[cookieface]

Quick question - how uncomfortable is the process?

Our original vet (who moved cross country) said that she tried to schedule chipping with a spay/neuter (or other surgery) because the microchip needle was much larger than a regular vaccine needle. We're having our puppy spayed tomorrow; should we insist that they microchip her then? Otherwise we can get it done at a microchipping / licensing event sponsored by our local kennel club in two weeks.

Thanks!

 

[Willowy]

It is a large needle and probably is more painful than a regular injection. That said, my dogs didn't even seem to notice when they got their chips. So it depends how sensitive your dog is.

 

[Vicky88]

Holly didn't even notice when she got her's, some dogs may yelp though, just depends on the dog.

 

[CrazyDogLady]

My vet gave me the option of leaving the exam room when they chipped Mercy. The needle is quite large and apparently some dogs are really distressed by the process. I stayed, figuring that if I was going to put her through chipping the least I could do was stay and be there for her. She yelped once and it was done.

 

[LuvMyAngels]

I had Buster chipped at about a year old. No huge reaction, he reacts more to his vaccinations (brat boy bent needles at his 2 year check up by sitting down when the tech was vaccinating him). Our biggest issue was some bleeding at the injection site but that wasnt any worse than the bleeding from his heartworm test. Bus was over it and trying to get back in the vet techs lap within seconds...

 

[cookieface]

Thanks for the replies. If it's not done while she's being spayed, I may opt to leave the room. I suspect my anxiety will transfer to her. Her "dad" can stay in the room as he's more stoic.

 

[trainingjunkie]

I have microchipped hundreds of dogs and cats. I also chipped 5 of my own dogs myself. For some, it's no big deal at all. For others, it's a problem.

I have a new pup. I will have her chipped during her spay procedure. I don't want to risk a bad experience with her. I am also told that there is a lower chance of migration if the chipping is done under sedation.

 

[BassetMixUp]

I watched a handful of microchipping videos on you tube before my dog got his and the dogs on you tube seemed completely oblivious to the needle. So I thought my dog would be the same, LOL. He yelped pretty bad and struggled but that was for all of two seconds. He did bleed, but less than any paper cut I've ever had. Then it was as if nothing ever happened. I did see the needle and it looked HUGE to me. That said, I would do it all over again without hesitation.

 

[alilyinthefield]

I had some sticky food in my hand for Gabby's and she never even noticed it...she was busy licking my hand and her lips

 

[GottaLuvMutts]

Kit was microchipped by a friend in my living room. I held her still while the friend did the injection. She may have noticed, but she didn't hold a grudge.

 

[spotted nikes]

My 3 were done and only my female, drama queen, yelped. But she started yelping when the vet took hold of her collar. The needle hadn't even touched her yet, so I'm not sure that she is a good barometer for how painful something is, LOL.

 

[Hambonez]

My pup came pre-neutered so he was microchipped awake when he was about 7lbs. The needle is HUGE and I was worried he would scream, but they gave him treats and he didn't seem to notice they said (they took him in the back), and I believe them because when he got his rabies shot he shrieked and I could hear him from the waiting room!! However, given the choice, I would have rather had it done when he was sedated. It did bleed a bunch too.

 

[ThoseWordsAtBest]

Every month at work I microchip a fair amount of dogs, a lot of the time pups. It's a big needle (especially if you're just used to seeing hypodermics for vaccinations) but a vast majority of the time the dogs don't even notice. A few dramatic ones will yell out, but for the most part nothing but a glance over their shoulder.

 

[Rescued]

My (at the time) 3 month old 20 lb. crybaby puppy (in my avatar) screamed like he was dying.

The two puppies I just fostered both had it done at 4 weeks (i know, the shelter's decision) and 3 lbs each, and they honestly didn't even flinch. Be prepared for a yelp, but know that the benefit far outweighs it (and you might just have a softie dog like me

 

[ThoseWordsAtBest]

When I chipped Jack he didn't even move. When he got a thermometer up his butt he screamed and bared his teeth.

 

[Rescued]

When I chipped Jack he didn't even move. When he got a thermometer up his butt he screamed and bared his teeth.

EVERY TIME toby (the black and white one) gets his anal glands done, he gives me this expression of "mom...really?" dogs are weird about their butts!

 

[lil_fuzzy]

I've watched several cats and dogs get chipped. The needle is larger than a normal injection, as it needs to hold the chip which is about the size of a grain of rice. Some of the animals seemed to not notice it at all, some showed some small sign of discomfort, then nothing.

Any pain from it would last about 2 seconds, so it doesn't really matter when it's done.

 

[ThoseWordsAtBest]

EVERY TIME toby (the black and white one) gets his anal glands done, he gives me this expression of "mom...really?" dogs are weird about their butts!

I did have a big doofy Lab at work that did not mind the butt thermometer in the slightest. Just kept on being a doof. Another dog fought tooth and nail not to have her eye drops, while a Dane with 50 lbs on me Friday made me vaccinate myself via my thumb. Dogs.

 

[krystina alayne]

*shudder* i couldnt imagine being stuck with a needle that large.. guhhh..

 

[cookieface]

Thanks for all the comments. The hospital did chip her while doing the spay and gastropexy, so all is good. Well, not good. They nicked her spleen during the surgery, so she was kept overnight. Vet said she was alert and walking around yesterday afternoon and she should be ready to come home today.