What does it mean to have my dog microchipped?
Microchipping is a process where a tiny chip is embedded underneath your dog's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. This is a method used to help identify your dog should they ever get lost. The process involves injecting the microchip and is often done when pets are spayed or neutered. It's a one-time procedure with no recovery time. The chip is registered into a database, and if your pet gets lost and is found and scanned, your information will appear and you can be contacted.
Dr. Meghan Denney
Four Paws At Fulshear
Can microchips be used to track my dog?
No, the current technology of microchips does not support real-time tracking of your pet. They only provide information when scanned. However, there are devices such as air tags that you can use to track your pet's location. However, collars can come off, get lost, and be taken off. They can't remove a microchip. They can, but I don't know that they would. Whenever we have a lost pet that's brought in, the first thing that we do is scan it for a chip. If we find a chip, then based on the number, we figure out the company, call the company, and they reach out to the owner.
Who can scan my dog's microchip information?
Any veterinary clinic, shelter, or police department usually has access to a scanner. At Four Paws at Fulshear, we also have scanners.
What if I forget or lose my dog's microchip information?
If you forget or lose your dog's microchip information, you can call the place where your dog was microchipped. They will have the number on record. The microchip ID is part of the pet's medical record and goes wherever your pet goes. You can also look up the number online or call the company. It's important to keep your registration details current, especially if you move.
Microchipping is important because it helps to reunite lost pets with their owners. Dogs and cats are animals and if they go outside, they have the potential to get lost. If they get lost and are picked up by someone and brought to a veterinary clinic, they could be scanned and you could get your pet back within a few hours. At Four Paws at Fulshear, we believe ensuring your pets are microchipped is crucial.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (281) 801-1444, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Microchipping - FAQs
Dr. Meghan Denney
Four Paws At Fulshear
How is the microchip implanted in the dog?
A microchip is implanted in the dog by a hollow needle, and we inject it under the skin between the shoulder blades. It's a quick procedure as we use a fairly large needle. Most dogs and cats tolerate it really well. Before we pull out the needle, I pinch it to ensure that the microchip stays in and then we scan to make sure that it's appropriately placed. Before we inject it, we also scan the chip to ensure it is reading properly. It's very rare to see a faulty chip.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with microchipping?
In my 11 years of being a veterinarian, and another eight years as a veterinary technician, I've only ever seen one case of a side effect. This was when a dog's body formed a small hard nodule around the microchip, and we had to remove it. Otherwise, the risk of side effects are super low. The microchips are made from a material that the body's not going to react with, much like how gold or platinum is hypoallergenic.
Will my dog's microchip ever stop working?
I've never personally seen this happen, though I believe it is possible. If it ever does stop working, we can simply put another chip in to make sure that your pet can be easily found if they get out and are scanned.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (281) 801-1444, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram