Introduction
Microchipping has become a popular way for pet owners to identify their dogs if they become lost or stolen. A microchip is a tiny RFID (radio frequency identification) transponder that is implanted under the skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The microchip contains a unique ID number that can be scanned by animal shelters and veterinary clinics to access the owner’s contact information from a registry database.
While microchipping provides an invaluable recovery service, some pet owners have concerns about potential health risks. This article will examine the microchipping procedure itself as well as research on associated short- and long-term health effects for dogs.
What is Microchipping?
A microchip is a small electronic device that is implanted under a dog’s skin for identification purposes. The microchip itself is about the size of a grain of rice and is enclosed in a type of glass capsule. It contains a unique identification number that can be read by a microchip scanner.
Microchip scanners emit a low radio frequency that provides enough power for the microchip to transmit the ID number. This number can then be looked up in a registry to find the owner’s contact information. Microchips do not require a power source and will last for the lifetime of a dog.
The main components of a microchip are:
- An integrated circuit with the ID number
- A capacitor that stores power from the scanner briefly to operate the circuit
- A coiled antenna that transmits the ID number
Overall, microchips provide a permanent way to identify dogs if they become lost or separated from their owners. The microchip itself does not contain GPS or any tracking capabilities – it simply stores the ID number in a read-only state.
Microchipping Procedure
The microchipping process for dogs is relatively quick and simple. It is similar to getting a vaccination shot. The microchip itself is contained in a sterile syringe and is pre-loaded so the chip does not need to be handled directly. Here is the typical microchipping procedure for dogs:
The area between the dog’s shoulder blades will be shaved and cleaned to prep for the injection. This area was chosen because it is a convenient location to inject and scan.
The vet or technician will hold the loose skin over the shoulder blades to create a pocket and then inject the syringe needle containing the microchip deep into the pocket between the skin and muscle.
Once injected, the microchip will anchor itself within the tissue. No stitches or bandages are required.
The microchip injection process takes only a few seconds. Most dogs tolerate it very well with minimal discomfort.
After the microchip is implanted, the vet will scan the area with a microchip scanner to ensure it is reading correctly and document the microchip ID number.
The microchip number is registered in a pet recovery database along with the owner’s contact information. This registration ties the microchip to the dog and owner so the pet can be identified if found.
Benefits of Microchipping
One of the greatest benefits of microchipping dogs is helping lost pets reunite with their owners. If a lost dog ends up at an animal shelter or vet clinic, staff can scan the microchip to identify the dog and look up the owner’s contact information to notify them. Microchips dramatically increase the chances of a lost dog getting returned home. According to the American Humane Society, the return-to-owner rate for microchipped pets is ten times higher than unchipped pets.
Microchips also provide permanent identification for animal control and law enforcement. If a dog is picked up as a stray or involved in an incident, officials can easily identify the dog and look up the owner’s information. This provides accountability and simplifies the process of reuniting pets with owners if they get lost.
Potential Health Risks
While microchipping provides many benefits for dogs and their owners, there are some potential health risks to consider. The most common concerns involve the possibility of infection, microchip migration under the skin, and tumor formation around the microchip.
Infection
As with any medical procedure, there is always a small risk of infection anytime the skin is broken. Proper sterilization and technique by the veterinarian inserting the microchip can help minimize infection risk. Signs of infection include swelling, redness, pain, and discharge around the microchip implant site.
Microchip Migration
In rare cases, the microchip may move from its original implanted location and migrate to another part of the dog’s body. This most often occurs in areas with less tissue, like behind the shoulders. Migration can cause discomfort or make scanning the chip difficult. If migration occurs, the veterinarian may recommend removing and reimplanting the chip.
Tumors
Very uncommonly, dogs have developed malignant or benign tumors associated with microchip implants. One study found slightly increased incidence of cancerous tumors in certain locations, especially for chips implanted in the neck region. However, more research is needed to determine if microchips directly cause tumor formation.
Infection
Although rare, infection remains one possible health risk following microchipping. Typically, infections occur shortly after the microchipping procedure while the insertion site is healing. Signs of infection include swelling, redness, pain, and drainage around the microchip implant site.
