How are dogs Microchipped? What to Expect During Implantation

Microchipping offers a permanent identification solution for dogs that can’t be lost like collars or tags. This simple procedure, which involves implanting a tiny chip the size of a grain of rice, provides peace of mind for pet owners and has reunited countless lost dogs with their families.

Understanding the microchipping process, its benefits, and aftercare can help dog owners make informed decisions about this important safety measure. With millions of pets going missing each year, a dog microchip serves as a crucial lifeline to bring beloved companions back home.

What is a Dog Microchip?

A dog microchip is a tiny electronic device approximately the size of a grain of rice that is permanently implanted beneath a dog’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. This passive transponder contains a unique identification number and requires no battery or power source to function. The biocompatible glass or polymer casing ensures the microchip remains safely within the dog’s body throughout its lifetime, providing a permanent form of identification that cannot be removed, damaged, or lost like traditional collars and tags.

How does a Dog Microchip work?

• Radio Frequency Technology: The microchip uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology that activates only when a compatible microchip scanner passes over it, requiring no internal power source.
• Information Storage: The chip itself stores only a unique identification number, not your personal information, which is instead kept securely in a registration database.
• Scanner Activation: When a microchip scanner passes over the implanted chip, it emits radio waves that power the chip momentarily, allowing it to transmit the identification number to the universal scanner.
• Database Connection: Once the number is retrieved, veterinarians or animal shelter staff can contact the microchip registry to access the owner’s contact information.
• Lifetime Functionality: Unlike GPS trackers, a dog microchip requires no maintenance, battery changes, or updates to continue functioning throughout the pet’s life.

What to Expect During Dog Microchip Implantation

• Pre-implantation Check: The veterinarian examines your dog to ensure they’re healthy enough for the procedure and verifies that no existing microchip is present using a scanner.
• Preparation: The area between the shoulder blades is cleaned, though typically no shaving is required for the procedure.
• Positioning: Your dog will be gently restrained in a standing or lying position to keep them still during the quick implantation process.
• Injection: Using a specialized syringe with a slightly larger needle than those used for vaccinations, the veterinarian injects the microchip under the loose skin between your dog’s shoulder blades.
• Verification: Immediately after implantation, the veterinarian scans the area to confirm the microchip is functioning properly and can be detected.
• Registration: The veterinary staff helps you complete the necessary paperwork to register your dog’s microchip number in the appropriate database, linking it to your contact information.
• Aftercare Instructions: You’ll receive information about monitoring the implantation site for any rare complications and how to keep your registration information updated.

When should you consider getting a Dog Microchip?

Most veterinarians recommend microchipping puppies between 8 and 12 weeks of age, coinciding with their initial vaccination appointments. A dog microchip can be implanted at any age, though, making it appropriate for newly adopted adult dogs as well. The procedure is equally safe for young puppies and senior dogs, with the primary consideration being that it’s done before there’s any risk of the dog becoming lost. Many reputable breeders and all responsible shelters now ensure that puppies and dogs are microchipped before going to their new homes.

5 Ideal Candidates for a Dog Microchip

• Puppies (8-16 weeks): This is the ideal time for microchipping as it can be done alongside regular vaccinations, minimizing veterinary visits and stress for the young dog.
• Newly Adopted Dogs: Any newly adopted dog should be microchipped immediately if they don’t already have one, regardless of age, as the transition period to a new home increases the risk of escape.
• Before Travel: Dogs should be microchipped several weeks before any planned travel or relocation to ensure the registration is active and the information is current.
• Escape Artists: Dogs with a history of escaping from yards, slipping out of collars, or running off should be prioritized for microchipping as they’re at higher risk of becoming lost.
• Working or Sporting Dogs: Dogs that work or participate in sporting activities away from home benefit greatly from microchipping due to their increased risk of separation from owners.

Alternative Options to a Pet Microchip

While the dog microchip procedure is safe for most dogs, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian about your specific pet’s health conditions before proceeding. Your vet can evaluate whether your dog has any rare contraindications for microchipping, such as certain skin conditions or immune disorders. They can also address concerns about allergic reactions or microchip migration, which are uncommon but possible complications. Most health-related concerns about microchipping can be managed with proper veterinary guidance and monitoring.

5 Contraindications and Their Recommended Alternatives

• Dogs with Bleeding Disorders: Dogs with hemophilia or on blood-thinning medications may need special precautions during implantation or alternative identification methods, such as specialized collars that prominently display owner information.
• Dogs with Severe Skin Infections: In rare cases where a dog has a serious skin infection in the implantation area, veterinarians typically recommend delaying the procedure until the infection clears and using multiple forms of external ID in the meantime.
• Very Small Toy Breeds: While most tiny dogs can safely receive a standard microchip, some veterinarians may recommend waiting until they reach a certain weight or using a smaller microchip designed specifically for very small animals.
• Dogs with Prior Adverse Reactions: If a dog has previously shown sensitivity to implanted devices, veterinarians might suggest alternatives like GPS collars combined with traditional tags and registration in community pet databases.
• Dogs with Certain Cancer Treatments: Pets undergoing specific radiation therapies may need to delay microchipping until their treatment regimen is complete, with temporary solutions including GPS trackers and enhanced external identification.

4 Major Benefits of a Dog Microchip

Conclusion

A dog microchip provides peace of mind that lasts throughout your pet’s lifetime, offering a permanent form of identification that dramatically increases the chances of reunion should your beloved companion ever go missing. The simple, affordable procedure takes just moments but can save days, weeks, or even months of heartache if your dog ever becomes lost.

For expert microchipping services and personalized advice for your specific pet, schedule an appointment with us at Petsadena Animal Hospital today. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more pet care tips and information, and see what other pet parents are saying about our compassionate care on Yelp.