If you’re in the midst of planning for your new Labrador retriever, then you will probably be making a lot of decisions. For instance, you need to think about the brand of food that you are going to buy. You also need to consider where the puppy is going to sleep and how many different skills you are going to teach them. Another important decision is whether to microchip your Labrador retriever.
This is a decision. Unlike other countries around the world, microchipping in Canada is not a legal requirement. So, is it the right option for your pup? Well, to understand that you need to be aware of the facts and the benefits of this choice.
What Is Microchipping?
Microchipping your Labrador retriever is exactly as it sounds. Microchips are about the size of grains of rice. The microchip is implanted into your dog, usually between the shoulder blades. Most animals won’t feel this and it will be completed by a professional. Once the microchip has been placed correctly, it will never bother the dog again. They won’t know it’s there and neither will you on a daily basis. However, it may prove to be beneficial at some point in the future.
The microchip is a tiny computer chip. It contains a unique code which matches the details of your labrador pup. Once implanted the microchip can be scanned by a professional with universal scanners. The details will then be brought up on a database.
How Does It Work?
When you’re ready to get your dog microchipped, your vet will walk you through the process. When you’re happy to proceed, the device will be inserted in seconds. It’s a lot like someone having their ears pierced in terms of discomfort levels. The code is a unique identification number that will be connected to your personal details. You need to make sure that you keep these details up to date yourself.
Of course, once your dog is microchipped, your information can also be registered with a range of different services and organizations. For instance, the information can be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club or CKC (which is where we register our pups) . The benefits of this become quickly apparent if your dog is ever lost.
Benefits Of Microchipping
There are many benefits of microchipping that should definitely be considered and taken into account.
1. Finding A Lost Dog
One of the best and biggest benefits of a microchip database is that it makes it easy to ensure that lost dogs can be reunited with their owners. For instance, you could be out walking your dog in the woods. It’s possible that something could startle them and they might runoff. While you might try and find them, there’s always the possibility that you were unsuccessful. However a lost dog will usually turn up eventually, often at an animal shelter or a vet. The problem is that there’s often no way to identify them. Even if they had a collar with an identification tag, this could have been lost. With a microchip, a quick scan will tell them exactly who the dog is and where their owners are.
Dogs can get lost for a massive variety of reasons. For instance, dogs have even been known to run home to previous addresses because they felt more comfortable or safe there.
You might be wondering how likely it is for a pet to be returned after getting lost. Well, there have been a variety of studies that show microchipped lost dogs are 2.5 times more likely to be returned to their owners compared with animals that have not been chipped. This is important, particularly, when you consider the staggering number of pets and dogs that go missing every year. The number ranges in the high millions.
2. Returning A Stolen Dog
Dogs do get stolen. Purebred Labrador retrievers can be incredibly valuable, particularly if they are still young. Sometimes, a dog like this will be discovered after the criminal is caught. In other cases, it’s possible that the dog will be found after being sold on. Once the new owner takes the dog to a vet, the microchip is often discovered. It’s at this point that the dog is held and then returned to the rightful owner. Purebred Labrador retrievers are worth every penny you pay for them so protect your investment by means of a very inexpensive microchip.
It’s also worth noting that when a pet has been stolen and then sold on, there is almost always an issue with the dispute. Don’t forget, the new owner won’t typically be willing to give up the labrador so easily. A microchip is undeniable proof of ownership and will typically result in the previous owner getting their pet back.
A Permanent Solution
As mentioned, you might have a collar with a lot of information on the animal and the owner. The problem is that if the pet is stolen, these can just be removed and discarded. They can also break off while the animal is out in the world by itself.
In contrast, the microchip is permanent. Even a criminal that wanted to remove the chip would struggle to do so without the right level of training. All you need to do is make sure that you are getting the chip scanned regularly to ensure that it is working effectively. You should aim to take this action about once every year.
Enhanced Options
Technology is constantly evolving and it is possible to get a microchip that provides advanced options. For instance, you might have a dog door in your home. There are microchips on the market now that will allow you to connect to the dog door. This ensures that the door only opens when your animal approaches. It helps avoid issues with unwanted pests entering through what is essentially an open door in your home. At the same time, it ensures that the Labrador can go outside when they need to, which is useful if you are leaving them at home by themselves.
Taking Your Labrador Abroad
You might be planning on taking your lab abroad. Well, as mentioned, there are numerous countries around the world where microchipping is a legal requirement. So, taking this step can make it easier if you do choose to take your furry friend out of the country. It can ensure that one of the requirements for international travel with your pet has already been taken care of and handled the right way.
It’s Inexpensive
You might be worried that getting your lab microchipped is going to cost you a fortune. But this isn’t the case. Indeed, the revenue gained from this service isn’t the reason that vet practices typically provide it. Instead, they want to make sure that pets in their care are being kept safe. It’s all about making sure that the right measures are in place to avoid a dangerous situation.
Don’t forget if a pet that is lost is not identified and discovered, it may ultimately end up being euthanized depending on the laws of your local area . This will be the case if it can not be rehoused and it happens to far too many pets every year. Microchipping can help ensure that labs are not lost for good.
We hope this helps you understand why microchips are beneficial and why you should get your lab chipped. It will guarantee that you have the best chance possible of getting your dog back if they are lost at any point. It will also provide you with the peace of mind you need when your dog is either home alone or perhaps if you are taking your dog on holiday. Indeed, other manufacturers provide lost pet alert services as well and offer travel assistance.
