We all love our pets dearly and would do anything to keep them safe; part of that means protecting them when we can’t see them. In case the worst happens and you lose sight of your furry friends, you need a way to find them and make sure they’re okay. Luckily, pet microchipping in Troutville and the surrounding areas is a safe solution to do just that!
What is microchipping? Does it really help? How does it keep my pets safe? All of these are perfectly valid questions – and the short answer is yes, it does help, and it helps you track your pets when they’re away from home.
What Is Pet Microchipping?
Microchipping your pet is a simple, outpatient procedure that inserts a small microchip under your pet’s skin. It is about the size of a grain of rice and holds a unique identification number associated with your animal. It’s about as invasive as a regular vaccination, requires no power, and sits between your pet’s shoulder blades.
The Cost of Not Microchipping
While microchipping costs a little money, it doesn’t compare to the cost of losing a pet without a quick way to find them. You can lose your pets for longer than necessary, or permanently, if you cannot find them. They can also end up hurt, and without a way to find them quickly, that can be especially harmful.
Collars and harnesses are a great first step to keeping your pets safe and with you, but they’re not a perfect solution. While it’s still important to invest in those, it’s much better when paired with a proper microchip.
Losing Your Dog
Dogs are usually at a higher risk of getting lost, as they tend to be outdoors more than other animals like cats. Between outside time, going on walks, and maybe a play date with the neighbor’s dog, the risks are typically higher. If they manage to break free of the backyard or slip out of the collar, a microchip is the best way to track them down.
Losing Your Cat
Dogs may be out more than cats, but that doesn’t mean they’re off the hook for getting outside. Some owners take their cats for walks or let them outside for a while in the fresh air, which increases the risk of them getting lost. Or, if your cat manages to escape for whatever reason, they’ll be in a new environment, and microchipping can help you find them.
How the Fall Weather Plays a Role
Pet ID microchipping is crucial, especially this time of year, as temperatures drop and the wind settles in. You’ll likely be taking your pets out less or for shorter periods due to the changing weather, but the risk remains.
If your dogs or cats get out, they could get caught in bad weather, which is hard on their bodies and could make their chances of returning home on their own much lower. Additionally, it increases the chances of them getting sick – the longer they’re out there, the higher the chances of it becoming detrimental.
Asking Your Vet For Assistance
Your vets understand the importance of microchipping and can explain in more detail how it works and what it does. If you’re interested in pet microchipping, ask the folks at Troutville’s Old Dominion Veterinary Clinic how to make an appointment and take charge of your pet’s safety!