Potential causes of microchip-related infections include:
- Improper disinfection prior to insertion
- Bacteria being introduced into the wound during the procedure
- An underlying health condition in the pet that increases infection risk
If a mild infection develops, a veterinarian may prescribe oral antibiotics. Topical antibiotics and warm compresses applied to the implant site may also be recommended. More severe infections could require surgical drainage and flushing. Prompt veterinary care is necessary to treat any infections before they spread or become systemic.
With proper sterile insertion techniques, disinfection, and post-procedure monitoring, the risk of infection from microchipping is quite low. Still, pet owners should watch for any signs of infection and contact their veterinarian if the area appears infected.
Microchip Migration
One potential risk with microchipping dogs is microchip migration. This occurs when the microchip moves from its original implantation site and ends up in another part of the dog’s body.
There are a few possible causes for microchip migration in dogs:
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Improper implantation – If the vet or technician does not implant the chip deep enough in the dog’s subcutaneous tissue, it may not stay anchored in place.
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Thin dogs or puppies – Dogs that are very skinny or young puppies may not have enough subcutaneous fat to hold the chip in place.
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Activity and normal tissue movement – A dog’s normal activity can cause the tissues around the microchip to stretch and move over time, causing the chip to migrate.
Symptoms of a migrated microchip in dogs include:
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The microchip can no longer be detected or scanned in its original location.
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The dog exhibits discomfort, itching, swelling, or a lump in the area the chip migrated to.
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Microchip information cannot be retrieved when the dog is scanned.
If a dog’s microchip has migrated, the vet may recommend one of the following solutions:
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Surgically remove the migrated chip if it appears to be causing discomfort.
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Leave the migrated chip in place if it is not causing any problems.
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Implant a new microchip in the proper location to ensure permanent identification.
To prevent migration, it’s important dogs are chipped properly in an area with sufficient subcutaneous fat. Puppies may need to be re-chipped once they are older and have adequate tissue to securely hold the chip.
Tumors
One concern about microchips is the slight risk they may cause tumors like sarcomas to develop in pets. Sarcomas related to microchips are quite rare, with an incidence of just 0.8% in one study. However, research does indicate there could be a higher incidence of sarcomas associated with certain microchip brands or types that use materials like aluminum.
To reduce the risk of potential tumors, pet owners should make sure veterinarians follow proper microchipping procedures and injection sites. The microchip should be implanted carefully between the shoulder blades underneath the skin, avoiding muscle tissue. Veterinarians should also use sterile technique and ensure the microchip is compatible with the animal.
If a tumor does develop near the microchip area, early evaluation and removal along with treatment can improve outcomes. Pet owners who notice lumps, bumps, or swelling around the microchip must get their veterinarian to examine it right away. Overall the benefits of being able to permanently identify and recover lost pets outweighs the very minimal cancer risks associated with microchips.
Other Concerns
In addition to potential physical health risks, there are other concerns regarding microchips that dog owners should be aware of:
Data Privacy and Hacking
Some worry that microchips could allow others to access private information about you and your dog without your consent. There are concerns that microchips could be hacked, allowing someone to track your dog’s location. However, most experts agree that the technology used in dog microchips makes hacking very difficult.
Electromagnetic Radiation
Some claim that microchips give off electromagnetic radiation that could potentially cause health problems. However, the FDA and veterinary experts say there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The low frequency electromagnetic waves emitted by microchips do not contain enough energy to cause cell damage or DNA mutations.
Conclusion
While there are some risks associated with microchipping pets, the benefits appear to outweigh any potential downsides. Microchips provide permanent identification, help reunite lost pets with owners, and deter theft. Serious health issues seem to be rare when microchipping is performed properly by a veterinarian.
Pet owners should follow aftercare instructions to minimize infection risks and watch for any signs of complications. Annual vet checkups can identify problems early if they do arise. While microchips aren’t perfect, they currently offer the best form of permanent ID for pets. Weighing the low risks against the many benefits, microchipping remains an advisable option for responsible pet owners.
To minimize health risks, do your research to find a reputable vet, ensure the microchip is implanted properly, and follow all aftercare recommendations. Microchipping provides an invaluable safeguard that helps keep pets healthy and with their families. With proper precautions, pet owners can confidently utilize this technology to protect their furry friends.