Microchip - Page 1

Hi,

I frequently see ads that say the dog or puppy comes with a microchip, I have a lot of questions on this:

1. What is the function of a microchip implanted in a dog?
2. How does it work?
3, What are the benefits of this microchip?
4. Are there any drawback to this microchip?
5. Is it absolutely safe for the dog to have a microchip implanted in him/her?
6. In what part of the body is it being implanted?
7. Is there a sort of detector tool to verify or read each microchip?

1, 2 & 7.) Each microchip has it's own ID number. That means that when it is scanned, that number will come up on the little handheld thing they use at the vet's. When they enter that number into their computer (and it's a website, not some private internal database), your contact information will be displayed.

3.) In case your dog gets lost or stolen, this is (aside from a tattoo) the best way to positively ID your dog. Collars can be taken off easily, and should not be relied upon for sole ID.

4.) None that I know of.  It's inserted by using a large, one-time use only syringe, so no sedation is required.

5.) I haven't heard of any deaths or even injury related to microchipping.

6.) In the fatty area at the back of the neck/above the withers.

Here is a link if you want to check it out.
There are many more too but most say the same thing.
http://dogs.about.com/od/toyssupplies/a/microchipping.htm

Mum of zoe and Jransom

You  both were marvellous for the valuable information provided. Mum of zoe tyour precise way of explanation reminds me of a dear teacher at time of school. THANKS A LOT TO BOTH OF YOU.

Just be sure to have the microchip recorded with various national registries, otherwise it won't do a bit of good if your dog is lost.

I've always microchipped my dogs even if they are tattoed.  I've had dogs whose tattoos have faded to unreadable after a few years. 

The new "universal chip readers" can scan and read a large variety of chips.  The old ones didn't pick up the European chips for some reason.

Animules makes a good point about registering the microchip ID.  I use Avid myself but I'm sure there are other good companies out there.

I've never heard of an injury from microchipping a dog.  I'm sure there are freak incidents, but normally it's a safe and quick procedure at the vet's office.

I have heard of one dog who bled to death after the implant.

does anyone have links to the different microchip registries?