What Exactly Is a Microchip?
A pet microchip is a small computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice. It is implanted under the skin of an animal between the shoulder blades. The chip contains a unique identification number in the form of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tagging. When a special hand-held scanner (most vets and animal shelters have one) is passed over the microchip, it picks up a radio signal and returns the animal’s ID number. That number is called in to a pet registry and matched to the owner’s contact information. That means that a microchip is only effective if it has been registered. Too many people get their pets chipped and don’t know they have to register it. Powell Veterinary Service removes the burden of having to register your pet’s microchip. Your dog or cat’s chip is registered immediately after it is inserted—before you ever leave our office.

Does It Hurt?
A microchip is inserted under the skin using a needle and syringe, just as if he or she was getting a vaccination, and hurts about the same. Chances are, your pet won’t even notice. Although relatively painless, some prefer to chip their pets while they are anesthetized for a spay or neuter or a dental procedure. The chip is made from material that is compatible with living tissue so complications are rare.

What a Microchip Is Not
A microchip is not a tracker. It does not use GPS technology to tell you where your pet is. And you should still have your pet wear an ID tag or rabies tag on its collar. More animals are returned because of ID tags than microchips (because it’s readily viewable, without a microchip scanner). However, a collar can come off or be taken off by a thief or someone who intends to keep your dog, and cats should have a breakaway collar so it doesn’t get hung up on a fence or tree branch.

Remember, if your contact information changes or you must rehome your pet for some reason, you need to call the microchip registry company and update the information. Some registries will charge you for updates, but the microchip company Powell Veterinary Services uses does not. Give us a call and let us help keep your furry friends safe. The cost is only $42.50 and includes a lifetime registration. And remember, if you find a lost pet without tags, take it to your veterinarian or animal shelter to have it scanned for a microchip so you can return someone else’s furry friend.

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Run Spot Run

Of course, your furry friends can run off (or be stolen) any day of the year. But loud noises like fireworks can cause many dogs to panic and run, jump or dig to get away. They can often run wildly and when they stop, they may not recognize where they are or know how to get home. Dogs may also run because of boredom, sexual urges (if unneutered), to follow or find you, or simply because you left the door or gate open.

Outgoing, people-friendly dogs may go up to people who, hopefully, will take appropriate steps to return him or her. A shy or unsocial dog or cat will often run from strangers and hide in bushes or under vehicles. Most lost dogs are found within in a 1-mile radius of their home because they typically won’t run in a straight line for long distances. Larger dogs will usually run further than smaller dogs. Cats will travel less than dogs, but can be more difficult to find because of their tendency to hide.

Finding Fido

When your pet goes missing, it’s important to act quickly. If walking or driving the neighborhood doesn’t produce your runaway, it’s time to call in help. Contact the local animal control agency or police department. Visit your local animal shelter or their website (Weld County, Morgan County). Usually they will have a list of found pets, and you can also fill out a lost report. Tell your veterinarian to be on the lookout. Distribute flyers with a current picture of your pet to local businesses and place posters on telephone poles, street signs, etc.

Go on social media networks and ask your friends to share your message. You can also check with sites such as craigslist or Northern Colorado Lost and Found Pets. You can also download the ASPCA mobile app, to get a personalized missing pet recovery kit with detailed instructions on how to search for a lost pet.

May I See Your I.D.?

One of the best ways to ensure the safe return of your pet is to make sure it has an I.D. Your pet should wear a collar with a durable I.D. tag. In addition, your pet should have a city license if required. And that tag you received when your animal got its rabies vaccination has a number that is traceable through your veterinarian.

However, collars can be removed or lost, leaving your furry friend with no identification. That’s why a microchip is so important. Your veterinarian will insert a small chip the size of a grain of rice under the skin between the shoulders. The chip has a unique number, which is traceable to your furry friend. Most veterinarians and animal shelters have a special handheld scanner that reads the chip and displays the I.D. number. When that number is given to the registration agency, they can identify the owner and provide their contact information.

The Flipside

On the other hand, if you find a dog or cat with no owner in sight, be a good pet person and take steps to find its owner. Do not make it yours unless you do everything possible to find its rightful owner. If it has no collar and tags, check with neighbors first. Check for a microchip at your local veterinary office or animal shelter. These places may also have a matching lost pet report. Check newspapers and online lost and found notices. Place a found ad. If you don’t want to house the animal for a few days, take it to the closest animal shelter or call animal control. Only after you’ve spent a reasonable time and effort trying to find the animal’s owner should you consider keeping it. And if the owner does show up in the future, be kind and return it.

Have a Happy and Safe Fourth

If your pet is fearful of loud noises, keep him or her inside or in a secure enclosure. If you’re going to be gone, you might want to put them in a kennel or crate or take them to a boarding facility. If your dog or cat needs a microchip or rabies vaccination (and tag), or you’d like to board him or her for the night, give Powell Veterinary Services a call to help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for you and your furry friends.

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Whether or not you’re planning your own Independence Day celebration, it’s important to take precautions to keep your pets safe both during and after the July 4th festivities.

Preparing in advance:

• Make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have identification tags with up-to-date information. If you have horses, you might consider marking a safety (breakaway) halter with your contact information and leaving it on your horse during this stressful time.
• If your pets aren’t already micro-chipped, talk with your veterinarian about micro-chipping. This simple procedure can greatly improve your chances of getting your pets back if they become lost.
• If your pets are micro-chipped, make sure your contact information in the microchip registry is up-to-date.

Take a current photo of all of your cats, dogs and horses – just in case.

Safety during July 4th celebrations:

• Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
• Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there’s great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away.
• Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
• Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
• Don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot
• Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people. Be especially careful to keep them away from these common foods that are actually toxic.
• Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it’s extremely hot/humid; make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors; don’t leave them outside for extended periods in hot weather; and know the signs that a pet may be overheating: excessive panting and drooling, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, mild weakness, stupor or actually collapsing, seizures, bloody diarrhea, vomiting.

After the celebration:

• Check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside to play or relax. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat.
• Check your pastures and remove debris to protect horses and livestock.
• If you hosted guests, check both your yard and home for food scraps or other debris that might be dangerous to pets, such as food skewers

The post Take precautions to keep your pets safe during the July 4th festivities first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Here at Powell Veterinary Service we use an ISO chip created by SaveThisLife that can be read with any universal microchip reader. The microchip gives your pet a permanent ID number, in case they are lost or stolen. The chip can be scanned and activated by a vet or animal rescue clinic. Activation reveals your pet’s ID number, which will then be called into a national pet recovery service. When your pet is found via microchip, you will be notified by the pet recovery service and can then be reunited with them!

Having a microchip implanted at PVS costs $42.50 (chip registration is included), and is a quick and easy way to prevent your pet’s permanent loss. The chip is inserted into the loose skin between the shoulder blades of your dog or cat and feels similar to getting a shot.

After implanting your pet with a microchip, we will register it for you into the SaveThisLife database to make sure your pet will make it safely home if lost! We also link the information to your pet in our computer system and include our hospital contact information on the registry so we can be contacted in case you cannot be reached.

Interested in learning more or getting your dog or cat microchipped? Contact Powell Veterinary Service at 970-352-9164 today!

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