. Protect your pet against worms with
medication and information from your veterinarian.