To Chip or Not to Chip
By EvrWonder
@EvrWonder (3571)
Canada
April 17, 2010 7:19pm CST
For those who responded to my previous discussion regarding a New Undesirable behavior, you are aware that after someone came into my place unauthorized, my dog suddenly had separation anxiety all over again.
I was lucky and so was she that that was all that happened during this access.
Much luckier than a story I read recently where someone broke into a home and stole their Yorkshire Terrier.
My heart sunk, deep all while thanking my lucky stars that nothing worse happened to my pup and I.
After a couple days of remembering this sad incident that happened to this poor dog and it's owner, I have been considering to get my dog chipped.
During spay a couple years ago, I was asked if I wanted to get a chip or a tattoo and I decline either. I couldn't decide that quit. As time went by, I didn't think I needed either until this story.
I called the vet to inquire. I don't want my pup to have to go under anesthetic again if I can help it. To my surprise, the vet told me that since she is so small, they would only have to give her some freezing to insert the chip.
The company they use is good for Worldwide coverage and will cost me $65.
So, early next month, when Roxy goes in for her nails and glands, she is going to get a chip.
I am a bit reluctant, even still but I feel it is for her own good.
If she were separated from me, through theft she would be so sick. So would I.
I love my Yorkie X so much I would be devestated if I lost her.
This is the best thing I can do for my girl.
How about you? Do you have any of your pets micro chipped?
If so, has there been any adverse reactions at all?
Thanks in advance.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
18 Apr 10
My oldest Maltese has been microchipped. She handled it just fine. Her shoulder was a bit sensitive right after it was done but not much. After a few days, I could pet her right on the spot and she showed no sign of pain.
I would say it hurts no worse than getting our ears pierced, possibly even less.
I'm been wanting to get my littlest gal done but something always comes up to get in the way. She's about to go in to have a hernia repaired so she'll be microchipped at that time.
I don't see it as being cruel, as some animal activists think. Dogs cannot be crafty if they're stolen. Humans can. There's a big difference. I do know that many pets have been safely returned to their owners because they were microchipped, although the people who had the dogs did not steal them but bought them from the thieves. Sadly, most dognappers are never caught, unless they're local and everyone knows them.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
18 Apr 10
I think that micro chipping is the only way to go should my dog be stolen. I have to do all I can to protect her in case of the inevitable. Both of our lives would be heavily changed, for the worst if we were separated.
If she is micro chipped, then she will be brought back home should anything like this ever happen to her.
I am glad that you have your dog done and are getting the other done as well. Smart.
My girl had hernia operation before I got her.
Then I got her spayed and when they asked if I wanted her chipped, I couldn't decide that so fast.
I am glad that I read the story that I did because it is for my girl's best interest. She is so sweet and hope that it doesn't cause too much pain.
the freezing will help but she is going to be so mad at me.
She is usually good with her nails and glands but last time she go very upset (different vet did it than normally) so I was thinking to do it separate. The vet said do it all together.
I wouldn't want her to associate the regular nail and gland visit with the micro chip so I may do them separate. What do you think?
Thank you for your response.
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
18 Apr 10
I couldn't say which way would be best but I'm thinking that doing it all at once wouldn't hurt. If the area is frozen before the chip is put in, she may not even realize that it's been done until awhile after you both get back home so she wouldn't associate it with her regular visits.
Yeah, I'd have it all done at once, if it were me.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
19 Apr 10
That is what the receptionist said as well as my Mom. Likely that is what we will do. I am excited and will be relieved to know that my girl is better protected, just in case.
Thank you kindly for getting back. Have an awesome week!
1 person likes this
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
20 Apr 10
Hi Jen, Thanks for stopping by. I have heard that people are reunited with lost pets as a result of the microchip too. I think it is a great idea and wished I had done it sooner.
In anycase, I an getting it done and am sure that i will feel some relief. Especially at times when my girl has to stay home, alone for a bit.
One can never be so sure.
I am hoping that there wont be any adverse affects too. No swelling, itching etc.
She does have a cone collar if necessary though but I doubt I will need it.
I have to admit, I do feel weird with the idea of my dog having a chip in her but after weighing the pros and cons, it is the best for her.
It is worth considering I think. Just to be safe. After all, our pets would be distraught without us!
