If you own a Scottish Deerhound, microchipping is an important step that needs to be taken. Scottish Deerhound are very intelligent dogs and can easily slip out of their collar or escape from the garden. This makes microchipping incredibly necessary for these dogs so they can be found if they ever do go missing. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about microchipping your Scottish Deerhound!
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 Scottish Deerhound 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 Scottish Deerhound?
Microchipping is the most effective method of identifying your Scottish Deerhound. 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 Scottish Deerhounds are considerably easier to reunite with their owners than non-microchipped ones.
How can microchipping help me reunite with my missing Scottish Deerhound?
Microchipping is a kind way to ensure that you are reunited with your Scottish Deerhound if they go missing. When their microchip is scanned, it would lead back to you as the owner of the dog if someone found your missing pet and took them to the veterinarian or rescue centre.
It is important that your dog’s microchip information is updated and maintained in order for microchipping to be effective. If you just got a new Scottish Deerhound, make sure the microchip database provider has current contact information so they can reach out to you if your missing pet is found. You may find it difficult to be reunited with your Scottish Deerhound if you do not keep the contact information up to date on your pet’s microchip.
At what age do I get my Scottish Deerhound microchipped?
Scottish Deerhounds may be microchipped at any age, but it’s preferable if they’re at least seven weeks old. If you get your Scottish Deerhound 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 Scottish Deerhound puppy must be microchipped by the age of eight weeks. Your breeder will most likely have completed this procedure before delivering your Scottish Deerhound 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 Scottish Deerhound need microchipping?
Some owners believe that their old dog is exempt from microchipping. This isn’t true unless your veterinarian states that the Scottish Deerhound 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 Scottish Deerhound?
No, microchipping your dog is a simple process that doesn’t cause any discomfort. If you’re concerned about pain inflicted on your Scottish Deerhound, don’t be. The procedure is quick and painless today because of modern technology, with a fast injection that does not generate any discomfort for your Scottish Deerhound. When a veterinarian uses a microchip scanner to determine the microchip number of your Scottish Deerhound, it’s also an easy and painless procedure that takes only seconds.
Are there any side effects of microchipping my dog?
When it comes to microchipping their Scottish Deerhound, 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 Scottish Deerhound microchipped?
Prior to selling, all dogs from breeders should be microchipped. If your Scottish Deerhound puppy is not yet microchipped, there are a variety of locations where it may be done. Veterinary clinics, animal shelters, rescue groups, and even some pet stores charge a fee for this service, which includes a certificate as well as correct microchip paperwork for the dog’s owner. Some rescue organizations will do this work for free.
How much does it cost to have my Scottish Deerhound microchipped?
In the United Kingdom, a microchip implantation procedure costs around £20. The microchip cost will be determined by the microchip company you choose as well as other services provided. If you buy several services at once, such as vaccinations or pet identification tags, some companies may provide discounts. This price range is between £20 and £30 if you don’t want to acquire any more services from them.
I got my Scottish Deerhound 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 Scottish Deerhound’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 Scottish Deerhound’s microchip?
You may change the microchip information of your Scottish Deerhound 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 Scottish Deerhound’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 Scottish Deerhound 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 a must-do for pet owners. If done correctly, it’s a quick and painless procedure with no negative effects. It’s critical to microchip your dog and have their microchip information updated in the authorised pet database so you’re assured that if they go missing, you can quickly find them.
I hope you found this article useful, and that it answered all of your questions about microchipping your Scottish Deerhound! Please share it with anybody who could benefit from knowing more about dog microchipping.