You try to keep your dog by your side, but sometimes they can slip out your front door or find an opening in your fence. A microchip increases the chances that you'll be able to reunite with your furry friend once again.

Why Get a Microchip for Your Dog?

While you always want to make sure your dog is wearing a collar and tags, there's always that chance that their collar can break or their tags fall off.

A microchip is a small, electronic chip that serves as a permanent ID. When a scanner passes over the area where a microchip has been inserted, the radiowaves in the scanner will activate the chip. 

If your dog is picked up by a shelter, they'll be able to scan your dog and look up your contact information in the microchip registry. 

Can You Track Dogs With a Microchip?

While microchips for dogs are a type of permanent ID, they don't allow for real-time tracking. They don't have a GPS, so if your dog is lost or stolen, you won't be able to follow them with your smartphone and see exactly where they're located. 

Instead, the microchip is connected to a registry where you can add your contact information and your dog's medical information. If someone finds your dog and takes them to a vet or shelter, they'll be able to get in touch with you and let you know where you can find your pet. 

Do Microchips Hurt Dogs?

Typically, a microchip for dogs will be implanted between the shoulder blades using a needle. Even though the needle is larger than a typical hypodermic needle, it's not any more painful than a routine injection. Most dogs will easily tolerate it, but you can opt to have it implanted when your pet is under anesthesia for a procedure like a spay or neuter. 

While some pet owners may worry about the microchip causing potential health problems or even cancer, there is a very low risk for adverse reactions. Millions of animals have received microchips with no side effects. The benefit of being able to locate your dog far outweighs the chance of any adverse reaction.

How Long Do Microchips Last?

A microchip has an estimated working time of 25 years. This means that a microchip scanner for dogs will be able to pick it up throughout your pet's entire life. This permanent, one-time procedure provides you with peace of mind knowing your dog is protected from the puppy stages to adulthood.

Bring Pets Home With Revival Animal Health Microchips

Here at Revival, we care about your dog's security. Our microchips offer a safe, permanent way for your dog to be returned to you if they ever become lost. 

Browse our selection of dog products and buy a microchip or scanner today! You can also learn more about how Microchipping Can Save Your Pet's Life, Why You Should Microchip Your Pet and 5 Facts About Pet Microchips from our Learning Center.