How do I ensure my dog's microchip is scanned correctly?

Ensuring your dog's microchip is scanned correctly is a critical step in safeguarding their safety and increasing the chances of being reunited if they ever get lost. Microchips are a reliable form of permanent identification, but their effectiveness depends on proper scanning and registration. Here’s a detailed guide to help you ensure your dog’s microchip is scanned correctly and functions as intended.

1. Understanding How Microchips Work
A microchip is a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, implanted under your dog’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique identification number that can be read by a compatible scanner. When a lost dog is found, shelters, veterinarians, or animal control officers can scan the chip to retrieve the ID number, which is linked to your contact information in a database.

2. Choosing the Right Microchip
Not all microchips are created equal. In the U.S., the most common microchips operate at 125 kHz or 134.2 kHz frequencies. Some scanners are universal and can read multiple frequencies, while others are limited to specific types. Ensure your dog’s microchip is ISO-compliant (134.2 kHz), as this is the international standard and is more likely to be readable worldwide.

3. Proper Implantation by a Professional
The microchip should be implanted by a licensed veterinarian or trained professional. Improper placement can make the chip harder to detect or cause it to migrate over time. After implantation, ask the professional to scan the chip immediately to confirm it’s working and in the correct location.

4. Registering the Microchip
A microchip is only as useful as the information linked to it. After implantation, you must register the chip with a reputable database and provide up-to-date contact information. Some microchips come with pre-paid registration, but others require you to pay a fee. Double-check that your details are accurate and update them if you move or change phone numbers.

5. Scanning Techniques
When your dog is scanned, the scanner should be passed slowly and methodically over the entire body, not just the shoulder area. Microchips can migrate, so a thorough scan is essential. The scanner should be held at a slight angle and moved in an S-shaped pattern to ensure the chip is detected. If the scanner beeps or displays the ID number, the chip has been successfully read.

6. Regular Scanning Checks
Have your dog’s microchip scanned during routine veterinary visits to ensure it’s still functioning and hasn’t migrated. This is especially important if your dog is older or has had the chip for many years. If the chip isn’t detected, your vet can investigate further or recommend re-implantation.

7. Educating Others
If your dog is lost, inform the person or organization scanning them about the microchip’s frequency and location. Not all scanners are universal, and some may need to adjust their settings or use a different device. Providing this information can increase the chances of a successful scan.

8. Potential Risks and Concerns
While microchips are generally safe, there are rare risks, such as infection at the implantation site or migration of the chip. If you notice swelling, redness, or discomfort around the chip area, consult your vet. Additionally, microchips are not GPS devices and cannot track your dog’s location in real time. They only provide identification when scanned.

9. Prevention and Long-Term Care
To maximize the effectiveness of your dog’s microchip, combine it with other forms of identification, such as a collar with an ID tag. Keep your contact information updated in the microchip database, and consider using a backup registry service for added security. Regularly check the chip’s functionality and address any issues promptly.

10. When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog’s microchip cannot be detected during a scan, consult your veterinarian. They may use a different scanner or perform an X-ray to locate the chip. In rare cases, the chip may need to be replaced. Additionally, if your dog goes missing, contact the microchip registry immediately to flag their ID number as lost.

By following these steps, you can ensure your dog’s microchip is scanned correctly and remains a reliable form of identification throughout their life. This simple yet crucial measure can make all the difference in reuniting with your beloved pet if they ever get lost.