What is a dog microchip, and what does it do?
A microchip is a small transmitter, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted under a dog's skin in the subcutaneous layer. It contains a specific serial number, which can be read with a microchip scanner. This allows the company associated with the microchip to identify the dog and access its information.
Can microchips be used to track my dog?
No, microchips cannot be used to track your dog like a GPS device or an Apple Air Tag. They only contain a specific serial number and require a scanner to read. The microchip does not provide live tracking capabilities.
How do I get my dog microchipped?
To microchip your dog, a specific microchip ID scanner is used. This scanner, which resembles a Gameboy blocky device, is powered on and passed over the area where the microchip is usually implanted, between the shoulder blades. If the dog is microchipped, the scanner will detect the serial number.
Is there a certain type of microchip I need to get for my dog?
There isn't a specific type of microchip required. At Deer Park, we use Home Again microchips, but any reputable source, we recommend Home Again.
Does microchipping hurt dogs?
Microchipping can cause a slight pinch because it involves a relatively large needle. Some pet owners opt to have their pets microchipped while they are under general anesthesia for other procedures, like spaying or neutering. The process is quick, taking only about two seconds. We pinch up the skin, make a nice skin tint, and then press the needle, kind of inject into the dog's or cat's skin, pull back, and then make sure we close the skin with our fingertips, and then the microchip is in within that subcutaneous area. This all can be done while the pet is awake.
Is it possible for my dog to have a negative reaction to a microchip?
It's very rare, but I have had one patient, a Siberian husky that did have a minor kind of reaction to it, but we just took it out quickly, and then we didn't use that kind of specific microchip again.
Are there major risks associated with having a microchip implanted on my dog?
There are no major risks associated with microchipping that I am aware of, aside from the rare case mentioned earlier, which was easily fixed.
What does the dog microchip registration process look like?
After the microchip is implanted, the medical care team enters the information into their system. The pet owner then needs to complete the registration application online, providing their home address and phone number. Importantly, the personal information is not used to track the family.
Who can scan my dog's microchip information?
Veterinarian offices, rescue agencies, and some individuals with microchip scanners can read a dog's microchip information.
Will a microchip really make it more likely for me to get my pet back if it is lost?
Absolutely. We one hundred percent recommend that animals, furry family members, get microchipped for sure. It significantly increases the chances of being reunited with your furry friend if they become lost.
How can I find out if my new dog needs to be microchipped?
It depends on whether the dog is from a breeder or a rescue facility. If the dog or cat is from the rescue facility, it likely already has a microchip. But if it's a stray, they would scan it for a microchip. If it's a kitten, like the kitten distribution system that they talk about on TikTok, it may have a microchip, most likely not, though. So, taking the pet to or the stray animal to the the vet hospital, we would scan, but you can never really know unless you scan. That's the only way to know for sure..
What do I do if my dog has a microchip from a previous owner?
If your dog has a microchip from a previous owner, take it to a vet hospital or rescue agency. They can scan the chip, look up the previous owner's information, and follow a protocol to ensure the rightful owner is not searching for the pet.
Are there other smart products that can connect to my dog's microchip?
No, reputable microchip sources like Home Again do not allow other smart products to connect to the microchip transmitter. Only microchip scanners should have access to the information.
Are there any privacy concerns with microchipping my dog? Will someone else be able to track us?
No, there are no privacy concerns as long as someone doesn't have a scanning device. Even if they see the serial number, it would be meaningless to them without looking it up through the agency or company, and even then, they wouldn't have access to personal information.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (513) 791-8550 , or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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