Yearly Heartworm Injections – Easy, Reliable Protection
At Pittwater Animal Hospital, we recommend yearly heartworm prevention injections (SR12) for all dogs. This single injection protects your dog for 12 months straight — no monthly doses to remember.
Many owners choose to have their dog’s heartworm injection done at the same time as their annual vaccination and health check. It’s also the perfect opportunity to combine it with their yearly tick and flea injection, giving complete parasite protection in just one visit.
💡 Cost tip: The cost of both the SR12 and tick/flea injections increases with dog size. If you’d like an estimate before booking, please book online or message us via the website, and our reception team will send you a personalised quote.
New Puppy Heartworm Program
Our updated program ensures puppies are fully protected from the beginning:
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12 weeks to 6 months – Monthly heartworm tablets.
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6 months – First SR12 yearly injection.
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15 months – Second SR12 injection.
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Every year thereafter – Annual injections for lifelong protection.
This schedule provides uninterrupted cover during rapid growth and sets your dog up for reliable, long-term prevention.
Other Heartworm Prevention Options
Monthly chewable tablets or spot-on treatments can be very effective — but only if given consistently and on time. Late or missed doses leave your dog unprotected.
If you’re moving from monthly prevention to the SR12 injection because of missed doses or difficulty keeping on schedule, we’ll perform a free heartworm blood test before starting the injection. This is also recommended if your dog is significantly overdue.
Why Heartworm Prevention Matters
Heartworm is a serious, potentially fatal disease spread by mosquitoes. Your dog can be infected even without contact with other dogs.
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Microscopic larvae are transmitted via a mosquito bite.
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These grow into worms up to 30 cm long, living in the heart and major blood vessels.
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Signs can include persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
The Northern Beaches currently has a very low risk thanks to widespread prevention. However, travelling outside the area — especially to Queensland or rural Australia — greatly increases the danger.
Why We Recommend SR12
The SR12 yearly injection is the most reliable and convenient prevention for busy owners:
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No monthly reminders or missed doses.
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Given by our veterinary team for accurate dosing.
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Proven slow-release formula with an excellent safety record.
Safety and Side Effects
We’ve been giving SR12 injections for nearly 20 years with outstanding safety results. Occasionally, a small lump may appear at the injection site — it usually resolves on its own within 6 weeks.
Make an Appointment with the Vet →
Call us on 9913 7979
Or message us through the website or email reception@pittvets.au
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