What is a Microchip?

We all know that having a dog is like having another member of the family.  Unfortunately, some dogs have a very high prey drive, or an instinct to wander off and get lost.  The bad thing is that when they do this, they do not have the ability to communicate to anyone who they are or where they came from.  There are many helpful steps that you can take, including getting your dog microchipped.  A microchip can help permanently keep information about your dog and you (the owner) attached to them.  That way, if your dog gets lost, people have a way of figuring out who they are and return them safely to their owner.

What is a microchip?  It is a small electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder.  The chip creates a radio wave which transmits data.  The interesting part about the microchip is that it can be scanned and has an ID number associated with it.  There are certain national databases where you can register your dog’s ID number and the contact information attached to it.  This is one of the safest and dependable ways to find lost pets if they ever run away from home.

The process of microchipping your dog is almost completely pain-free.  Your veterinarian simply injects the microchip with a hypodermic needle in the loose skin near the dog’s shoulder.  It is important to know that the process does not require any anesthesia or surgery.  Some people are concerned about the safety of microchipped.  There are some risks associated with microchips, but these complications are rare.  There is a chance that the microchip can be implanted incorrectly which may cause cancerous tumors.  However, the benefits of microchipping your dog outweigh any potential risks.  Microchipping uses technology to your advantage and helps you get your dog home safe.  That sounds like a win-win to us!