Preparing for the addition of a new dog to your family involves a seemingly never-ending list of tasks. Aside from the usual considerations, such as finding a suitable vet and ensuring they receive any required vaccinations, there are finer details to attend to. One of the most crucial aspects is safeguarding your beloved pet against the unfortunate event of them missing.
Dog microchipping emerges as the optimal solution to provide your furry friend with the best chance of finding their way back home to you, especially in uncertain situations like relocating or dealing with an anxious pup. By having your dog microchipped, you grant them additional protection, ensuring their safety and facilitating their traceability back to your family. This comprehensive guide from Parliament Animal Hospital will acquaint you with all the essential information regarding the microchipping process.
What is Microchipping a Dog?
A microchip is a tiny electronic device inserted underneath your dog’s skin, containing a unique code. When a reader scans this chip, it connects to a database of information, enabling your dog to be traced back to you.
The process of microchipping is straightforward. It is typically performed by a trained professional, often a veterinarian or someone who has completed a specialized course in microchipping animals.
During the procedure, a needle is gently inserted under your dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades on the back of their neck. The microchip, no larger than a grain of rice, is placed under the skin through the needle. Once implanted, the microchip remains safely in place for your dog’s life, requiring only periodic updates to keep the information current. Remarkably, this process is quick and painless, requiring no anesthesia or extensive aftercare. The small wound heals rapidly after the procedure is completed.
How Do Dog Microchips Work?
Dog microchips utilize ingenious technology, each containing a unique number transmitted via radio. When a handheld scanner is passed over the microchip, it reads and displays this distinctive number to the person conducting the scan. With this number, you can access a database to identify the individual registered as the chip’s owner.
Multiple companies distribute and register these microchips, and typically, you will be directed to a specific company’s website, where you can request access to the information linked to the chip number. To safeguard privacy under GDPR, access to this information is usually restricted to organizations like vet practices or dog rehoming centers. This measure prevents unauthorized individuals from obtaining personal details about the chip’s owner.
Benefits of Microchipping Your Dog
Microchipping your dog offers a highly cost-effective and preventative solution, providing an additional layer of protection if your furry companion loses their collar and tags. When lost dogs are discovered and taken to shelters or animal hospitals, the dedicated staff employs a special scanner to read the unique identification number embedded in the microchip. This number allows them to access essential contact information for the dog’s owner. Notably, the scanner works like contactless credit cards, eliminating the need for physical contact with the dog’s skin.
What to do after microchipping your dog
After microchipping your dog, there are several essential steps to take to ensure their safety and maximize the benefits of the microchip:
Register the Microchip:
It is crucial to register the microchip with the appropriate pet recovery database. This step ensures that your contact information is linked to the microchip’s unique identification number. If your dog goes missing, this information will be vital in reuniting you with your pet.
Update Contact Information:
If you move or change your contact details, update the information in the pet recovery database. Keeping your contact information current will increase the chances of your dog being returned to you if they are found.
Keep the Information Visible:
Even though your dog has a microchip, keeping their regular ID tags on their collar is still a good idea. These tags should include their name, phone number, and other relevant contact information. It provides an additional means for someone to contact you directly if they find your dog.
Inform Others:
Let your veterinarian and local animal shelters know your dog has been microchipped. This way, they can note it in their records and be aware of the microchip if your dog ever comes into their care.
Regular Check-ups:
During routine veterinary check-ups, ask the vet to scan the microchip to ensure it’s still functioning correctly and hasn’t migrated to a different location under the skin.
Responsible Pet Ownership:
Remember that a microchip is not a substitute for responsible pet ownership. Always keep your dog on a leash or within a secure, fenced area when outside. Additionally, keep them up-to-date with vaccinations and regular health check-ups.
Why You Should Microchip Your Dog
Microchipping your dog is something every responsible pet owner should seriously consider. It offers some fantastic benefits and provides an extra layer of protection for your furry friend.
Microchipping your dog offers several compelling reasons why it is a crucial step for responsible pet owners:
Enhanced Identification:
A microchip provides your dog with a permanent form of identification. Unlike traditional ID tags that can fall off or become unreadable, a microchip remains safely implanted under your dog’s skin throughout life.
Safe and Painless Procedure:
Microchipping is quick, safe, and virtually painless for your dog. It involves a simple microchip injection under the skin, typically between the shoulder blades.
Increased Chances of Reunion:
In the unfortunate event that your dog gets lost or separated from you, a microchip significantly increases the likelihood of a reunion. Shelters, veterinary clinics, and animal hospitals routinely scan lost pets for microchips, facilitating quick and accurate identification of the owner.
Peace of Mind:
Microchipping provides pet owners peace of mind, knowing they have taken extra precautions to protect their furry companion. It is a reliable backup plan, complementing traditional identification methods like collars and tags.
Irremovable Identification:
Unlike collars or tags, which can be removed or lost, a microchip is a permanent form of identification that cannot be altered or tampered with by anyone other than a trained professional.
Cost-Effective:
Microchipping is a one-time investment with no ongoing expenses. Considering a lost pet’s potential costs and emotional distress, the benefits far outweigh the initial cost.
Encourages Responsible Pet Ownership:
Microchipping signifies responsible pet ownership. It demonstrates your commitment to ensuring your dog’s safety and well-being while increasing the chances of reuniting with them if they wander away.
Where can I get my dog microchipped?
If you decide to microchip your dog, you can head to Parliament Animal Hospital for the procedure. Our trained professionals will ensure the process is safe, quick, and comfortable for your furry companion. Simply schedule an appointment with Parliament Animal Hospital; theywewill take care of everything, providing your dog with a permanent form of identification and giving you peace of mind knowing that your beloved pet is protected. Contact us today.