Heartworm in Dogs: The Silent Killer You Can Prevent

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects dogs across Australia. The concerning part? Many infected dogs show no obvious signs until the disease is already advanced.

The good news is that heartworm is completely preventable with the right protection plan.

What is Heartworm

Heartworm is caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart and major blood vessels of infected dogs. It is spread by mosquitoes, meaning any dog exposed to mosquitoes is at risk - even indoor pets.

Once infected, the worms grow and multiply, causing damage to the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels.

Why Heartworm is So Dangerous

Heartworm is often called the silent killer because early stages of the disease can go unnoticed.

As the disease progresses, you may see:

• Coughing
• Exercise intolerance
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Difficulty breathing

In severe cases, heartworm can lead to heart failure and death.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Treating heartworm is:

• Expensive
• Lengthy
• Risky for your dog

Prevention, on the other hand, is simple and highly effective.

Heartworm Prevention Options

There are several ways to protect your dog from heartworm, including:

• Monthly tablets or chews
• Spot-on treatments
• Annual injections

The most important thing is consistency - missing even one dose can leave your dog at risk.

Why We Recommend the ProHeart Injection

At Vet Cross, we commonly recommend the ProHeart injection for dogs as a convenient and reliable option.

Benefits include:

• 12 months of protection from a single injection
• No need to remember monthly treatments
• Reduced risk of missed doses
• Peace of mind for busy pet owners

For many families, this is the easiest way to ensure their dog stays protected year-round.

Do Dogs Need Testing First?

Yes - before starting heartworm prevention (including the injection), your dog may require a heartworm test.

This ensures it is safe to begin prevention and allows us to tailor the best plan for your pet. 

Stay Protected Year-Round

Heartworm risk is present all year round in Queensland due to mosquito activity. That's why ongoing, uninterrupted prevention is essential.

Book Your Dog's Heartworm Prevention

If your dog is not currently protected or you'd like to switch to a simpler option, our team can help.

Contact Vet Cross to:

• Arrange a heartworm test
• Start prevention
• Discuss whether the annual injection is right for your dog