By Sam Mazzota
King Syndicate
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I take my two pups, “Roscoe” and “Pekoe,” to a free clinic to save money on their annual shots. When I took them this time, the vet told me that I should microchip them in case they ever escape. I think it’s a money grab. What do you think? — Margie M., Oviedo, Florida
DEAR MARGIE: A microchip is worth considering, even if it seems unlikely that your pets will escape the house or yard. We can’t always predict what will happen in life. For example, what if you get into a car accident and your dogs escape through the open door? What if a neighbor leaves the back gate open?
Microchipping can greatly increase the chance that your dogs will be reunited with you should they escape. An American Veterinary Medical Association study found that lost microchipped dogs were identified and returned 52.2% of the time, and microchipped cats 38.5% of the time, compared to 21.9% and 1.8%, respectively.
It’s also a safe, nearly painless procedure; the chip is inserted just under the skin, either on the left side of the neck or between the shoulder blades. Afterward, you must register the chip with a reputable database — instructions are usually included with the post-procedure pamphlets that the vet will give you. You can learn more here: http://www.pumpkin.care/post/microchipping-dogs-cats.
Keep a collar on each of your dogs, with an ID tag and their vaccination tag on the D-ring, even if you decide not to microchip them. This provides fast identification without having to run a microchip scanner over the pet — something that is normally available only at shelters and vet offices.
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