Introduction
Microchipping is a simple procedure that implants a small chip under a dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The microchip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by veterinarians, shelters, and animal control officers to identify lost pets and reunite them with their owners. Microchipping provides permanent pet identification and is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner. While microchips do not have GPS tracking capabilities, they provide contact information for the registered owner so the pet can be returned home if found wandering or turned into a shelter.
Benefits of Microchipping Older Dogs
There are several key benefits to microchipping an older dog according to the American Veterinary Medical Association in their Microchipping FAQ:
- Helps find lost dogs – Microchips greatly improve the chances of being reunited with a lost pet. Shelters and veterinarians routinely scan strays for chips.
- Proves ownership – Embedded chips are permanent forms of identification that can demonstrate legal ownership.
- Provides medical info – Microchips give veterinarians access to your contact info and your pet’s medical history.
Overall, microchipping offers peace of mind by making it much more likely for a cherished older dog to be returned home if they ever get lost and disoriented.
Risks and Challenges
Microchipping older dogs does come with some risks and challenges that pet owners should be aware of before deciding to microchip their older dog. Some of the main risks and challenges include:
Anesthesia risks – While microchipping is a quick procedure, some veterinarians may recommend a brief anesthetic for older dogs to keep them calm and still during the implantation. Anesthetics do carry risks, especially for senior dogs who may have underlying health conditions. Owners should discuss anesthesia options and risks with their vet beforehand.
Difficulty implanting – It can be more difficult to implant the microchip in older dogs who have less muscle mass and skin elasticity. The vet may need to massage the area afterward or use surgical glue to close the injection site.
Existing health issues – Older dogs are more likely to have conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or cancer which could complicate the microchipping procedure. Owners should alert the vet to any health issues ahead of time.
While microchipping is generally very safe, owners should be aware of these potential risks and challenges. Vets can take steps to minimize risks and ensure the procedure goes smoothly for older dogs.
Preparing for the Procedure
Before microchipping an older dog, it is important for the dog to have a full vet exam to check their overall health. The vet will want to ensure the dog is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and recover properly after the microchipping procedure. Bloodwork may be recommended to check kidney and liver function.
The vet will also review the dog’s medical history and any medications they are taking. Medications may need to be stopped or adjusted before anesthesia. For example, blood thinners and NSAIDs like aspirin will likely need to be stopped a few days before microchipping to prevent excessive bleeding.
Follow the vet’s instructions for preparing the dog beforehand, such as fasting for 8-12 hours before the appointment. This helps prevent nausea and other side effects from anesthesia. Be sure to inform the vet of any health concerns or special needs so they can take proper precautions.
The Microchipping Procedure
The actual microchipping procedure is quick and simple. A veterinarian or trained technician will use a sterile needle to insert the microchip, which is about the size of a grain of rice, under your dog’s skin. The best place to inject the chip is between your dog’s shoulder blades, where it can be easily scanned but won’t migrate. Your vet will likely scan the microchip right away to ensure it is working properly.
The microchipping procedure is typically no more painful for dogs than a routine vaccination shot, if not less. Most dogs tolerate it very well with minimal discomfort. The area may be sore for a day or two afterwards. Rarely, dogs experience reactions like infection, abscesses, or microchip migration that require additional treatment. But overall the microchipping procedure is considered very safe with a low risk of complications when performed by a vet.
Aftercare
After the microchip has been implanted, it is important to monitor the injection site and restrict your dog’s activity for a couple days. According to Aftercare Recommendations for your Pet’s Microchip, owners should check the implant site daily for the first week to make sure it is healing properly with no redness, swelling or discharge. Keep the site clean and dry, avoiding baths for the first 24 hours.
The microchip company Gladstone recommends avoiding strenuous activity like swimming or dog parks for 2-3 days after implantation to allow the microchip to settle in place. Leashed walks are okay, but any activity that could dislodge the chip should be avoided. If you notice any concerning symptoms like lethargy, appetite changes or persistent pain at the implant site, contact your vet.
Proper aftercare helps ensure the microchip stays securely in place and minimizes risk of migration or rejection. Monitor the injection site as it heals and limit activity as recommended by your vet to give your dog the best chance of getting long-term benefits from microchipping.
Registering the Microchip
Once the microchip is implanted, the next important step is to register it to connect your contact information to your dog. Registration provides the link between the microchip ID number and your contact details. According to Animal Humane Society, registration ensures that you can be contacted in case your lost pet turns up at a vet clinic or shelter.
The microchip company or registry you choose at the time of implantation should provide instructions on how to register online or by mail. Most registries like 24PetWatch allow you to register your pet’s microchip number for free. The process only takes a few minutes to enter your contact information into the database associated with the microchip. Keep your registration information up-to-date, so you can be reached if your pet goes missing.
Costs
The average cost to microchip an older dog typically ranges from $25 to $60, according to Forbes. This cost covers the microchip device itself and the veterinarian’s fee for implanting it. Some factors that influence price include:
- Type of microchip – Some brands like HomeAgain and Avid cost more than generic versions.
- Veterinarian fees – Prices may vary between vets and geographic regions.
- Clinic vs shelter – Getting your dog chipped at a low-cost clinic or shelter is often cheaper than at a private vet.
There are also separate fees to register and maintain the microchip in a pet recovery database, typically around $15-20 initial registration and then annual renewal fees. Overall, microchipping provides peace of mind for a relatively small investment.
Alternatives to Microchipping
While microchipping is a popular way to identify dogs, there are some alternatives pet owners can consider:
Tattoos: Tattooing is a permanent way to identify dogs, similar to microchipping. A tattoo is applied to the dog’s belly or inner thigh using ink and a needle. Tattoos are readable without any devices, but can fade or stretch over time. They are less likely to migrate than microchips. However, tattoos can be difficult for shelters or vets to find if the dog’s fur grows over the tattoo. They also require general anesthesia to apply (source).
Tags: ID tags are a common way to identify dogs and display the owner’s contact info. Tags attach to the dog’s collar, so they are visible and easy to read. However, tags can fall off or the collar can be removed. They do not permanently identify a dog. Engraved pet ID tags are inexpensive and easy to replace if lost (source).
GPS collars: GPS pet trackers allow owners to monitor their dog’s location in real-time. These collars use cellular and satellite networks to provide tracking via smartphone apps. They can track activity, such as exercise and rest patterns. However, GPS collars have limited battery life and cellular/satellite coverage. They are more expensive than microchips and require an additional monthly subscription (source).
Conclusion
While microchipping an older dog has many benefits like increased chances of returning a lost pet home and keeping vaccinations up to date, the procedure also comes with some risks. Owners should consider their dog’s health and temperament to determine if their pet is a good candidate. Proper aftercare and registration are crucial steps as well.
In summary, microchipping can provide peace of mind for both owners and older dogs alike. However, weighing the pros and cons for your specific pet is important. If your dog is in overall good health and has an easygoing temperament, microchipping is likely a smart choice. But for anxious or ill dogs, the stress may outweigh the benefits. Discuss options with your veterinarian to decide what is best for your pet.