What is dog chipping like? - briefly
Dog chipping involves implanting a microchip under your pet's skin, typically between the shoulder blades. This tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by veterinarians and animal shelters to retrieve important information about your dog.
What is dog chipping like? - in detail
Dog chipping, also known as microchipping, is a common and highly effective method of identifying and locating dogs. The process involves implanting a small microchip under the dog's skin, typically between the shoulder blades or on the back of the neck. This chip contains a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner, providing valuable information about the dog's ownership and contact details.
The procedure itself is relatively simple and quick. It is often performed by veterinarians during routine check-ups or when the dog is already under anesthesia for another procedure, such as spaying or neutering. Using a hypodermic needle, the veterinarian injects the microchip into the loose skin between the shoulder blades. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and encased in a biocompatible glass capsule, ensuring it remains safely inside the body without causing any discomfort or harm to the dog.
Once implanted, the microchip does not require any maintenance or replacement throughout the dog's life. It provides a permanent form of identification that cannot be removed or tampered with, unlike collars and tags which can fall off or be intentionally removed. This is particularly important in cases where dogs are lost or stolen, as the microchip ensures they can be quickly and easily reunited with their owners.
To read the information on the microchip, a scanner is passed over the area where the chip is implanted. The scanner emits a low-frequency radio signal that activates the chip, allowing it to transmit the unique identification number. This number can then be looked up in a national pet recovery database, such as Pet Microchip Lookup or AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup, which contains the dog's registration information and contact details for the owner.
Microchipping has become increasingly popular among pet owners due to its high success rate in reuniting lost pets with their families. According to a study published by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), dogs with microchips were more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners as those without microchips. This highlights the critical role microchipping plays in pet safety and welfare, providing peace of mind for dog owners who want to ensure their pets can always find their way home.
In conclusion, dog chipping is a straightforward and effective method of permanent identification that offers numerous benefits for both dogs and their owners. By providing a means of quick and easy identification, microchipping significantly increases the chances of lost or stolen dogs being safely returned to their families.