Did you know that 1 in 3 pets become lost during their lifetime? That means there’s a pretty good chance your beloved canine companion may end up lost and alone. So, how do we keep our furbabies safe? The best way to keep track of our dogs is to give them a microchip. Dog microchipping is by far the most advanced way to help our pooches return home should they go astray.
What Is Dog Microchipping?
A microchip is a radio-frequency transponder that has a unique identification number for your dog. How does this help get them home? A microchip is imbedded just under your dog’s skin. If your dog becomes lost, anyone with a microchip scanner, like a veterinarian or an animal shelter, scans your dogs microchip to retrieve the ID number.
Does Dog Microchipping Hurt?
A microchip is small, about the size of a grain of rice. The tiny device is imbedded in the loose skin between your dog’s shoulder blades and is no more intense or painful than a vaccination.
How Does Dog Microchipping Work?
It’s not enough just to get your dog microchipped. Dog microchipping and your dog’s unique identification number only works properly if you register your dog’s microchip with a national database. These national databases are intended solely for the recovery of lost pets. Different registration companies offer different services; for example, some registries offer “lost pet alerts” that broadcast out to all nearby members, veterinarians, and shelters should you report your pet lost.
How Do You Register Your Dog’s Microchip?
When you register your dog’s microchip, enter all your relevant contact information. Include at least one cell phone number and your address. Anyone else in your household who is responsible for your dog should also include their contact information. It’s essential to keep your information updated should you change phone numbers or move addresses. Here are a few companies you can register your dog’s microchip with:
Why Do Dogs Need A Microchip?
Why do dogs need a microchip? Isn’t your contact information on their collars or tags? While that may be true, tags and collars can be taken off or fall off, especially in a situation where your pet has become lost and frantic. A microchip is a more permanent solution, and therefore safer and more effective, for your pet.
Microchips Vs. GPS Trackers
Though we may wish they were, dog microchipping is not the same as GPS trackers for our dogs; they do not provide you with live location info on your canine companion. A GPS tracker and microchip are not substitutes for one another; they are complementary devices that serve different functions for the same ultimate purpose of keeping our dogs safe. A GPS device may tell you where your dog is, but cannot alert others in your community or provide your contact information to anyone who may find or rescue your pooch. GPS devices require batteries to function and must be periodically recharged as well. Furthermore, a GPS device can fall off or otherwise get lost.
Microchips, however, are inserted into your dog’s skin and are permanent. They cannot fall off, and they do not require batteries to operate. Dog microchipping provides your contact information to any vet or rescue group that finds your dog so they can get you reunited with your furry best friend.
Dog Microchipping: Is It What’s Best For Your Best Friend?
We all have to make the best decision we can for our pets. They depend on us to care for them and give them the best lives possible. Dog microchipping is a relatively cheap and effective way to ensure your dog finds their way back to you should they become lost.
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