Microchipping your dog is generally considered safe and is not known to cause any adverse side effects. According to research, there have been very few reported cases of microchip-associated tumors or adverse reactions in animals. The chips are designed to be small and are typically inserted into the scruff of the neck, which is relatively pain-free. The chip remains dormant unless scanned by a special reader, at which point it transmits the unique ID number which is linked to the owner’s contact information. Therefore, microchipping your dog can provide a great level of security and peace of mind for pet owners.
Is microchipping bad for a dog?
Microchipping is generally considered to be a safe procedure for dogs, with very few potential risks or side-effects. Studies have shown that microchipping is very well tolerated by dogs and that the chances of any adverse reaction are very low. While some dogs may experience pain or discomfort during the injection of the microchip, this is generally minimal and short-lived. The most common side-effect of microchipping is inflammation or infection at the injection site, which is usually easily treatable with antibiotics. Additionally, some studies have suggested that there may be a very small risk of cancer at the implant site, but this is incredibly rare and has not been conclusively linked to microchipping. Ultimately, microchipping your dog is typically considered to be a safe and beneficial procedure that can help to keep your pet safe and easily identifiable in the event of it becoming lost or stolen.
How long does a chip last in a dog?
Microchips are designed to last for the lifetime of the dog, typically 25 years or more. The microchip is a permanent identification solution and will stay in the dog’s body for its entire life.
Do microchips cause tumors in dogs?
While there have been a few reported cases of tumors in dogs associated with microchips, research suggests that the risk of developing cancer due to a microchip is very low. The largest study available found that the chances of a microchip causing cancer are about 1 in 1.85 million. Additionally, the tumors reported in dogs and cats have been shown to have been caused by other factors, such as pre-existing conditions, and do not represent the general genetic diversity of the species. Therefore, the risk of a microchip causing cancer in your dog is very low.
What is the best age to microchip a puppy?
The best age to microchip a puppy is at least 7 to 8 weeks old. Microchipping is a safe and simple procedure, and it is important for pet owners to have their puppies microchipped as soon as possible to ensure that the animal can be identified if it ever gets lost or stolen. The microchip implant is inserted just under the skin between the shoulder blades, and the process only takes a few seconds. The chip contains a unique identification number that is linked to the pet owner’s contact information.