If you want to increase the likelihood of being reunited with your lost dog, then microchipping them is a great option. Our vets Walnut Creek can provide you with more information on the advantages of microchipping.
There was a time that the only option for identifying a dog was a license tag, which is still an effective way to tell which dog belongs to which family. Unfortunately, tags and collars can fall off (or be removed), making it difficult to find lost or missing dogs.
For many years, veterinarians applied medical tattoos were the solution of choice, but this required the owners to register the tattoo with a national database, different vets tattooed different symbols, and dogs with dark skin pigments hardly showed the marks. Enter the microchip!
What Is A Microchip?
Microchips are tiny radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips. They are approximately the size of a grain of rice. In dogs, they are usually placed under the skin on the back, between the shoulder blades.
The implantation process for the chip is not a surgical procedure and is minimally invasive. A needle is used to implant the chip, and most dogs experience little to no discomfort during the process.
When you register the chip number with the chip manufacturer, it allows for easy tracing of your dog back to your home.
What About Dog Collars And Tags?
It's important to ensure that lost dogs can be returned to their rightful owners, and collars and tags can be incredibly helpful in achieving this. Anyone who finds a lost dog can easily read the tag and use the phone number listed on it to contact the owner. Therefore, it's recommended that your dog always wears a collar with your name and contact information on it.
Although collars and tags are useful, they can also be easily lost, which is why microchips are a great solution. Microchips are permanent and cannot be lost, and as long as your registered information is up to date, any vet or rescue organization equipped with a microchip scanner will be able to reunite you with your furry friend.
However, it's important to note that microchips should not be used as a replacement for license tags and collars, as they don't provide external visible signs that your lost dog has a family. For the best chance of being reunited with your dog if they get lost or become separated from you, it's recommended that you have your dog microchipped and use a tag and collar.
How Microchips Work
To identify a microchip, a veterinarian or shelter can use a special scanner. Previously, different scanners were required for different chip brands, but now, modern universal scanners can read all kinds of chips. When the scanner is passed over the dog's back and sides, the microchip sends its identification number to the scanner.
The rescue team contacts the national database, which then reaches out to you, the owner, to begin the process of reuniting you with your beloved pup. Microchips are not only helpful in finding lost dogs, but also in proving ownership.
Are There Risks To Microchipping My Dog?
Some pet parents might have some concerns about pain, allergic reaction, or internal migration of the microchip. This identification method has been used for many years and has been implanted into millions of pets without incident. Newer microchips especially have been improved upon, making the likelihood of rejection or allergic reaction extremely rare.
Thanks to microchips, dogs can be reunited with their loving families even years after being separated from them. Speak to your Walnut Creek vets about having your canine companion microchipped as soon as possible!
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.