How Microchipping Your Pooch Keeps You Together

As a dog owner, you know the heart-wrenching feeling of losing your furry friend. Whether they escape from the yard, get spooked and run away, or accidentally slip out of their collar on a walk, the worry and panic that comes with a missing dog is something that no pet owner wants to go through.

But imagine if there was a way to increase the chances of being reunited with your beloved pooch if they ever go missing. This is where microchipping comes in – a simple and effective solution to keep your dog safe and secure, and ultimately, keep you and your furry friend together.

What is microchipping?

Microchipping is a simple procedure in which a tiny microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under your dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. This microchip contains a unique identification number that is registered with a national pet recovery database.

When a lost dog is found, a handheld scanner can read the microchip’s unique ID number, which is then used to locate the owner’s contact information in the database. This ensures a quick and efficient way to reunite lost dogs with their worried owners.

Why should you microchip your dog?

The most significant benefit of microchipping your dog is the increased chance of being reunited with a lost pet. Collars and ID tags can fall off or be removed, but a microchip stays in place and cannot be lost. This is especially important for dogs who tend to escape or wander off.

Microchipping is also a permanent form of identification for your pet, unlike ID tags that may need to be updated if you change your phone number or move. As long as your contact information is kept up-to-date in the database, you can be reached if your dog is ever found.

Additionally, microchipping is a simple and painless procedure for your dog. The microchip is inserted with a needle and does not require any anesthetic. Most dogs do not even feel the chip being inserted and go about their day as usual after the procedure is done. It is a once-in-a-lifetime cost that provides lifelong protection for your pet.

Microchipping saves lives

Aside from helping to reunite lost pets with their owners, microchipping can also be life-saving. In the event of a natural disaster or emergency, dogs who are microchipped have a higher chance of being identified and returned to their owners. After devastating events such as hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes, many lost dogs are unable to find their way back home, but a microchip can ensure they are safely reunited with their families.

In some cases, microchipping has also helped in cases of animal abuse or neglect. If a dog is found in poor condition, the microchip can provide a trail of ownership and help authorities track down the owner responsible for the dog’s well-being.

How to ensure your dog’s microchip is effective

To maximize the effectiveness of your dog’s microchip, it is crucial to keep your contact information updated in the pet recovery database. If you move or change your phone number, be sure to update the information in the database immediately. Microchips are useless if the contact information is not accurate.

It is also essential to have your dog’s microchip checked regularly by your veterinarian to ensure it is still functioning correctly. In rare cases, a microchip can migrate to a different location under the skin, making it more challenging for a scanner to read. A simple check-up can ensure that the microchip is still in place and working as intended.

Conclusion

As a pet owner, the thought of your dog going missing is undoubtedly a scary one. But by taking the simple step of microchipping, you can increase the chances of being reunited with your furry friend if they ever go missing. With this permanent form of identification, you and your pooch can stay together and continue to make countless unforgettable memories.