If your dog is due for it’s SR12 injection to protect it from heartworm disease for the year you can
Make an Appointment with the Vet
or call us on 9913 7979
At Pittwater Animal Hospital we recommend all dogs receive a Yearly Heartworm prevention injection called SR12. This is usually given at the same time as your dog’s annual vaccination and health check.
Heartworm is a parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes. Dogs can contract heartworm even if they never come in physical contact with any other dogs. Microscopic parasites are injected into the dog which finally lodge inside your dog’s heart growing to up to 30cm in length. The signs of heartworm disease include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, listlessness or depression, decreased appetite and weight loss.
The Northern Beaches used to be a high incidence area for heartworm but this has been well controlled due to the use of parasite controls.
There are many ways to avoid heartworm through antiparasitic treatment. At Pittwater Animal Hospital we have found we get the best protection and medication compliance with the once yearly injection SR12.
Treatment is started at 12-16 weeks, retreated at 6 months as your puppy is growing then given regularly at yearly vaccinations from 15 months.
We have been administering SR12 injections for over 10 years and have not had any reports of adverse side effects. Sometimes there will be small swelling at the injection site. If this happens the lump will resolve after 6 weeks.
Make an Appointment with the Vet
or call us on 9913 7979
