Despite our efforts, accidents happen, and we can’t stop them, but we can plan for them. According to studies, 1 in 3 pets become lost at some point. That’s a lot of pets that could potentially end up at a shelter or worse.
That’s why microchips were invented, to help us find our lost furry friends. How do they work? Microchips are inserted under a dog’s skin and contain a unique identification number. When a dog is lost and found, the finder takes the dog to a shelter or veterinarian, who will scan the chip to find the owner’s contact information.
In this blog, we will discuss dogs’ microchips and how they work. So, let’s get started.
What’s Inside!
What is a microchip?
It is a small electronic device implanted under a dog’s skin. It contains a unique identification number that a veterinarian or shelter can scan to find the owner’s contact information.
In addition, that ID number links to a pet recovery database where you can register your contact details. The microchip itself only stores the one identification number, not your dog’s medical history or vaccination records, according to the AVMA.
Fact: Microchips have no battery or moving parts, so according to the AVMA, they’re designed to last your dog’s entire lifetime without ever needing to be replaced.
How do dog chips work?
Dog chips contain radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. This technology transmits the chip’s fixed unique identification number to a scanner every time the chip is read.
Good to know: A microchip isn’t a GPS tracker. It has no battery and only works when a compatible scanner is held close to it, so it can’t tell you where your dog is in real time — it can only identify them once someone finds them and scans them at a shelter or vet clinic.
The unique identification number on the microchip is then linked to the owner’s contact information in a database. When the animal is lost and found, the finder takes the animal to a shelter or veterinarian, who will scan the chip to find the owner’s contact information.
Hence, microchips make it easier for owners to locate their lost pets than other tracking methods such as collars or tags.
How and where are microchips placed?
Microchips are typically implanted in a dog’s shoulder or back. This body area is relatively safe from trauma and has fats and muscle tissue that provide good electrical conductivity.
Also, it is easy to reach these areas when a veterinarian performs the procedure.
Microchips are placed using a needle or an injection gun. Most dogs don’t need to be sedated for this — it’s a quick procedure similar to a routine vaccination, per the AVMA, though the chip is often implanted at the same time if your dog is already under anesthesia for something else, like a spay or neuter. The chips have a rubber-like coating that makes them easier to insert and helps them stay in place without causing much irritation.
See a vet if: Complications are rare, but the AVMA notes that persistent swelling, infection, or hair loss at the injection site is worth a vet visit — as is a chip that seems to have moved from where it was placed.
How to check if a pup has a microchip?
The best way to find out if your dog has a microchip is to take them to a vet or shelter and have them scanned. If your dog is lost, these are the places you will likely take them to try and find their owner.
In addition, some pet stores also offer microchip scanning services for a fee. However, not all shelters and veterinarians can scan for every type of microchip. So, it is important to contact your local shelter or veterinarian to see if they can scan your pet’s chip before you go there in case your pet is lost.
Benefits of Microchipping Dog
There are several perks of microchipping your pup. Some of these benefits include:
- Easier identification of lost pets
- Reduced chances of being turned over to a shelter
- Fast and easy recovery if your pet is lost or stolen
- It can be used as a permanent form of identification
- It prevents you from having to replace your dog’s collar and tags if they get lost
- Can provide information about your pet’s health history and medications
As you can see, there are many benefits to microchipping your dog. So, if you haven’t already done so, consider having your pet microchipped. It could be the difference between finding your lost pet and never seeing them again.
FAQs
How long will a dog chip last?
Microchips don’t have a battery, so according to the AVMA, they’re designed to last your dog’s entire lifetime without needing to be replaced. Your vet may still scan it periodically just to confirm it’s working and hasn’t shifted from where it was placed.
Do all dogs need to be chipped?
There is no law mandating that all dogs must be microchipped, but it is highly recommended. Microchipping is a great way to make sure that your furry friend will be returned to you if they are ever stolen or lost.
Can a dog’s microchip be removed?
Yes, a microchip can be removed from a dog. However, it is a surgical procedure that a veterinarian should only perform.
How much does it cost to get a dog chipped?
The cost of microchipping your dog depends on the type of chip you choose and where you have it done. Generally, microchipping costs between $15 and $50 whether it’s done by a veterinarian, a shelter, or a pet retailer, according to PetMD.
Does microchipping hurt my dog?
Microchipping causes little to no pain. Most dogs feel it about as much as a routine vaccination, and it’s over in seconds, according to the VCA. The chips are coated in a rubber-like material and are about the size of a grain of rice, so most dogs barely notice.
Are there any side effects to microchipping?
Serious side effects are rare, but as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. These can include mild bleeding or bruising at the injection site, temporary swelling, or the chip migrating slightly from where it was placed, per the AVMA.
Is it safe to have my dog receive dental work while microchipped?
While there is no safety issue associated with having your dog receive dental work while they are chipped, it is important to make sure that you don’t accidentally brush your pet’s teeth during this time, as this could cause damage to the chip.
Do dogs need to be chipped every year?
No, the chip itself never needs to be replaced or re-implanted, since it has no battery and is designed to last your dog’s whole life, per the AVMA. What you do need to keep current is your contact information in the chip’s registry, so update it whenever you move or change your phone number.
The Bottom Line
Microchipping a dog has proven beneficial for owners as it reduces the chances of purchasing a new collar and tags if the pet is lost. The procedure is rarely painful and doesn’t cause any side effects. In addition, microchipping allows you to find your pet even if they are stolen or lost.
So, if you haven’t done so already, consider microchipping your furry friend. You’ll be glad you did if they are ever lost or stolen.
No info about if the chip tells when placed.