This month is National Chip Your Pet Month. This is one item that all pets will benefit from. If your animal buddy ever goes missing, microchipping can dramatically improve your chances of finding them again. Check out this advice from a Hiram, GA veterinarian about microchipping your dog.

Microchips: Tiny Lifesavers

Microchips are essentially permanent ID tags, but they are placed in your pet. It usually lies slightly beneath the skin, between the shoulder blades, in dogs and cats. Your furry best friend and you are connected invisibly by these.

Data is not stored on microchips. Each chip contains only one piece of information, a unique ID number, which links to your chipmaker database account.

Can Smartphones Read Microchips in Pets?

No, they cannot. This probably isn’t going to change any time soon, as phone technology is ultimately incompatible with that used in microchips.

Can Someone Steal A Dog With A Microchip?

Yes, but that chip does offer some protection. Actually, this is among the main arguments in favor of microchipping. Microchips are among the greatest methods to establish ownership and do stand up in court. Besides, they are much more difficult to remove than collars.

What Do I Do To Keep My Pet’s Microchip Up To Date?

Microprocessors are essentially idle most of the time, so maintenance and upgrades are not necessary. That said, you might want to have your veterinarian examine your pet’s chip during routine checkups to ensure it is still functional and hasn’t fallen out of position.

Maintaining current records for your pet is another requirement. (We’ll get to that later.) 

What Is The Microchipping Procedure Like?

Your Hiram, GA veterinarian will implant the chip under your pet’s skin using a hypodermic needle. Sometimes, this is combined with a spay or neuter procedure. This makes sense because the animal is already in the clinic and under anesthesia. You can schedule it independently as well. 

This is a really easy and fast procedure. It’s really not much different for Fido and Fluffy from getting a shot. Recuperation time would consist of an additional treat or a new toy. (Note: pets do need recovery time after being fixed.)

For further information, ask your veterinarian. If you haven’t had your furry pal chipped, we recommend having it done ASAP. 

How Do Microchips in Pets Function?

Microchips use passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. They are also referred to as transponders or PITs (passive transponder tags). 

The chips are dormant most of the time. They become active only by passing over them with a specific scanner. Low-frequency radio signals from these scanners trigger the chip. The chip then sends back that special ID number, which the gadget displays on a screen.

Can I Track My Pet With A Microchip? 

No: that requires GPS, which is not a feature on microchips. Power supply is the barrier for this. This is unlikely to change unless researchers manage to harness purrs and tail wags to power a microchip.

That said, you can obtain pet GPS trackers, which is an excellent new invention. 

However, before you buy one, you should consider the alternatives. Products and companies vary greatly here. Among the things to consider are the range, battery life, technology employed, waterproofing capability, and membership costs. For instance, although some of these gadgets use wi-fi, others work on satellites. Having said that, many pet owners have already used devices to catch their mischievous animals.

How Long Will Microchips Last?

Microchips endure roughly 25 years on average. Those who own longer-living animals, such as birds, could someday need to replace their chips.

I Got My Pet Chipped; Do I Need To Pay For A Subscription?

There are fees associated with some companies’ packages. Still, there are many locations that provide lifetime pricing. Get further details from your veterinarian.

After Getting My Pet Microchipped, What Should I Do?

You must complete the chipmaker’s registration form. This is really important! Your chip will be useless if your contact details are out of date or missing.

Remember to update this if you ever relocate or update your contact details.

Why Is Microchipping My Pet Important?

Microchips are like a lifeline that keeps you and your cherished pet linked together. Even while the idea of their cherished pets going missing bothers many people, it actually occurs considerably more frequently than you would expect. Actually, one in three pets loses their way at least once over the course of their lives.

Many people think that their devoted and loving pets will never run away. Regretfully, that is not the case. Remember that scared pets can bolt quite quickly. After July 4 and New Year’s Eve, when many pets flee from the noise and fireworks, there is also typically a significant surge in reports of missing pets.

Ask your Hiram, GA vet for more information. 

What Are The Pet Microchip Statistics?

The statistics of missing animals are really depressing. An Ohio State University research conducted recently clarified some of this.

• Owners of stray dogs and cats were contacted in 73% of cases (74% for dogs and 63.5% for cats).
• 76% of the owners wanted their dogs back, and 61% wanted their cats back.
• 2.4 times as many microchipped dogs were returned to their owners as all stray dogs (52.2% vs. 21.9%)
• Kitties with microchips were 21.4 times more likely to be returned home than those without (38.5% vs. 1.8%).

The most common reason owners were not located was because the phone numbers were out of service or inaccurate. Of all the instances tracked, those accounted for around 35.4%. Of the owners, another twenty-four percent never answered letters or calls. Ten percent of the chips were unregistered, and seventeen percent were registered in a database other than that of the chipmakers.  

What Extra Advantages Can Microchips Offer?

While microchips aren’t GPS compatible, you can connect some products to Fluffy and Fido’s chips. One example is pet doors. If your yard is fenced, you can let your furry friends come and go as they choose, without having to worry about finding a raccoon in your living room. 

Another cool product? Dishes that open only for a certain chip. This is beneficial if you have several pets and one or more of them require a special diet.

What Other Animals Have Microchips?

Although quite a few other animals can have chips, dogs and cats are most often chipped. However,  rabbits, birds, horses, cattle, ferrets, tortoises, and reptiles can also get them.

Do I Still Need ID Tags?

Without a doubt! In many locations these days, the law mandates them. They are nevertheless significant even in places where they are not required. Should someone come upon your furry friend, this would be the simplest method for them to get in touch with you. (Note: As a perk for customers to return them, we suggest putting the word REWARD on the tag).

Make An Appointment At Your Hiram, GA Pet Hospital

Does your pet need an appointment made? Has your pet not visited the animal clinic in some time? Kindly get in touch with us at any time. As your Hiram, GA pet clinic, we are dedicated to offering top-notch care.