1 person likes this
@Catkin (480)
• United States
5 May 10
I definitely recommend microchipping, even if there's not much chance of a pet ever getting out and being lost. Collars are great and all, but you can't lose a chip the same way you can a collar. As mentioned, it *is* necessary for a scan to be performed in order for a chip to be detected, and microchipping is becoming so much more common that I think scanning occurs routinely much more often these days. I know that the local humane society here chips every animal up for adoption, save for the smallest (birds and rodents...rabbits DO get microchipped!); we have adopted two rabbits from the Oregon Humane Society, and should they ever escape somehow, if they were to be taken into a vet by someone who found them, a scan would find the chips.
I look at it as an added bit of security, really. :)
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
5 May 10
Hello Catkin; Thank you for your response. I fully understand why people choose to microchip. I think over all it is a good idea. Since thinking about this more, I have done some research and found that tumors have been found to form on some animals around the chip site. For the GPS tracking chips, outright Cancer warnings have been posted.
As much as I love, care and am concerned for my dogs well being, I can not put her health at risk with a micro chip even if the odds are low. I just can't do it. If she developed a tumor in or around the chip site, I wouldn't be able to live with it so I can not do it. I wont be.
Instead I am going to take additional precautions. When Roxy is outside, she is never out of site. If she does wander off, I know within seconds and am on it.
When we walk, off leash we are together. When she is home and I am out she is secured inside the home. I can only pray that nothing ever happens to her in my absence such as a break in and theft.
Thanks again for your response!
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
23 Apr 10
Lucy is chipped, my Roxy is too little yet but when I have her spayed, she will also be chipped. Unfortunately, if they are stolen the chip doesn't help as it only works if the dog is lost and found by someone who then takes the dog to the vet or pound to see if it is chipped to find the owner or if the dog is loose and picked up by the ranger or pound keeper, that isn't likely in our case as the dogs are always secured. Roxy is the cutest pup and loves to be in the front yard but I only let her out there when I am home because she is no longer a frightened little pup afraid of everyone but a very social little dog who is happy to say hello to everyone. Many people can't resist leaning over the fence to pat her. Lucy is in the back yard but can see out and she gives a short bark when someone walks past and stops so I always check.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
24 Apr 10
Hi MsTickle, thank you for the response. I am glad that Lucy was fine afterward and that Roxy is going in too. We need to do what we can to protect our pups.
I am particularly interested in your response as you make a very good point.
It is not like we can just turn on a machine and her location shows up ..
The dog will need to be wanded?
I must inquire about this as if she were stolen, how likely would she get to be in a position to get the wand? Unless I put out Lost Posters all over the nation, in case they took her to the vet because id she was stolen from me, guaranteed that she would be vomiting within 24 hours simply out of stress. She dislikes being separated for too long.
I have done some research on GPD trackers, where the dog wears the collar and then it can be tracked. Not sure how useful that would be as they are quite bulky and can be removed.
I have also been reading about the different micro chips and tumors forming..
I would shrivel up and die if anything like that happened to my pup.
Thanks a bunch for your response.
This has prompted me to research further. While i will be.
Thanks a bunch.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
24 Apr 10
Wanded, scanned...there has to be equipment available to read the device. If Roxy were stolen and became ill and taken to the vet there would have to be a reason for the vet to scan her. If they did and the info given to the vet and the ID on the chip did not coincide, well, all sorts of excuses could be given to the vet in that regard...
There might be some sort of up market tracking device that could be used incorporated in the chip that gives off a signal that could be tracked by a GPS system.
I'm sure celebrities have something in place to protect their animals.
@cyrus123 (6363)
• United States
18 Apr 10
I didn't see this other discussion because it must have been before I added you as a friend. Whatever it was about, it sounds like it wasn't good at all. No, I never have had any of my pets chipped. I would hate for any of my pets to get stolen. However, my dog has her rabies tag on her collar and it has my vet's phone number on it if she should go missing. $65.00 isn't bad. However, I'm living on SSI and I have to really watch my expenses these days. My dog needs her rabies shot for 2010 but I have to wait till I get paid again before she can get it. In other words, my money just about runs out every month. I keep my dog in the house at night and I know she's safe then. Kathy.
