Microchipping Your Pets! Wellnergy Pets

Microchipping Your Pets!

Ever wonder how a microchip works in your pet?

The purpose of microchips used for pets is to provide a form of permanent identification. These microchip implants are called radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. They are tiny, safe, and are passive. This means that they passively contain a specific ID number and does not actively transmit any information. Essentially, it works as a permanent pet ID. Additionally, the microchip itself has no internal energy source, so it will last the life of your pet. It is read by passing a microchip scanner over the pet's shoulder blades (as shown in the video) where the chip is located to transmit the microchip's unique cat or dog ID code and positively identify the pet. The microchip implanted in your dog has no battery and no internal power source, so it sits inertly in the dog until it is read by a microchip scanner.

Dog and cat microchipping is actually a simple procedure! A veterinarian simply injects a microchip for pets, about the size of a grain of rice (12mm), beneath the surface of your pet's skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to an injection and takes only a few seconds.

The procedure is fast, safe, and can be relatively pain-free. The application needle is large, and some clients will choose to have the microchip implanted at the time of spaying or neutering, so that the dog can be anesthetized for the injection incident free. However, this is not always necessary, and the microchip can be implanted easily at with your local veterinarian, especially with a good, non-wiggly pup.

Once your pet is microchipped, please register your pet along with your name and contact information with the appropriate agency. Failure to do so can render the entire process useless, as the microchip number will not be associated with anyone.

Again, if your pet is microchipped but you have not registered or updated your contact info, your pet is not fully protected! So ,make sure you update your information online or over the phone anytime you change phone numbers, you move, or change ownership.

We hope this information is helpful for you and your pet, and helps you better understand how microchips work and encourages you to get your pet microchipped. The more we can help people find their lost pets, the better. As always, feel free to reach out to our team on Facebook, Instagram, email, or in the comments section below if you found this article helpful or have any questions!

 

About the Author:

Dr. Zonram Liao D.V.M.Dr. Zonram Liao D.V.M. is a Southern California native, and earned his undergraduate degree from University of California, San Diego before obtaining his veterinary degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is not only a firm believer in the use of supportive care supplements to improve the health and happiness of his patients, but also is a strong advocate of the benefits of preventive care medicine for his patients as well. During his free time, Dr. Liao enjoys spending his time outdoors fishing and hiking, playing basketball, watching movies, cooking, traveling, and trying new foods.

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