Are My Puppies Microchipped?
I get asked this question a lot: “Are my puppies microchipped?” The answer is no. I believe that microchipping poses serious risks, such as causing cancer and potentially moving inside your puppy’s leg, where it can get lost—yikes!
Microchipping as a Selling Tool
For some breeders, microchipping is a great selling tool. It makes them appear very caring, but in reality, it’s quite cheap and easy for them to inject the chip at home before selling the puppy. The microchip is small and injected with a syringe. Many buyers don’t realize how inexpensive it is for breeders to purchase items like microchips and vaccines—much cheaper compared to what a vet charges.
The Cost of Vaccines
When I used to administer vaccines myself, I would buy in bulk and pay only about $3.00 per vaccine. This is far less than what you would pay at a vet’s office. Microchips work the same way in terms of cost, making them an inexpensive addition that can give the appearance of extra care.
Health Risks of Microchipping
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, potential health risks associated with implantable microchips include “adverse tissue reaction.” The British Small Animal Veterinary Association also reports possible complications, including swelling, infection, abscesses, and tumors. There are numerous case histories of animals developing cancer due to microchipping.
My Advice: Avoid Microchipping
Given the risks, I strongly advise against microchipping your pets. Please don’t do it!
