Microchipping Your Cat or Dog

Have you heard of microchips for pets? They’re the best way to keep your animal companion properly identified throughout their life. Below, your Castle Hills, TX veterinarian goes over the basics.

What’s a Microchip, Anyway?

A microchip is a tiny computer chip that is housed inside of a small glass capsule; the whole unit is inserted under your pet’s skin. The chip itself contains a number, implanted on it electronically, that corresponds to the chip manufacturer’s database. Your pet’s contact information is stored in this database.

When a lost pet is returned to an animal shelter or vet’s office, the professionals there can read the chip’s number using specialized scanning devices. This way, they can get the lost pet returned to the rightful owner with ease.

What are the Benefits of Microchips?

The main benefit of a microchip is that it provides constant and secure identification; there’s no way for your pet to remove it by accident or on purpose. Even if your pet gets lost unexpectedly, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that they’re properly identified.

Another benefit of microchips is that they are very easy to have updated. If you move or get a new telephone number, you don’t need to get an entirely new microchip for your pet. Simply contact the microchip manufacturer via telephone or email, and they can update their database instantly without ever seeing your pet in person.

What’s the Microchipping Procedure Like?

The microchip capsule is inserted under your pet’s first few layers of skin, typically between the shoulder blades, using a specialized syringe. All your pet will feel is a momentary pinch before the entire process is over. All in all, it’s as painless and quick as any standard vaccination!

Is There Any Risk of Side Effects?

There are almost never any side effects whatsoever associated with having your pet microchipped. That being said, there is a small chance that minor irritation or swelling could develop at the point of insertion. If these symptoms appear after your pet has been microchipped, let your vet know promptly.

How Do I Get My Pet a Chip?

Your Castle Hills, TX vet’s office performs the microchipping procedure in-house. Set up an appointment at the clinic today if you have further questions about the microchipping process, the benefits of getting your pet a microchip, or if you’re ready to get your pet the identification they need.