Did you know that August 15th is Check the Chip Day? This is one cause we can wholeheartedly support! After all, having your pet microchipped is one of the best things you can do for your little buddy’s health and well-being. If your beloved pet is ever lost or stolen, that tiny microchip greatly increases the chances of you and your furry friend being reunited. Read on as a local Aurora, CO vet discusses microchips.
How Microchips Work
A microchip is very small, usually about the size of a single grain of rice. Chips don’t actually transmit information. Instead, each chip contains only a unique ID number, can be read with special scanners used by veterinarians and animal shelters. That ID number correlates to your furry pal’s records in the chip manufacturer’s database.
The Procedure
Getting a microchip is a quick and easy process that can be worked into any veterinary appointment. Your vet will inject the microchip beneath your furry buddy’s skin, using a hypodermic needle. For Fido and Fluffy, the process is very much like getting a shot. Complications are very rare, though not entirely unheard of. Ask your vet for more information.
Record Maintenance
Getting your pet chipped is only the first part of the process. You’ll need to fill out your records, so the chip manufacturer can include your information in their database. This is very important! If your records are incomplete or outdated, the microchip won’t serve its purpose: linking your pet to your contact information. You’ll also need to make sure to update the information whenever you move or change your contact information. Last but not least, we also advise having your vet check the chip during your pet’s veterinary exams, to make sure it is still functioning properly and hasn’t slipped.
Checking Your Chip
Does your four-legged buddy already have a chip? Good for you! Take a few minutes to check your furry friend’s records, and make sure everything is correct. If you have the microchip ID number, try using the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool here. This site contains the records from most of the major chip manufacturers, and is a great place to start when verifying or updating your records.
Does your pet need a microchip? Contact us, your Aurora, CO animal clinic, for all your furry friend’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
