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Around 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen each year, with only 15% returning home. Proper identification, like microchipping, raises the odds of reuniting families with their pets, providing a safer way to bring them back if lost or taken.
However, is microchipping a dog worth the hassle? In this article, we have shared the pros and cons of microchipping a dog to help you make an informed decision for you and your pet. First, let’s start with what microchipping is and how long a microchip lasts.
What is Microchipping?
Like collars and tags, microchipping is a process that implants a radio frequency transmitted through a microchip in pets for permanent and tamper-proof identification. The rice-grain-sized chip is enclosed in a bioglass capsule and holds a unique identification number. This number can be used to access the contact information of the dog’s family via the microchip company. After verification, the company shares your contact details with the vet or shelter that has contacted them.
Inserting a microchip is safe and painless for your dog and is injected using a large-needle injection. It is not an invasive procedure; your vet can easily implant the chip in your dog. The insertion process does not require any anesthesia.
The chip is planted in the thick, loose skin between the shoulder blades. The microchip should be anti-migration, allowing it to stay in one place. It’s a one-time process; once the chip is inserted, it can last as long as your dog lives!
Microchips do not require any external source of power, such as batteries.
Brands usually use 3 different frequencies; 125, 128, or 134.2 kHz. If your dog is lost, it can be scanned for one of these frequencies using universal scanners. Depending on the company, you can get a microchip in the range of $15-$50. However, there is an additional registration fee for registering the microchip.
Note: It is important to keep in mind that a microchip is not a tracking device. Getting your dog’s microchip registered and your contact information updated is also necessary. Your data will not be found in the national pet recovery database without registration.
What are the Benefits of Microchipping Your Dog?
Every identification method has its positive and negative aspects that one must consider. Below is a list of benefits of microchipping your dog:
- Microchipping increases your chances of being reunited with your pet. Dogs with microchips are 20 times more likely to return to their pet parents if lost or stolen.
- Collars and tags can easily tear off, making it more difficult to rely on them. They must be replaced if they get lost or worn out or your dog outgrows them. Microchips are a permanent solution; they last a lifetime, and hence, there is no recurring replacement cost.
- QR tags and collars can also be easily removed by someone trying to steal or harm your dog; however, microchips can not be tampered with.
- In this day and age, when identification theft is common, you can be safe knowing that your data is secure. A microchip only stores a unique identification code, and your contact information in reference to the code is stored with the microchip provider.
- It’s a painless procedure.
- Adverse reactions to microchipping are highly uncommon.
While you know all the reasons that make microchips a suitable option for your dog’s safety, it is important to consider their cons.
What are the Cons of Microchipping Your Dog?
Though the side effects reported are rare and mild, some dogs can experience adverse reactions after an implant.
- Tenderness and swelling at the site of injection.
- Hair loss
- Serious infections like abscesses and tumor formation
- Added cost of registration
- Some chips can migrate, making it difficult to scan
- Sometimes it is difficult to detect an older chip.
- Only universal scanners can read all types of chips. However, not all shelters and vets are equipped with them.
- Scanning a collar with a tag is simpler as it can be done through a phone.
Proper identification is vital in reuniting you with your pet if they are lost or stolen. Getting your dog a microchip offers a permanent and secure solution. The best way is always to include a collar with an updated tag, regardless of whether you are microchipping your dog. If you choose to implant a chip in your dog, don’t forget to get the identification number registered.
