Microchips & the Safety of Dogs

Implanting microchips sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. But this technology is used on a daily basis and its uses are gradually expanding. The acronym RFID stands for radio frequency identification. It's present in credit cards, car keys, library books, commercial products and pets like dogs. This microchip can be implanted in your dog and it aids in identification if your dog gets lost. But some people are concerned about microchip implantation and their dogs' safety.

  1. Microchip Implantation

    • Implanting a microchip in your dog is a fairly easy procedure; it's non-invasive and relatively painless. The microchip itself is very small, about the size of an apple seed. This little device is implanted into the area between the shoulder blades, as most dogs have excess flesh there. The process is similar to an injection so your dog doesn't suffer, and it's a very low-risk procedure, ensuring that your dog is safe.

    How Does it Work?

    • After your dog has the microchip in place you must register him in the database. The registration number is placed into a system that identifies your pet should he get lost. The pet will also receive a dog collar tag that bears its registration number and phone number. If the pet is lacking a collar tag, the person who finds your dog can take him to the local veterinarian clinic or animal shelter where he can be scanned and identified as your pet.

    Cancer and Microchips

    • There has been much concern about whether or not microchips can cause cancer at the implantation site. However, Dr. Lawrence D. McGill, a veterinarian and animal expert states that research hasn't exposed a link between chips and cancer. In the past 15 years alone approximately 10 million pets have had the microchip implanted and cancer statistics have not risen.

    Does the Microchip Keep My Dog Safe?

    • Putting a microchip in your dog is a personal decision. There are people who are for it and some who are against it. If you have ever lost a pet you know the worry and anxiety of wondering what happened. If the microchip gives you peace of mind then it is worth it. However, be clear that there isn't a tremendous amount of research on dog safety and microchip implantation. As as of now it appears to be safe.