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The last thing any of us want is to see our pets in pain or discomfort. Just looking down at those puppy dog eyes fills us with joy. But, when your pup needs to be implanted with a microchip, that joy turns to guilt. That being said, there is no need to feel guilty as it is always a good idea to get your dog microchipped.
Microchipping your dog increases the likelihood that they will be returned if they get lost. These little microchips are encoded with the owner’s contact information so if they turn up at a shelter or veterinary surgery, the chip can be scanned, and then the owner will be contacted.
Although microchipping your pup is beneficial to you and them, it can be worrying to think that they will be in pain during the procedure or afterward.
You can rest assured as, even if there is a little discomfort during the procedure, it is nothing compared to losing your best friend. As long as a microchip is implanted by a veterinarian or other trained professional, your furry friend should not experience much pain at all.
The benefits of microchipping your dog far outweigh the slight discomfort they may feel. Just take comfort that these microchips are so small and that dogs don’t even require an anesthetic. After only a few seconds, the microchip is implanted and the simple procedure is complete.
Today, we are going to discuss microchips and whether they cause any soreness after the procedure. By the end of this article, we hope you will feel much more comfortable with having your furry best friend microchipped.
Contents
What is a microchip?
As the name suggests, microchips are tiny chips that are implanted under the skin of an animal, usually between the shoulder blades. Each microchip contains a unique code that links back to a national registry.
If your dog becomes lost or even stolen, a shelter or veterinarian can scan this chip to access all of your contact details. This is via a protected website. Once they contact you, it’s time to be reunited with your long-lost pal.
There is no doubt that microchipping is extremely important. It’s the only method of permanent identification for your pet. If your dog is found, it can be scanned by a local vet, shelter, or council to quickly identify it and have them reunited with you as soon as possible.
The microchipping procedure
Many pet owners worry hugely before the microchipping procedure. This worry should be replaced with relief, however. Without the chip, your dog may never be returned to you if they become lost. It is simply the best way of linking a dog with its owner.
The procedure itself is very safe and quick. It involves a needle that is inserted under the skin between a dog’s shoulder blades. Then, a microchip, the size of a grain of rice, is implanted. The procedure can cause a little discomfort at the time, with some dogs yelping or flinching.
However, this slight pain is only short-lived and, the good news is that most dogs would have completely forgotten about the discomfort and procedure by the time they leave the veterinary clinic. Because they’ve been such a brave boy or girl, a few doggy treats will help them forget all about it.
Simple, fast, and very safe, the microchip procedure is nothing to worry about. While it is usually your choice whether or not your pup has a microchip, it will give you peace of mind afterward.
Does the procedure leave my dog sore?
Although the needle used is fairly large, it is no different from what is used when your pooch has their jabs or some blood taken. Think about when you have had an injection. This is what it will feel like for your furry friend. It is likely to be slightly sore for a few hours after the procedure but not significantly.
After the initial injection, which is very similar to a run-of-the-mill vaccination, the microchip may not even cause any pain or discomfort for some dogs. The microchip is just that. It is micro. It’s so small, your dog will probably not even notice it is there. Microchips are also non-toxic so your beloved pooch will not experience any sort of allergic reaction once it has been implanted.
If your dog is going in for a more thorough procedure where they need to be anesthetized, such as neutering, then we recommend having them microchipped at the same time. This will save them any additional pain, stress, and discomfort on another day.
After the procedure, it is just a great excuse (if you need one) to give your dog oodles of love and attention. With your super care, your pup will forget it ever happened.
Can microchips act as GPS devices?
The short answer is, no. Microchips and GPS devices are not alternatives for one another. Both are complementary and very useful in locating a lost dog but in very different ways.
A GPS will inform you of where your dog is but it cannot provide any of your contact information to anyone nearby who would want to help return your lost pooch. GPS devices generally require batteries as well which can be lost like a dog’s collar or tags.
Microchips can not be lost. Because they are inserted under their skin, they are permanent fixtures. However, these tiny chips can not guide you toward your dog’s location or allow you to track where they are. Instead, they simply provide the owner’s contact information so a vet or shelter can reunite a lost dog and its owner more easily.
In Summary
According to the American Kennel Club Reunite (AKC Reunite), “Pets with microchips are up to 20 times more likely to be reunited with their owners.” This simple, inexpensive procedure has minimal risks but can heap huge rewards if a dog goes missing.
If the opportunity arises, a dog should be microchipped to give the owner and the pup the best chance of reuniting if anything ever happens.
