[HuskyLuv]

Originally Posted by Ronda

There is also concern developing among doctors, that the chips are increasing tumors and cancer. There is thought to be an increased chance of a dog having a chip, developing cancer.

I had read about the increased risk of tumors associated with the microchip in a story published in our local newspaper. According to the article (whose author quoted a local veterinarian) and a little online reading, it seems that the risk of the tumor is not because of the chip itself, but rather any other foreign articles that might enter the skin (hair, dirt particles, etc) upon injection. Just some additional food for thought.

[Ronda]

::nod nod:: thank you for that info I wasn't sure if it was the chip, being a foreign body causing the issue, or some contamination during insertion.

Vaccinations are also linked to increased cancer rates. Anyone concerned about that, can look into 'nosodes' as an alternative

[Willowy]

I think the main chip that was linked to an increased cancer risk was a certain brand that emitted radio waves at all times, not just when it was scanned, like most brands. I think that one was taken off the market. I haven't heard of an increased cancer risk being linked to AVID or HomeAgain, but I suppose any foreign object in your body has the potential to cause an immune reaction, leading to cancer. I still think the possibility of losing my dog due to being euthanized in a shelter as a stray is a greater risk than the possibility of a localized cancer.

And, although it's possible that the goverment could obtain the microchip company's record in order to persecute the owners of certain breeds, I feel that this is a very small possibility. There are privacy laws, and if things get to the point where the privacy laws are being completely disregarded, there will be worse things to worry about than breed laws. But to each his own.

And yes, vaccines are linked to cancer. But not being vaccinated is linked to developing diseases . Although I would use nosodes to "booster" an adult dog, I would not count on them to protect my puppy from Parvo or Distemper.

[Ronda]

Originally Posted by Willowy

I think the main chip that was linked to an increased cancer risk was a certain brand that emitted radio waves at all times, not just when it was scanned, like most brands. I think that one was taken off the market. I haven't heard of an increased cancer risk being linked to AVID or HomeAgain, but I suppose any foreign object in your body has the potential to cause an immune reaction, leading to cancer. I still think the possibility of losing my dog due to being euthanized in a shelter as a stray is a greater risk than the possibility of a localized cancer.

And, although it's possible that the goverment could obtain the microchip company's record in order to persecute the owners of certain breeds, I feel that this is a very small possibility. There are privacy laws, and if things get to the point where the privacy laws are being completely disregarded, there will be worse things to worry about than breed laws. But to each his own.

And yes, vaccines are linked to cancer. But not being vaccinated is linked to developing diseases . Although I would use nosodes to "booster" an adult dog, I would not count on them to protect my puppy from Parvo or Distemper.

I am really impressed with this post. I don't know you, but I can tell you know what you are talking about We did nosodes on our mastiff and regular vacs on our rotty (because we didn't know about nosodes then), We had our mastiff's blood titred (sp?) and she was covered. We did normal vaccines on ONLY the parvo and distemper for our mastiff (as you above mentioned ) because they are more prevalent here. Normally you take your pup in and they give them bundle shots full of chit they would get if they visited Nepal lol!
I don't like the chips for the above mentioned reasons (privacy/philosophy/cancer) but I do not have to weigh that against losing my dogs because they aren't out of my eyesight (I know ANY dog can get lost, but with us it's very low because of our lifestyle and habits).
If you are a person who doesn't have a fence and the dog can run, or you have a fence and you leave the dog out unattended...I would get the chip (well 'I' wouldn't because of my aforementioned concerns) but I could see someone else doing it in that case