Have you microchipped your pet? If not, we strongly suggest you make this appointment as soon as possible. Although the microchip is little, it can have a tremendous impact on your pet’s life. In this article, a veterinarian from Haddon Township, NJ, answers some questions about microchips.
What Is A Pet Microchip?
Microchips are radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants, or transponders, placed in very small containers: usually no bigger than a single grain of rice.
Microchips don’t transmit or store data. Every chip has a single piece of information: a unique identification number. This is readable with a modern scanner.
Microchips: How Do They Work?
Microchips are passive: they do not transmit data unless activated by the scanner. The scanner sends out radio waves, prompting the chip to transmit the ID number back to the device. The ID number will then show up on the scanner’s digital display screen.
When Do Microchips Get Used?
Microchips are commonly used by veterinarians and animal shelter staff to find missing dogs and their owners. This simple yet efficient technology has helped thousands, if not millions, of missing pets find their way home to their worried owners.
What Is The Microchipping Process Like?
Microchipping your pet is a quick and easy process that takes only a few minutes. It is typically planned alongside spay/neuter surgery for convenience. But it can also be done independently.
Is It Painful for Pets to Get Microchipped?
No. Your vet will use a hypodermic needle to inject the chip beneath your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. That’s it!
Will My Pet Require Recovery Time After Being Microchipped?
No. There is no need for any healing time. A special treat, combined with some additional forehead scritches, should about take care of recovery.
How Does My Pet’s Microchip Connect to Me?
Remember the ID number we mentioned? That number is linked to your information in the chip manufacturer’s database. That’s how it creates an invisible relationship between you and your pet. After your four-legged buddy has been microchipped, you must update your information in the chipmaker’s database. Talk to your Haddon Township, NJ veterinarian for further information.
What Happens Once My Pet Has Been Microchipped?
Microchipping is primarily a one-time process. You won’t have to do anything with the actual chip. However, if you relocate or change your email or phone number, make sure to update this information. If your contact information is wrong or out of date, the chip will not be of any use at all!
It’s also a good idea to have your Haddon Township, NJ vet inspect the chip during your pet’s routine exams. This is just to make sure it hasn’t fallen out of place or failed.
Why Should I Microchip My Pet?
This is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. Do not assume that your pet will never run away. Even the most dedicated and loyal pet might be lost or taken. In fact, one out of every three pets will go missing at some point in their lifetime! Unfortunately, only about 10% of non-microchipped pets ever return home.
Microchips can have a significant impact in this scenario. They have enabled the joyful reunions of hundreds, if not millions, of missing canines with their worried owners, often years after the animal went missing!
Can A Microchip Be Used to Track Your Pet?
No. Microchips are not compatible with GPS tracking and are unlikely (but not impossible) to become so in the future. This is because GPS systems require some form of power to operate. Clearly, inserting batteries in Fido and Fluffy is not a possibility. (Unfortunately, the chip will not prevent your dog from chasing squirrels or stop Fluffy from knocking stuff off your desk.) While we may someday discover a power source driven by purrs and tail wags, technology has not yet reached that point.
It’s important to note that some products, such as pet doors and bowls, might be linked to microchips. These doors, for example, allow Fido to freely enter and exit the yard via a doggy door while keeping the raccoon out. If Fluffy and Mittens require different foods, you can get bowls that only open for the appropriate furball.
Is It Necessary to Get A GPS Tag For My Pet?
GPS tags are an amazing invention! However, prior to making a purchase, you should conduct sufficient study. There are several various goods available. There are numerous subscription pricing options, as well as range, technology, battery life, and water resistance. Some rely on Wi-Fi or mobile towers, while others use satellites.
How Long Do Pet Microchips Last?
Microchips presently have a lifespan of about 25 years. That goes well beyond the life expectancy of dogs and cats. Birds, on the other hand, have far longer lives. If you own a microchipped bird, you may need to replace Polly’s chip at some point.
Are Pet Microchips Worth It?
Yes, yes, and yes! The microchip is a low-cost, one-time investment that may one day save your pet’s life! This is definitely a case where having something and not needing it is preferable to needing something and not having it.
Can You Microchip Your Pet At Home?
Certainly not. This is a medical treatment that should only be conducted by a trained veterinary professional. Attempting to do it on your own might go horribly wrong. Not only will you endanger your pet, but it is also illegal in many countries. You could face legal consequences. In some areas, this could be deemed animal abuse, which is a felony offense. The risks do not even come close to outweighing the benefits in this case.
Is There Any Risk in Microchipping My Pet?
Microchipping is incredibly safe. Your pet may experience some edema and/or irritation. This normally goes away within a day or two. Of course, if the situation persists, contact your veterinarian right away. However, this would be incredibly rare.
What Are The Benefits Of Microchips?
Microchips serve as an invisible safety net between you and your pet. They offer a few benefits that tags do not. To begin with, they are permanent. They cannot easily be removed, as collars and tags, and your furry friend will not rip or gnaw them.
They are also easy to keep up. To update your records, simply log in to your manufacturer account and change your information as necessary. They are also acceptable as evidence in court. This can be a game changer in theft situations.
Are Identification Tags Still Necessary?
Absolutely! Tags are still the most straightforward way for someone to connect you with your pet. They are also required by law in a many places.
Can Smartphones Scan Microchips?
Sadly, no. Smartphones can do a lot of different things, but there are no apps for reading chips. Given that microchips employ a unique technology that is fundamentally incompatible with the tech used in smartphones, this is unlikely to change.
Can A Magnet Remove A Pet’s Microchip?
No. Magnetic fields are not used in microchips.
Schedule A Microchipping Appointment With Your Haddon Township, NJ Veterinarian
Is it necessary to have your pet microchipped? Schedule an appointment with a local Haddon Township, NJ, veterinary practice. We’re happy to help!
