How Does a Microchip Work?
Now microchips have largely taken the place of tattoos. Microchips are tiny radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips, about the size of a grain of rice. Your veterinarian implants the chip using what looks much like a big hypodermic needle. The chip is placed under the dog's skin on the back, between the shoulder blades. Most dogs do not even react during the process, which is much like getting a vaccination. The cost generally includes implantation as well as registration, and discounts may be available for multiple pets. You must register the chip number with the company that makes the chip, so that if your dog is found, he can be traced back to you. A chip doesn't take the place of a license tag, which anyone can read. The chip must be read using a special scanner, which most veterinarians and shelters own. At one time, scanners were chip-specific, with chips from different manufacturers requiring separate scanners. But now universal scanners can read all modern chip types. The scanner is passed over the dog's back and sides, and the chip, if present, will transmit the chip's identification number to the scanner. The rescuer then contacts the national database, which in turn contacts the dog's owner. Recent reports estimate that more than 600,000 dogs have been reunited with their owners through their chips. Not only are chips valuable for returning lost dogs but also for proving ownership. Can a Microchip Hurt My Dog? Some owners are concerned that the chip will cause an allergic reaction in the dog, or will migrate to some other part of the dog. Chips have been in use for many years, having been implanted in millions of pets and proving to be very safe. Chips are made of inert biocompatible materials, so that they do not cause allergic reactions. In the early years, some chips did migrate under the skin, but new technology has made migration rare. If you lose a dog that is microchipped, contact the chip manufacturer company with the pet's ID number. If you don't have the ID number at hand (and you should), the veterinarian who implanted the chip should have it. If you find a dog, take him to a shelter or veterinarian to be scanned. If he has a chip, the owner can be found. Microchips do not take the place of license tags. Microchips cannot be seen. They do come with a collar tag advising that the dog is chipped. Old-fashioned license tags can be read by anyone who finds your dog, and are ideal for quick turnarounds of lost dogs. But tags are often lost when dogs are lost, and microchips are the only reliable permanent means of identification. Dogs have been reunited with their owners years after being lost, thanks to their microchip. Don't let your dog leave home without it. http://living.msn.com/family-parenting/pets/why-you-should-microchip-your-dog Frostbite, the injury or death of tissue from prolonged exposure to freezing or subfreezing temperatures, poses a significant wintertime threat for all dogs.Frostbite most commonly affects the tips of the ears, the tail, the scrotum, and the toes. Normally, blood flow keeps these areas warm. However, when a body area becomes extremely cold, its local blood vessels constrict to help the body conserve heat. The tissues then have even less blood supply and can eventually become as cold as the surrounding air. If the tissue freezes, it dies.
IS YOUR DOG AT RISK? Dogs housed outdoors are extremely susceptible to frostbite. They absolutely require warm, dry housing. Indoor dogs – especially small and/or short-haired dogs – are also at risk. Certain medications and medical conditions can increase susceptibility to frostbite. Protect your pet from frostbite with warm pet clothing and boots. Plus, shelter her from the wind. FROSTBITE SYMPTOMS Frostbitten tissue may initially appear pale or gray, as well as hard and cold. As the area thaws, it may turn red. Thawing is very painful. If frostbite is severe, tissue will eventually turn black and slough off. VETERINARY TREATMENT Your veterinarian will examine the affected area, although total damage may not be evident for several days, and prescribe pain relief medication and antibiotics. Your dog will also be evaluated for hypothermia. Severe frostbite may necessitate amputation. Prevent pain and suffering this winter; keep your pet warm, dry, and safe from frostbite. Milo's Kitchen® Voluntarily Recalls Chicken Jerky And Chicken Grillers Home-Style Dog Treats1/14/2013 Source - www.dogfoodadvisor.com LIST OF RESOURCES that provide financial assistance with vet bills. from americandogmagazine.com12/30/2012 LIST OF RESOURCES that provide financial assistance with vet bills. Please visit their website to see if you qualify and one of the most popular ones is Care Credit. Keep this list handy and share with your friends. americandogmagazine.com
Grains Can Conceal Hidden Contaminants
After grains are harvested, they must be stored. And the longer the storage period, the greater the risk of contamination by one or more of these nasty pollutants…
Cereal grain leftovers classified as “unfit for human consumption”. And low quality ingredients like these can always be fertile breeding grounds for some of the nastiest contaminants in dog food. How These Dangerous Contaminants Can End Up in Your Dog’s Food Insects — and their droppings — can be found in cheap, low-quality grains.1 The most common insect contaminants include…
Read More. October 30, 2012 – WellPet LLC of Tewksbury, MA has announced the withdrawal of a limited number of one of its dry kibble products due to possible moisture contamination.
This action affects Wellness Small Breed Adult Health Dry Dog Food in the 12 lbs package and bearing a “Best By” date of August 18, 2013. Read More... |