What is a dog microchip and what does it do?
A dog microchip is basically a small radio transmitter. It's about the size of a grain of rice and is implanted under your pet's skin. It can be used in a dog or a cat. We use a receiver that sends out a radio signal to the chip. There's no battery in the chip, but it picks up the signal and sends it back to the receiver, indicating a specific ID number associated with your pet. It's like an internal social security number that can't be lost.
Does getting a microchip placed hurt pets?
Not too much. We often try to do it in association with a surgery, such as a spay or neuter, because the animal is already anesthetized. The needle itself is somewhat big. This is what they look like. It's a 12-gauge needle because the chip is about the size of uncooked rice. To put things in perspective, a 12-gauge needle is bigger than a 22-gauge needle, which is commonly used for vaccines. This is a 22-gauge needle. So, if you think of the diameter of a grain of rice, that chip goes through it. Amazingly, many dogs, with a treat and some petting, don't even notice. We put it near the shoulder blades and off we go.
Is it possible for my dog to have a negative reaction to a microchip?
It's possible. Have I ever seen it? No. Usually, if anything, there's a little discomfort for some dogs or cats when we insert the chip due to the needle's size. However, probably for 95 to 97% of them, it's just like, "Oh, you gave me a treat. You're petting me. I don't care." And off we go.
What does the microchip dog registration process look like?
You basically get online and input your information because that chip is assigned to your pet. If you don't enter your information, like your phone number, name, and address, it will come back to us because we implanted the chip. Then, we would have to figure out which pet the chip is assigned to.
However, if you register it, and the Humane Society picks up your pet, they can find the chip, pull up the information, and say, "Oh, it's registered to Mr. and Mrs. Joe Smith at, 2700 Old Cheney or wherever." They can then call you directly to inform you they have your pet.
How can I find out if my new dog needs a microchip?
Just come in, and we will scan it for you. Any veterinarian can do that. Most veterinarians have this technology available. It's really easy. The scanning doesn't hurt. We just click this on and wave it over the shoulder area, and go up and down to see if a chip is present. If it is, we can write it down, and off we go.
What do I do if my dog has a microchip from a previous owner?
You would get on that company's website and change the previous owner's information to yours. That way, if your pet gets lost and the Humane Society or another animal control organization picks it up, they can identify the owner and contact you.
Are there other smart products that can connect to my dog's microchip?
Sure. With advances in AI and computer technology, there are products like feeder bowls that can register your dogs. This way, you know that Fluffy gets this amount and Jojo gets that amount. Sometimes pet doors can be microchip-activated, which is nice so that you're not letting in a raccoon or something else.
Want to learn more about our veterinary services? Call us at (402) 489-0501 or email staff@vhvet.com. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your pet’s visit.