As it gets warmer outside, your pet is probably itching to spend more time in the great outdoors—now more than ever, proper pet identification is essential. The most safe and secure way to identify your pet is with a microchip.
What is a Microchip, Anyway?
A microchip is a tiny computer chip secured in a glass capsule, which is inserted just under the first few layers of your pet’s skin. The entire unit is no larger than a grain of rice. The chip contains a specific number, stored electronically, which can be read by special scanners at veterinarian’s offices and animal shelters.
This number corresponds to the chip manufacturer’s database, which holds your pet’s contact information. When a pet is lost and is returned to a shelter or vet’s office, the professionals there can get the chip number and find out who the animal belongs to.
What Are the Benefits of Microchips?
If your pet is wearing a microchip, they’re constantly identified. You don’t have to worry about them chewing through a collar or snagging it on a sharp object and ripping it off. Plus, a microchip doesn’t display your home address and phone number publically, the way ID tags do.
Another advantage of microchips is their easy-to-update nature. If you should have a change of address or telephone number, all you need to do is contact the microchip manufacturer. They can easily change your information in their database, and your pet’s contact information will be updated almost instantaneously.
How Does the Microchipping Procedure Work?
The capsule housing the microchip is inserted under your pet’s skin with a needle, usually between the shoulder blades. The procedure will look much like a regular vaccination, and will only take a few short minutes. Just like a regular shot, it won’t hurt your pet in the least—all they’ll feel is a slight pinch at the point of insertion.
Scar tissue will build up around the microchip site, securing it in place. Microchips can migrate a bit under the skin, but they usually stay almost exactly where they’re originally placed. In rare cases, irritation or other reactions can occur at the site of insertion. Let your St. Landry Parish, LA veterinarian know if this is the case with your pet.
How Do I Get Started?
Your St. Landry Parish, LA veterinarian performs the microchipping procedure in-house. Call today to get started!
