Basic Questions about Microchips

Have you microchipped your pet? If not, we strongly recommend that you schedule this as soon as possible. The microchip is little, yet it can have a significant impact on your pet’s life. In this article, a veterinarian from answers various microchip-related questions.

What Is A Pet Microchip?

Microchips are radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants, also known as transponders, that are placed in extremely small containers, often no larger than a single grain of rice.

Microchips do not transmit or store data. (Unfortunately, the chip will not prevent your canine companion from chasing squirrels or stop Fluffy from knocking objects from your desk.) Every chip has one piece of information: a unique identification number. This can be read using a modern scanner.

Microchips: How Do They Work?

Microchips are passive devices, which means they do not communicate data unless activated by the scanner. The scanner sends radio waves, which cause the chip to broadcast the ID number back to the device. The identifying number is then displayed on the scanner’s digital display screen.

Microchips are commonly used by veterinarians and animal shelter officials to identify stray pets and track down their owners. This simple yet successful method has helped thousands, if not millions, of missing animals come home to their concerned owners.

What Is The Microchipping Process Like?

Microchipping your pet is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes. It is typically scheduled alongside spay/neuter surgery for convenience. However, you can also schedule it alone.

The process is quick and simple. Your Peterborough, ON veterinarian will use a hypodermic needle to put the chip beneath your pet’s skin, generally between the shoulder blades. This is all there is to it!

In terms of recovery time, a special treat, a snooze, and some forehead scritches should be plenty. Of course, Fido and Fluffy would be delighted with a new toy and extra cuddles!

How Does My Pet’s Microchip Connect With Me?

Remember the ID number we stated before? That number is associated with your data in the chip manufacturer’s database. This is how you and your pet maintain an invisible connection.

After your pet has been microchipped, you have to update the chipmaker’s database with your information. However, you will not have to do anything with the chip itself.

For further information, please call your Peterborough, ON veterinarian.

What Happens After My Pet Is Microchipped?

Microchipping is usually a one-time process. You will not need to interface with the actual chip. However, if you change your email address or phone number, remember to update this information. If your contact information is wrong or out of current, the chip will not work!

Having your Peterborough, ON veterinarian inspect the chip during your pet’s regular checkup is also a smart idea. This is only to ensure that it hasn’t slipped out of place or failed.

Why Should You Microchip Your Pet?

Microchips have enabled the happy reunions of hundreds, if not millions, of missing pets with their devastated owners, often years after the animal went missing! This is a key component of responsible pet ownership. Do not assume that your pet will never run away. Even the most loving and loyal pet can slip out! Actually, one in every three pets goes missing at some point! Unfortunately, a very small percentage of non microchipped pets return home. Ohio State University researchers discovered the following:

• Microchipped canines were substantially more likely to be returned to their owners than stray dogs without microchips (52.2% vs. 21.9%).
• Microchipped cats were substantially more likely to return home than unchipped cats (38.5% vs. 1.8%).

Can A Microchip Be Used To Find My Pet?

No. Microchips are currently incompatible with GPS tracking, and this is unlikely (but not impossible) to change in the future. This is because GPS systems require power to operate. Clearly, batteries for Fido and Fluffy are not an option. While we may someday discover a power source based on purrs and tail wags, modern technology has not yet advanced to that point.

Certain products, such as pet doors and bowls, may link up with microchips. For example, there are doors that allow Fido to enter and exit the yard while keeping that cute but unwelcome raccoon outside. If Fluffy and Mittens have different feeding preferences, you can purchase dishes that will only open for the appropriate furball.

Do I Need To Get A GPS Tag For My Pet?

GPS tags are excellent innovations! Before you buy one, do your homework. There are many different goods available. They differ significantly in terms of subscription pricing, range, technology, battery life, and water resistance. Some use Wi-Fi or mobile towers, while others employ satellites.

How Long Does a Pet Microchip Last?

Microchips have a typical lifespan of about 25 years. That is far beyond the lifespan of dogs and cats. Birds, on the other hand, have much longer lifespans. If your bird is microchipped, you may have to replace Polly’s chip at some point.

Are Pet Microchips Worth It?

Yes! A microchip is a low-cost, one-time investment that could potentially save your pet’s life! Having one and not needing it is certainly superior to needing one and not having it!

Can You Microchip a Pet at Home?

No, definitely not! This is a medical treatment that should only be done by a licensed veterinarian. Attempting to accomplish it on your own could have disastrous consequences. Not only will you put your pet at risk , but you could also face legal consequences. In some circumstances, this could be deemed animal abuse, a felony offense. In this scenario, the dangers much outweigh the gains.

Is It Risky To Microchip My Pet?

Microchipping is extremely safe. There is a tiny potential that your pet will experience edema and/or itching. This normally goes away within a day or two. Of course, if the condition persists, consult your veterinarian right away. However, that is quite unlikely.

Can Smartphones Scan Microchips?

Unfortunately, no. Smartphones can perform a variety of functions, but there are no apps for reading chips. Given that microchips employ a distinct technology that is fundamentally incompatible with smartphone technology, this is unlikely to change.

Can A Magnet Remove A Pet’s Microchip?

No. Microchips do not have magnetic fields, so they don’t react to magnets. 

What Are the Advantages of Microchips?

Microchips provide an unseen safety net for you and your pet. They offer several advantages that tags do not. For one thing, they are permanent. They are more difficult to remove than collars and tags, and your pet will not rip or bite them.

To update your records, simply log in to your manufacturer account and make the appropriate modifications. They are also acceptable in court. This could be a major gamechanger in theft cases.

Are ID Tags Still Necessary?

Absolutely! Tags remain the simplest way for others to link you and your pet. They are also required by law in several places.

Schedule A Microchipping Appointment With Your Peterborough, ON Veterinarian

Is it necessary to chip your pet? Make an appointment with our Peterborough, ON veterinary clinic. We’re happy to help!