Where to look for a dog's microchip? - briefly
To locate a dog's microchip, you should feel along the back of the neck between the shoulder blades or on the side of the body where the ribs meet the skin. Alternatively, use a scanner designed for this purpose, which will detect the chip's presence and display its unique identification number.
Where to look for a dog's microchip? - in detail
To locate your dog's microchip, follow these detailed steps:
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Feel Along the Dog's Neck: The most common location for a microchip is between the shoulder blades, just beneath the skin on the back of the neck. This area is chosen because it is relatively easy to access and less likely to cause discomfort or injury if the dog moves suddenly.
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Use a Scanner: Microchips are typically read using a scanner that detects radio frequency identification (RFID) signals. Veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and pet supply stores often have these scanners available. If you do not own one, you can take your dog to one of these locations for scanning.
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Check the Ears: Although less common, some dogs may have their microchip inserted in the ear. This is particularly true for cats but can also apply to dogs. However, this practice is not as widespread as inserting chips in the neck area.
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Consult Veterinary Records: If you are unsure where the microchip was inserted or if your dog has one at all, consulting your veterinarian's records can provide valuable information. These records should include details about the microchipping procedure, including the date and location of insertion.
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Use a Microchip Scanner App: Some smartphone apps can detect and read microchips. While these may not be as reliable or accurate as professional scanners, they can serve as a useful initial step to locate the chip's presence.
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Palpate Gently: To manually check for the microchip, gently palpate the area between your dog’s shoulder blades. You might feel a small, hard lump about the size of a grain of rice. This is usually the microchip capsule.