Are you planning for dog microchipping but not sure about the process? If yes, you are not alone. Many pet owners have the same questions about the working of microchipping and what happens before and after the appointment. Pet parents may also ask if it hurts their companion. But don’t worry! We will answer your questions in this blog.
Basically, microchipping is a quick and safe step in protecting your dog in case they get lost. This blog will explain everything you may expect. So you can feel confident and prepared. Let’s read!
During The Appointment
Brief Physical Exam
Before a pet microchipping process starts, your veterinarian may perform a quick physical check. This ensures your pet is healthy enough for the procedure. It is a type of dog wellness exam. What it includes is checking your pet’s weight and temperature of body. This check-up is not very detailed.
However, it makes sure there are no at the time health concerns. Also, the vet may ask you questions about the behavior of your dog and any past medical problems. This helps to create a safe setting and makes sure your dog is calm during the session.
Microchip Scanning
After examining, the vet may use a handheld scanner. This may help them to check if your dog already has a microchip. It is a quick step to ensure there is no duplicate chip in place. How do they process it? They wave the scanner gently over your dog’s body. It is mainly around the neck and shoulders.
If no chip is found during the process, it confirms the need for one. But if a chip is detected? The vet will verify the number and advise if it needs updating. It is an important step to prevent confusion. Also, it maintains accurate identification for your dog in any future condition.
Microchip Injection
The next step is the microchip is inserted by using a sterile syringe. It is similar to a vaccination needle. The size of the chip is like a grain of rice. It goes just under the skin between your dog’s shoulder blades. The time it takes is just a second, and the process doesn’t require anesthesia.
During injection, some dogs react the same way they would to getting a shot. However, some may not notice at all. The good part is, the needle is designed to cause very less discomfort. So, your dog can be held gently.
Microchip Scanning After Insertion
After placing the dog microchipping successfully, the vet may scan the area again. This helps to ensure the chip is functioning right. This scanning also tells if the chip is active and positioned right under the skin.
Moreover, the scanner displays the microchip’s unique ID. This ID number will be linked to your contact details. The final scan after placing the chip is important as it ensures your dog can be traced easily. Hence, it is a simple but important step to complete the microchipping process.
Registration Information
Now, once the chip is verified, the vet may give you the ID number of a microchip. They will guide you on how to register it. What information you need to provide is your name and address. Also, you need to give your phone number and your dog information. This registration is important as it makes the microchip useful.
Without this, the chip will not help identify your pet. There are many clinics that offer to register the chip for you. Also, some may provide instructions for doing it online.
After The Appointment
Keep Information Up-To-Date
If you move to a new house or change phone numbers, always update your dog’s microchipping information. An outdated contact makes it harder to reunite with your dog if they get lost. Many pet owners forget this step, but it’s quick and easy to update online through your microchip provider’s website.
Some databases even send yearly reminders to confirm or change your details. Keeping your information current ensures that anyone who finds your dog can reach you directly. It’s a small task that makes a huge difference in keeping your pet safe.
No Recovery Time
There’s no recovery time needed after a microchip is inserted. Your dog can go home, play, eat, and return to normal activities right away. Unlike surgery or some medical treatments, microchipping is non-invasive and doesn’t require rest or aftercare. You might notice a tiny bump at the injection site, but it usually disappears in a few days.
If your dog licks or scratches the spot a lot, keep an eye on it, but most pets act completely normal. It’s a simple, stress-free process with no downtime, which makes it an ideal safety step for all dogs.
Why Pet Microchipping Is Important?
Dog microchipping is important because it provides permanent identification for your dog. Collars and ID tags can fall off or get lost, but a microchip stays under your dog’s skin for life. If your dog gets lost or stolen, a microchip helps shelters, vets, and animal control contact you quickly.
It increases the chances of being reunited with your pet. In many areas, it’s also required by law. Even if your dog is mostly indoors, accidents happen—and a microchip gives you peace of mind knowing your pet can always be identified.
Does Getting A Microchip Hurt Your Companion?
Getting a microchip causes minimal discomfort—about the same as getting a vaccination. The needle used is slightly larger but designed to insert the chip safely and quickly. Most dogs don’t react at all or only flinch for a moment. No anesthesia is required, and the process takes only seconds.
Afterward, your dog can go about their day as usual, with no pain or downtime. The chip sits under the skin and doesn’t cause irritation. Overall, microchipping is a very safe procedure that offers lifelong benefits with very little stress or pain for your furry friend.
What Is The Best Age To Microchip A Dog?
The best age to microchip a dog is around eight weeks old. Just like deworming for pets is important, this is also essential. Many breeders and shelters microchip puppies before they go to their new homes. At this age, puppies are old enough to handle the small injection safely, and it ensures they have identification early in life.
However, dogs can be microchipped at any age, including adulthood and even old age. If your dog isn’t microchipped yet, it’s never too late. Talk to your vet to include it during a regular check-up or vaccination visit. Early microchipping helps protect your dog in case they ever get lost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, microchipping your dog is an essential step toward lifelong protection of your dog. It gives you peace of mind by letting you know your pet can be identified if they get lost. Expert veterinarians take physical exams and guide about chip registration. The process is simple and stress-free. Most importantly, when you keep the information updated, it ensures the chip works when it matters most.
At our clinic, Atlas Pet Hospital, we are committed to helping your pets stay safe. We make sure they are healthy due to our responsible care. You can connect with us and get complete information about what is the cost of microchips for dogs and other details.
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