Survey Reveals Dog Owners Don’t Understand Heartwo

The results from the Australian Dog Owner Survey,1 commissioned by PawClub, have revealed that veterinarians still have a job to do to ensure dog owners understand the risks, symptoms and prevention strategies associated with heartworm.
The survey canvassed 1,660 dog owners to learn more about their habits and their awareness of heartworm.

The survey revealed that 1 in 3 dog owners incorrectly believe that birds or food can cause heartworm infection in dogs.

There were also misconceptions about heartworm symptoms with almost 1 in 5 reporting hair loss as a symptom, and 6% believing increased barking was a sign of heartworm.

64% of dog owners administered monthly heartworm prevention AFTER it was due1
Of most concern was the fact that, although 99% of dog owners acknowledged that heartworm could be fatal for dogs, 8% don’t use any prevention, and although 48% use monthly prevention, many dog owners are missing doses. In fact, 64% of Australian dog owners admitted administering monthly prevention after it was due and 5% administered monthly prevention more than one month after it was due.
These findings support recent data from the Heartworm Surveillance Project, which found that 40% of recently-reported heartworm cases were in dogs on monthly heartworm tablets or spot-ons.2

References: 1. PawClub, Australian Dog Owner Survey, Weber Shandwick, December 2015. 2. Heartworm Surveillance Project. Available from: vetsaustralia.com.au/heartworm. Accessed on 12/10/15.
Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd. Level 6, 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes NSW 2138. © 2016 Zoetis Inc. All rights reserved. April 2016. SR11359.

Keep your dog protected year-round. Book your heartworm prevention appointment at Vet HQ Darlinghurst or Double Bay today. Learn more on our Preventive Health page.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Dr Geoff Golovsky

Dr Geoff Golovsky is the founder and Director of Vet HQ. Established in 2006, Geoff built a thriving, community-focused practice known for its exceptional care and a close-knit culture. A University of Sydney honours graduate, his career has spanned Australia, the UK, and Thailand. With professional passions in surgery, diagnostic imaging, and client connection,

Geoff believes that great veterinary medicine is built on the values of collaboration, communication, and compassion that define Vet HQ today. When not at work, he enjoys time with his wife Tammy, their three children, and their beloved pets.

Practical Pet Tips from Vet HQ

Mosquitoes spread heartworm – protection is vital year-round in Sydney.

Use monthly preventive chews or an annual injection from Vet HQ.

Missing just one dose can leave your dog unprotected.

Annual testing helps catch infections early for successful treatment.

Key Takeaways from Dr Geoff’s Blog Vet Darlinghurst & Double Bay

Many owners underestimate heartworm risk in urban areas.

Preventive care is cheaper and safer than treating heartworm disease.

Vet HQ offers tailored plans for dogs across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

Dr Geoff urges every owner to keep heartworm protection consistent.

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Survey Reveals Dog Owners Don’t Understand Heartworm