Have you recently brought home a pet for the first time? Thinking of adding an animal companion to your household soon? Proper identification is key! Here, your Conyers, GA veterinarian goes over the basics of microchips for pets.
A microchip is a tiny computer chip on which a number is implanted electronically. This chip is housed inside a small glass capsule which is inserted under your pet’s skin. The chip’s number corresponds to a database, where your contact information (address, phone number, etc.) is stored. When a lost pet is returned to a shelter or veterinarian’s office, specialized scanners there can read the chip’s number, allowing staff members to get the pet returned to the owner.
Microchips are implanted under your pet’s skin, so they can’t be removed in any way unless done so by a veterinary professional. This gives you peace of mind—even if your pet runs away unexpectedly, you know they’re identified! Most pet owners use a microchip and ID tags in tandem for maximum benefit.
Another advantage of microchips is that they’re easy to have updated should your contact information change. Simply call the chip manufacturer, and they can update their database in a few short moments!
Some make the mistake of thinking that a microchip is a tracking device, allowing you to follow your pet’s movements in real time. This isn’t true—microchips are only for identification.
The microchip capsule is implanted under your pet’s skin using a specialized syringe. All in all, it’s much like a regular vaccination. The procedure only takes a few moments, and your pet will only feel a momentary pinch at the point of insertion.
Having your pet microchipped is an extremely low-risk, non-invasive procedure. With that being said, there is some chance of minor side effects like inflammation, swelling, or redness occurring at the insertion site. Fortunately, these symptoms are easily treatable by your veterinarian. Let your vet know right away if you think your pet is reacting adversely to their chip.
Do you have more questions about the microchipping procedure? Ready to have your pet outfitted with one for a lifetime of secure identification? We’re here to help! Set up an appointment today at your Conyers, GA animal hospital.
