Microchipping is a necessary procedure for any Chihuahua owner. Because Chihuahuas are highly smart dogs, they might easily slip out of their collar or run away from the garden. Microchipping these pets is quite important in order for them to be located if they ever go missing. We’ll go through all you need to know about microchipping your Chihuahua in this blog article!
What is a pet microchip?
A microchip is a very small computer chip that a competent microchip implanter places between your dog’s shoulder blades. The physical chip is tiny, about the size of a rice grain, and will remain in your Chihuahua pup for the rest of its life. This microchip holds all of your and your pet’s information, including their immunizations, medical records, breed type, and more. Microchips are used not just for identification but also to combat pet theft.
Why should you microchip your Chihuahua?
Microchipping is the most effective method of identifying your Chihuahua. All dogs in the United Kingdom are legally required to be microchipped. Although microchipping your dog is now required by law, it makes keeping your dog safe much easier. If he or she ever gets lost and winds up at a veterinarian’s office – which does happen more than you think – microchipped Chihuahuas are considerably easier to reunite with their owners than non-microchipped ones.
How can microchipping help me reunite with my missing Chihuahua?
Microchipping your Chihuahua is a compassionate method to ensure that you are reacquainted with them if they go missing. This implies that when someone finds your missing dog and takes them to the veterinarian or rescue facility, the microchip will lead back to you as the owner.
It is crucial that your dog’s microchip information is updated and maintained in order for the procedure of microchipping to be successful. Make sure the microchip database firm has your most up-to-date contact information if you’ve just acquired a new Chihuahua so they can contact you when your missing pet is located. If you do not keep your contact information current on your pet’s chip, you may find it difficult to reconnect with your Chihuahua if they go missing.
At what age do I get my Chihuahua microchipped?
Chihuahuas may be microchipped at any age, but it’s preferable if they’re at least seven weeks old. If you get your Chihuahua puppy microchipped before they reach the age of seven weeks, their immune system is not developed enough. This might lead to them rejecting the chip implant or it not functioning properly.
If you live in the United Kingdom, your Chihuahua puppy must be microchipped by the age of eight weeks. Your breeder will most likely have completed this procedure before delivering your Chihuahua puppy, but it is always a good idea to double-check with them. If you’re uncertain, contact your local veterinarian who can tell you more information. Microchip implantation is a simple process that may be done at the vet clinic.
Does my elderly Chihuahua need microchipping?
Some owners believe that their old dog is exempt from microchipping. This isn’t true unless your veterinarian states that the Chihuahua can’t be microchipped due to medical reasons. A certificate from the veterinarian stating this will be provided. Because laws in the UK have made microchipping dogs compulsory, it’s likely that your canine companion has already been chipped. It’s not enough to get them chipped; we recommend checking with your microchipping database to ensure that the information is correct and up to date.
Will microchipping hurt my Chihuahua?
Microchipping your dog is not only a painless procedure, it is a simple process that causes no discomfort. Don’t be concerned if you’re worried about having unpleasant pain inflicted on your Chihuahua. With today’s technology, the operation is incredibly quick and simple, with a fast injection that provides no discomfort to your dog. When a veterinarian uses a microchip scanner to identify the number on your Chihuahua’s microchip, it’s another painless procedure that takes just seconds.
Are there any side effects of microchipping my dog?
When it comes to microchipping their Chihuahua, some dog owners are concerned about side effects. There are some negative effects that these chips can cause; however, the most of them are minor and should not be considered a cause for concern.
Microchips have been linked to allergies in dogs, which can lead to discomfort or redness where the chip was inserted. This is very rare since microchips have been used for many years now without any major side effects being reported yet.
A possible side effect is an infection at specific locations, although this isn’t very common, according to research on over 100 dogs who were all microchipped successfully and free of negative effects. Microchip side effects can be avoided if the region chipped is treated properly and cleaned regularly.
Where can I get my Chihuahua microchipped?
Every breeder that sells dogs should make sure they are microchipped, but if your Chihuahua puppy is not yet microchipped, there are a variety of locations where you can get it done. This service may be obtained from veterinarians’ offices, animal shelters, rescue groups, as well as certain pet shops for an expense; the dog’s owner will receive a certificate and correct microchip paperwork. Some rescue organizations may do this work for free.
How much does it cost to have my Chihuahua microchipped?
A microchip implantation costs around £20 in the United Kingdom. The microchip cost will be determined by the microchip manufacturer you select and other services provided. If you buy a number of services at once, such as vaccinations or pet identification tags, some microchip companies provide discounts. This price may vary between £20 and £30 if you do not wish to acquire any more services from them.
I got my Chihuahua microchipped, what’s next?
When you get your dog microchipped, it is essential that you register the microchip number and contact information for your pet with a government-approved UK pet database. To learn more about the many pet database companies available, click here.
When your Chihuahua’s microchip is registered, it is your duty as the owner to keep it up to date, particularly your address and personal contact information, whenever you relocate. This helps reunite you and your dog if they go missing.
How can I update the information for my Chihuahua’s microchip?
You may change the microchip information of your Chihuahua at your local veterinarian or with the company that registered your pet’s microchip information.
A dog’s details on a pet microchip database may be changed and updated for between £6 and £20 in administration fees. Some charge you each time you alter your information, whereas others charge an upfront fee that covers all changes over your dog’s lifetime. Check with your database to see how they’re handled.
If you don’t update your Chihuahua’s information, you run the risk of not finding them if they go missing. Don’t put yourself in a position where you’ll never see your dog again. If the information about your Chihuahua is not updated, it will be the former owner’s information that will be recorded in the microchip database rather than yours. A £500 fine may be due if your details are also not kept up to date.
Conclusion
Microchipping your dog is an essential responsibility of pet ownership. It’s a fast and painless operation with no negative effects if performed correctly. It’s critical to microchip your dog and have their microchip information stored in an official pet microchipping database, so that you’ll know you’ll easily get reunited with them if they run away.
I hope that this post was beneficial to you, and that you learned everything you needed to know about microchipping your Chihuahua! Don’t forget to share with fellow Chihuahua owners if this was the case.