The microchip in pets is becoming more and more popular as it is the most effective way to keep them under control if they get lost, which is why it is very important to encourage pet owners to microchip them.
Index
But what is a microchip?
The microchip for dogs is a special small capsule, with a grain size of rice less than 1.5 cm in length, with a transponder with a unique code that identifies the animals.
The microchip for dogs is a special small capsule, with a grain size of rice less than 1.5 cm in length, with a transponder with a unique code that identifies the animals.
The microchip for dogs is a special small capsule, with a grain size of rice less than 1.5 cm in length, with a transponder with a unique code that identifies the animals.
The microchip is in many countries required by law, and it allows you to identify dogs and other animals to reduce the problem of neglect and abuse, prevent theft and, above all, allow any stray dog to have a family as soon as possible.
The unique 15-digit code on the microchip is “translated” by a special reader or transponder and returns the complete data of the dog’s owner.
Of course, it will be important to always update the associated data of the owner or when adopting the animals for a new family: if your cell phone number or home changes, even within the same city, you should inform your veterinarian so that update it. the data.
Is the microchip mandatory?
The microchip in many countries is mandatory, even though they have labels printed with their name and the owner’s phone number on the necklace.
Remember, only the microchip provides permanent identification and it cannot be removed, it cannot be removed and only ASL offices, veterinarians and kennels can read it.
The average life of the microchip is approximately 50 years, making it long enough to carry out its important work.
How much does the microchip cost?
The average cost to implant the microchip at a veterinarian is around 40 euros, which is a one-time fee and often includes registration with the National Canine Registry.
Registration must be made within 10 days of the purchase or the breeder, and in any case within two months of the animal’s life.
If the dog has been adopted from a kennel or purchased by a serious breeder, it should already be microchipped. Always check all documentation for adoption and make sure the dog is scanned as soon as possible.
How is the microchip implanted?
The microchip is implanted via a sterile applicator (a 12G hypodermic needle) and placed under the skin (subcutaneously) between the dog’s neck and left shoulder.
How the microchip is implanted
The process only takes a few seconds, does not cause any side effects and does not cause any pain, at most a slight stabbing pain (the needle is slightly larger than the one used for vaccines).
The microchips, which are the size of a grain of rice, consist of a silicon chip and a small closed antenna made of biocompatible glass. It is passive, that is, it does not emit any signal by itself and does not have a battery inside for its operation. .
After injection, the tissue surrounding the microchip reacts to form a shell. This helps prevent microchip migration, and as this device is constructed of a biocompatible material, rejection and infection are very rare.
Other means of identifying the dog
Entering a type of identification is often vitally important to a dog. Of the millions of euthanized dogs, about 30 percent are stray animals and their owners cannot be traced.
Over the years, the identification of animals has evolved and, in addition to the microchip, there are other methods to know the origin of a dog, and all at a reasonable cost.
What is the best way to identify a dog?
The answer is simple: in addition to the microchip, insert a traditional dog tag into the dog’s collar. The reason, quite obvious, is to allow a common person to find a lost dog and reading the data, even without the use of a microchip scanner can call the owner of the animal.
But what are the dog tags? Tags are small tags that inform that the dog already has a home and family that is looking for it. The labels should contain up-to-date information on the owner’s name, address, and phone number, and, if possible, the vet’s name and number.
The label should also state that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies and is registered with a microchip.
Often times, the effort to contact the dog’s owner depends primarily on how easy it is to identify them.
Some recommendations for the microchip
Although the microchip is a great tool to identify the dog, you should always follow simple recommendations:
All dogs must be microchipped, even those that live in the house and never go outside. In addition to the microchip, use a tag on the collar that also confirms the presence of the microchip. The vet recommends an annual checkup visit. It is important to encourage people to microchip their pets and in all veterinary clinics there should be a microchip implant service as they allow the owners of lost animals to be found. It is also a way to identify irresponsible owners of animals that have been abandoned. It also allows the microcip to guarantee that it is our mascot.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.