‘COOKIE MONSTER’ THE DOG GETS A SECOND CHANCE AS AWLQ WARNS HEARTWORM CASES HAVE MORE THAN DOUBLED

  • Heartworm cases have more than doubled across AWLQ centres, with 116 confirmed cases since February 2025.
  •  Stray dog ‘Cookie Monster’ endured months of intensive heartworm treatment before testing negative and being adopted by his foster family
  • April marks Heartworm Protection Month. AWLQ is urging dog owners to act now, with prevention far safer and cheaper than treatment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
24 April, 2026

Gold Coast, Queensland — A single mosquito bite can lead to a life-threatening disease costing dog owners thousands to treat, and Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) says more dog owners are taking that risk.

Heartworm cases across AWLQ’s rehoming centres have more than doubled in the past year, with 116 confirmed cases since February 2025, as the organisation warns the preventable disease is on the rise.

The warning comes as April marks Heartworm Protection Month, with AWLQ urging dog owners to act now, before a missed dose becomes a costly and potentially fatal diagnosis.

Cookie Monster, a Mastiff x Great Dane, is one of the lucky ones.

When he arrived at AWLQ’s Gold Coast Animal Rehoming Centre as a stray in December, he appeared to be a happy, healthy dog. But routine testing revealed a hidden and dangerous truth, he was heartworm positive.

What followed was months of intensive treatment, strict confinement, and ongoing veterinary care.

Now, after a long and difficult recovery, Cookie Monster has tested negative and has been officially adopted by his foster family.

Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes. Once infected, worms grow inside a dog’s heart and lungs, causing damage that can become fatal if left untreated. Many dogs show no obvious signs until the disease has progressed.

Across AWLQ’s rehoming centres, cases have risen from 36 between January and November 2024 to over 83 in the same period in 2025. In 2026, there have already been 33 confirmed cases.

AWLQ Head of Prevention and Advocacy, Melinda Phipps said the increase was deeply concerning.

“We know cost-of-living pressures mean some families may be delaying or skipping preventatives, but heartworm is widespread and no dog is immune,” Ms Phipps said.

“A missed preventative can quickly become a serious and expensive problem. During Heartworm Protection Month, we’re urging owners to check their dog’s prevention is up to date and speak with their vet if they’re unsure.”

If a dog is diagnosed with heartworm, treatment can take more than three months and cost up to $2,750. For AWLQ, the impact has been significant, with many dogs arriving in care heartworm positive and treatment costing over $300,000 a year.

AWLQ is urging dog owners to speak with their vet about prevention options, including monthly oral chews, topical treatments, or yearly injections. There are also different priced options for preventative treatment. A quick in-clinic blood test can also check for adult heartworm in just 10 to 15 minutes.

-ENDS- 

For all media enquiries and interview requests, please contact: 

Christian Bowman
Head of Marketing and Digital
[email protected] 

About Animal Welfare League Queensland 

Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) has supported animals in need since 1959. Through community programs, rehoming centres and veterinary services, AWLQ provides care and a second chance for thousands of animals each year. As a charity, AWLQ relies on community support to continue its vital work across Queensland. Visit http://www.awlqld.com.au