When it comes to above and beyond care for your pets, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is happy to be your partner in achieving greatness. If you know anything about us, you know that this dedication for us extends way past just dogs and cats. We are proud to be your resource for the best care for your more non-traditional pets as well. 

From wellness care to surgery to dentistry, your pets deserve the best. One area many of our pet owners have questions about is microchipping birds and exotics. We are happy to provide this service and explain why we feel passionate about it.

Pet Microchip Basics

Microchipping may sound a little futuristic and maybe a tad Big Brother, but in reality it is nothing that scary at all. 

A microchip is a small, inert object about the size of a grain of rice that is implanted under the pet’s skin with the aid of an application needle. 

Pet microchips:

• Are inert and will not cause any type of reaction
• Imbed where they are placed and do not typically migrate
• Do not wear out or require any type of power source
• Do not emit any type of GPS or tracking signal
• Can be a great failsafe to things like collars and other identifiers that can fall off
• Are inexpensive
• Carry a unique identification number
• Must be registered with your current contact information in the company database to get your pet back to you
  

If your pet becomes separated from you, whether by accident or during something like a fire or natural disaster, they are much more likely to be reunited with you if they are microchipped. 

Microhipping Birds and Exotics

Most dog and cat owners routinely microchip their pets. Microchipping birds and exotics, though, tends to be overlooked. 

Microchipping birds and exotics is just as important as in other pets, though! Most times this can be safely accomplished without anesthesia, although for some pets as short anesthetic may be safer. Microchipping provides valuable peace of mind for pet owners.

Birds who fly are at particular risk of becoming lost, and leg bands don’t always stay put. Even those with clipped wings or other pets that spend time outdoors or near a door or window can accidentally escape. Sadly, there are certain pets that are at high risk for being stolen as well. 

We recommend microchipping most of our patients. After all, risk is low to non-existent and the benefits are immense. If you have questions or concerns about a microchip for your pet, furred, feathered, or otherwise, please contact us. We are happy to further discuss this wellness procedure with you. 

The post Mine, Mine, Mine! Microchipping Birds and Exotics appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

There are loads of little things that we acquire and then quickly forget about. We may not immediately need a box of 250 paperclips or rubber bands, but when we actually need them we’re pretty happy to have them on hand. 

Pet microchips are not unlike a collection of oddities that may (or may not) serve a purpose someday. Some chips are never scanned. But that’s good! That means that those pets were never separated from their people. Most importantly, when a pet gets lost or goes missing, it’s usually their microchip that leads to a joyful reunion at home. 

Microchips Just Makes Sense

In short, microchips protect pets from being permanently separated from their families. Inserted just beneath the outermost layer of skin (typically between the shoulder blades), these chips are about the size of a grain of rice. 

A special handheld scanner reveals it’s unique number that is attached to pet owner information in the national database. 

Peace of Mind

Most veterinary hospitals and animal shelters have the capability to scan pet microchips (if present). They do not give global positioning or hold any owner contact information (that is, until the number is loaded into the database). In these ways, pet microchips do not jeopardize privacy. Instead, they simply offer pet owners peace of mind when it comes to the safety of their pet. 

It Can Happen to Anyone

Pet owners usually do everything they can to provide long, healthy, happy lives to their pets. To that end, disease prevention is a huge priority. Spaying and neutering, maintaining vaccinations, and dental cleanings are all part of this proactive approach. 

Similarly, pet microchips are an added layer of protection if your pet ever jumps the fence, slips out of their collar, or runs off in pursuit of prey (did someone say “squirrel”?). Many times, pets respond to a flight or flight impulse and run away during thunderstorms, fireworks, or other frightening stimulus. 

Pet microchips aren’t just limited to cats and dogs, either. Microchipping your exotic pet – birds included – is also advised. Even though these critters don’t often get out, accidents can and do happen, especially if you are traveling. Please talk to us about microchipping your exotics, if you have questions. 

Wave of the Future

It’s possible to implant pet microchips during a routine teeth cleaning or spay/neuter procedure. But we can just as easily insert the microchip while they’re awake. It’s not without certain sensation, but inserting a chip is akin to what a regular vaccination feels like.

Amazingly, once implanted, pet microchips remain without the need to remove or replace it. It will stay in the same place just below the skin’s surface. If you happen to change your name, address, or phone number, you’ll have to update the national database. We can help you register at the time of microchipping so you’re familiar with your chip’s manufacturer.

Pet Microchipping

Almost all animals adopted through a shelter or rescue are already chipped. If you did not receive any paperwork, let us know. We can help you try to track down the maker of your pet’s chip and move toward registering your name/contact information.

Pet microchips are part of an essential defense against loss or separation. While they cannot substitute a collar and ID tags, microchips are crucial if your pet shows up without them.

At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital we’re always happy to answer your questions or address any concerns. Please let us know how we can help!

The post Virtually Forgettable, There When You Need Them: The Beauty of Pet Microchips appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.