Has your pet been microchipped yet? If not, we strongly recommend getting this done as soon as possible. In fact, chipping your pet is one of the best things you can do to protect them! A Leonardtown, MD veterinarian discusses microchipping in this article.

Microchip Basics

Microchips unfortunately won’t reprogram Fluffy to stop scratching your couch, and they won’t make Fido lose interest in chasing squirrels. They also don’t store or transmit information. Each chip contains only a unique ID number, which correlates to the owner’s records in the chipmaker’s database. These numbers can be read with special scanners that are used by veterinarians and animal shelters. That’s how these tiny devices help shelters and animal clinics identify and contact the owners of lost pets. Microchips have facilitated thousands, if not millions, of happy reunions between wayward pets and their worried humans. That small device can even save your furry pal’s life! 

The Procedure

It will only take a few moments for your vet to ‘install’ the microchip. The chip will be placed between your pet’s shoulder blades, by way of a hypodermic needle. For our patients, it’s quick and simple, very much like getting a shot. Complications are very rare. There’s also no recovery time needed, aside from perhaps an extra nap or maybe a yummy treat. It’s worth mentioning that animals are often microchipped along with spay/neuter surgery. This just makes sense, as they’re already here and under anesthesia. However, you can also schedule microchipping by itself. 

Maintenance

Once your pet is chipped, you will need to make sure that your information is correct in the chipmaker’s database. The chip won’t be of any use at all if your contact information isn’t there! Try using the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool, which is located here . Remember to update this information if you move or change your phone number. We also recommend having your vet check the chip at your pet’s regular appointments, just to make sure it hasn’t moved or stopped working. 

Tags

Microchips are wonderful, but they don’t negate the need for tags. In fact, tags are required by law in many places! They’re also still the simplest way for someone to link you and your pet.

Please contact us, your local Leonardtown, MD vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re dedicated to offering excellent care and top-notch service!