Chip Your Pet Month

Chip Your Pet Month

Let's take a minute to learn a bit more about what a microchip is and what some of the concerns are related to microchips in our pets. Contrary to current reports, responsible pet owners do not need to ‘chip’ their pets because the risks do not outweigh the benefits.  

Let's take a minute to learn a bit more about what a microchip is and what some of the concerns are related to microchips in our pets. Contrary to current reports, responsible pet owners do not need to ‘chip’ their pets because the risks do not outweigh the benefits.  

What is a Microchip?

A microchip is an electronic glass bead the size of a piece of rice that contains a radio transmitter, an antenna, and a computer chip with a 10-digit code. Microchips are most commonly inserted between the shoulder blades under the skin with a 12-gauge needle (diameter of 2.769 mm). While you hear that this procedure is painless, Dr. Karen Becker agrees that it does indeed hurt and she recommends using a local numbing agent.

Microchips work by pulsing a frequency that is then detected by a scanner. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), microchips run on a radio frequency in three values: 125 kHz, 128 kHz, and 134.2 kHz. A scanner is then used to pick up the frequency and detect the code to identify your pet.

What You Need to Know

You may be wondering, what’s the problem with microchips? According to the AVMA chips are safe—should I be worried? In short, yes. Common problems include:

  • Chip movement
    • The chip can move or slide once it has been inserted into the animal, which can cause health problems. A moved chip can also cause a scanner to not read the chip. Chips have been found to move to the shoulder joint, brainstem, and even the stomach cavity.
  • Cancer
    • Research has shown that the chip can cause an increased cancer risk in animals and research from the British Veterinary Medical Association shows that there is indeed a link between chips and tumors in animals.
  • Seizures
    • Because the chip sends out a frequency, many pet owners have reported their pets having seizures starting after the chip was inserted.
  • Wrongful Euthanization
    • Because chips can give off a different frequency, not every scanner will pick up every chip, which can result in the animal being wrongfully euthanized.
  • Technology Failure
    • Just as with any technological device, the device can fail. Unfortunately for us, our pets will never know or have any way to tell us if their chip is no longer working.

What’s the next step for Microchips?

In 2004 the FDA approved the VeriChip, an insertable microchip for humans that can contain information such as medical records. Today, information is coming forward on chips that will be able locate you via a GPS signal, carry all of your information, and even allow you to process payments at stores.

The AVMA makes it very clear that the chips in pets do not work as a GPS system and will not be able to locate your pets. However, human chips are being promoted to locate your children and our soldiers when they are overseas.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What if my pet has already been chipped?
    • If your pet has already been chipped, talk to your veterinarian about getting it removed. Once removed, you may need to support your pet's body to detox, heal, and re-regulate without the frequency.
  • What if my pet gets out?
    • Before microchips were around, pets had collars and tags that provided the needed information on how to get in touch with the owner.
  • I cannot remove the chip. Is there a way I can still support my pet to prevent problems?
    • Yes! I would recommend setting up an appointment with us here at the store so we can best determine your pet's risk and how we can support him or her.

Stand up for your pet and do what you think is best for them. YOU are their only advocate!

Sources:

  1. http://www.NBCNews.com/id/6237364/ns/health-health_care/t/fda-approves-computer-chip-humans/#.Vw6S4zArKM8
  2. http://www.FoxNews.com/tech/2014/08/30/is-there-microchip-implant-in-your-future.html
  3. https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=rqBDfGwfUqQ
  4. http://www.DogsNaturallyMagazine.com/microchips-pet/
  5. http://www.4AllVitamins.com/product_info.php?products_id=35790&product_configuration_id=64822&referrer=google&gclid=CM6BhuPEjswCFUI6gQodasUDZQ

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