Microchipping your dog can greatly increase the chances that they are reunited with you if they get lost. Today, our Little Rock vet team shares more about the benefits of microchipping.
There was a time that the only option for identifying a dog was a license tag, which is still an effective way to tell which dog belongs to which family. Unfortunately, tags and collars can fall off (or be removed), making it difficult to find lost or missing dogs.
Veterinarian-applied medical tattoos were the preferred option for a long time, but this required the owners to register the tattoo with a national database, different veterinarians tattooed different symbols, and dogs with dark skin pigmentation hardly showed the marks. the microchip comes in!
What is a microchip for pets?
Microchips are tiny radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips. They are approximately the size of a grain of rice. In dogs, they are usually placed under the skin on the back, between the shoulder blades.
The chip is implanted with a needle during a minimally invasive procedure; surgery is not necessary. Most dogs react to receiving it with little to no discomfort, and the process also causes them little to no discomfort.
You will register the chip number with the company that produces the chip so that there will be a way to trace your dog to your household.
What about dog collars and tags?
Collars and tags are also helpful in returning lost dogs to their owners. Anyone can read a tag, and call the phone number listed on it to contact the owner. For this reason, your dog should always wear a collar with your name and contact phone number on it.
As previously mentioned, collars and tags can be easily misplaced, leaving the dog without any means of identification. Alternatively, microchips are irreplaceable and permanent. Any veterinarian or rescue group with a microchip scanner will be able to get in touch with you and connect you with your dog as long as you keep your registered information current.
Microchips should not be used in place of license tags and collars, as microchips are not externally visible as a signal that your lost dog belongs to a family. Instead, having your dog microchipped and using a tag and collar gives you the best chance of being reunited with your dog if they get lost or become separated from you.
How Microchips Work
Microchips are read using a special scanner, which is available at most veterinarians and animal shelters. Previously, different brands of chips necessitated the use of different scanners, but modern universal scanners can read all modern types of chips, regardless of brand.
When the scanner is passed over the dog's back and sides the microchip will transmit its identification number to the scanner.
The rescuer will then contact the national database, which in turn will contact the owner of the dog (that's you!) and take the next steps to reunification with your pooch.
Microchips are not only valuable for returning lost dogs but are also very helpful when it comes to proving ownership.
Are there risks to microchipping my dog?
Some pet parents may be concerned about pain, allergic reactions, or microchip internal migration. This method of identification has been in use for many years and has been implanted in millions of pets without incident. Newer microchips, in particular, have been improved, making rejection or allergic reactions extremely unlikely.
Thanks to microchips, dogs can be reunited with their loving families even years after being separated from them. Speak to your Little Rock vets about having your canine companion microchipped as soon as possible!
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.