Does a dog need anesthesia in order to be micro chipped?

Question

I was wondering if a dog had to be under anesthesia in order to be micro chipped...is this a process that can be completed without the anesthesia?

I know of some vets that have preferred to do the micro chipping while the dog is under in order to be fixed. I am adopting a greyhound that will most likely already be fixed when I get her but I would prefer her to be micro chipped as well.

I was going to ask my adoption agency if they would be able to micro chip her as they are fixing her, but I have a feeling she might be fixed before they even get her....so it may not be possible.

All serious answers welcome! Thanks for your help in advance....

PS - I really do not want to be preached to on the basis of why or why not to micro chip. I have made up my mind, so go away if that is your intention.

Thanks again!!!

Answer 1

I have heard of some vets using anesthesia to insert the microchip on very small dogs. It's certainly NOT necessary and if a vet suggested it even for a small dog, I'd find a new vet.
Most the Greyhound rescues will microchip the dog before you get it. Then you just register the number with the company they used or change the ownership from the rescue to you.
I think it does hurt a bit. My Whippet screamed when they put his in and has never let out a peep with vaccinations. However, he was fine within a minute....certainly he did not need to be put out for the procedure.
BTW, good for you adopting a rescue Greyhound. They are very cool dogs.

Answer 2

Thank you for micro chipping. You sound like a very responsible dog owner. I don't think that they have to be under anesthesia to be micro chipped, but I may be wrong. Yes, there are vets who microchip while the dog is going through a spay/neuter, but I think that they can do it while the dog is fully awake also. The microchip isn't that big, so I'm guessing dogs don't have to be under anesthesia to get one put in.

Answer 3

I have all my dogs microchipped. My vet offers to use anesthesia on my minpins when I chip them, as the needle is pretty large and pins are pretty small, but he says not to worry about the bigger dogs-it is a little uncomfortable, but not actually painful for them. Sometimes it depends on where your vet likes to chip the dog. Some chip in the front leg, others on the back between the shoulder blades. I would ask your vet his opinion.

Answer 4

Vet offices and shelters micro chip all the time without anesthesia. Its a big needle but its quick and most dogs hardly notice. Good luck with your new dog!

Answer 5

they dont need any anesthetic for micro chipping it is just a small injection in the back of the neck. my dog hardly whimpered when i got him done. i think the idea of it bothered me more than the injection bothered him.

im glad to hear you are adopting a greyhound as these are lovely dogs and there are too many still looking for homes.

Answer 6

They do not have to be anesthetized. It is basically like getting a shot with a very large needle. How the dog takes it depends on how sensitive they are to touch. Many dogs will just stand there and hardly notice. Some will yelp briefly when stuck, then will be fine afterwards. Only a very very small few will completely freak out, and they usually do it just when you're trying to hold them still, before you've even stuck them.

Answer 7

Affectionately referred to as "immunizing against homelessness", the fairly new microchipping procedure is no more painful than a vaccination, and carried out the same way.

A tiny capsule, about the size of a grain of rice, is injected under the flap of skin on the back of the dog's neck.

This from:
http://dogs.about.com/cs/generalcare/a/microchpping.htm

Answer 8

No, your dog does not have to be put under to be chipped. Its a simple, not painful process. It takes about 2 seconds and its over.

Answer 9

I believe it's injected under a dog's skin in the form of a shot. I don't think anesthesia is necessary.

Answer 10

No a dog does not have to have anesthesia in order to be microchipped. It is really no different then getting a vaccination other then the needle is a bit bigger.