Some people wonder if microchipping their pet is the best option, mainly because they do not entirely understand how the process works. Learning more about what a microchip is, and how it can be used to return your pet to you if they get lost, can help ease some worry and concerns about implanting a microchip. A veterinarian on our team at Perkins Veterinary Clinic has been helping our furry patients in Perkins, OK, and Stillwater, OK, find their way home in the event of getting separated from their owners through the use of a microchip.
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about getting your pet a microchip:
How does microchipping work?
A microchip is a small device about the size of a grain of rice implanted just underneath the surface of your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. The device does not have a power source and is only activated when the bar scanner passes over it. When scanned, the chip sends out a code entered into a database to receive the pet’s owner’s contact information. The number associated with the microchip is your pet’s permanent identification number.
Does microchipping hurt my pet?
The needle used to implant the microchip may be a bit larger than the needles used for standard vaccinations; however, it does not typically hurt any more than a regular injection.
Can you feel the microchip under their skin?
In healthy pets, depending on the type of pet, it is rare to feel the actual microchip underneath the skin. However, it might be possible to feel the implanted microchip occasionally in pets with thin skin or malnourished.
Are there any side effects from microchip implants?
There are usually no side effects ofther than mild discomfort. The benefits greatly outweigh the risk of side effects, including tenderness at the injection site or an abscess underneath the skin. Both side effects can be treated with temporary pain medications or ointments and often go away after a few days. However, if any side effects do not resolve after a few days, see a veterinarian for treatment.
See a Veterinarian on Our Team
If you have not yet had your pet microchipped or you still have questions about microchipping, schedule an appointment to speak with a vet on our team. Our veterinary care team at Perkins Veterinary Clinic serving Perkins, OK, and Stillwater, OK, can help answer your questions, implant the microchip during a routine office visit, and ensure your contact information is up-to-date. Call our office at (405) 547-2442 to see a vet and learn more about how a microchip can help protect your pet if they become lost.
