Over 20 million pets are euthanized every year because their owners cannot be found. Microchipping pets has the potential to reduce that number significantly. However, every pet owner should consider the dangers of microchipping including infection, cancer, tumors and potential chip migration.
Infection
If performed at a veterinarian office the chances of infection at the injection site are rare, however, it is possible. Pet owners should be diligent to keep the site clean and watch for infection.
Cancer & Tumors
There have been some articles written suggesting a link between microchips and cancer or tumors in dogs. For instance, an Associated Press reporter wrote that according to some cancer studies some lab rats with microchips had developed cancer. The AVMA believes these animals would have contracted the diseases regardless of the microchips so they believe the tests are not conclusive.
Migration
On rare occasions veterinarians have found that microchips have migrated in pets. As the procedure and chips have advanced this has decreased with time. Pet owners should have the chip tested yearly.
Chip Reader Compatibility
There are several types of chips and not all organizations have the capability to read all chips. With the wrong scanner, shelters may miss identifying a pet by its chip and fail to be able contact the owner which could result in the pet being euthanized.
Facts & Figures
According to the American Humane Association, of the 10 million pets lost per year only 2% of cats and 20% of dogs find their owners. According to the AVMA the chances of a pet contracting cancer from microchips is very low and the improved chances of getting a pet returned outweighs this slim chance.
Tags: cancer tumors, million pets, owners should, their owners