Should I Microchip My Dog
Pros & Cons of Microchipping Dogs
The Heart Behind the Chip
Every dog mom or dad’s nightmare is losing a beloved pup. The thought of them wandering scared and alone, unable to find their way back, is gut-wrenching. Microchipping is often presented as the answer — a tiny chip under the skin that helps shelters and vets scan lost pets and reunite families.
I get it. I want every lost pet to find their way home too. That’s the dream we all share.
But here’s the question I had to wrestle with in my own pack: is the benefit worth the risks?
How Microchipping Works
A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. It’s injected under the skin, usually between the shoulder blades. Each chip carries a unique ID number that links to your contact information in a registry.
If your dog gets lost, a vet or shelter can scan for the chip, pull up your info, and contact you. Simple in theory, and for some dogs it has made all the difference.
The Upside: Why People Choose Microchips
Permanent ID – Unlike collars or tags, it can’t slip off.
Reunion stories – Countless pets have found their way back home thanks to chips.
Peace of mind – Many pet parents sleep easier knowing their dog has an added safety net.
The Other Side: Risks and Real Concerns
This is where things get less rosy, and where my own story comes in.
Migration of the chip – My Great Dane had a chip that slowly moved from where it was implanted, traveling down her leg over time. Another dog of mine, Spice, ended up with her chip migrating from the withers to her shoulder. That movement in the body is not harmless.
Immune system reaction – Any time you place a foreign body inside a living being, the immune system sees it as an invader. The body walls it off and attacks it — constantly. We’ve learned this with breast implants and the now-recognized “Breast Implant Illness.” Why would our dogs be any different?
Today I have a rescue dog with seizures — we will not put any additional / option foreign objects inside his body. My own doctors are suggesting an implant for me for AFIB — the implant is a no for me.
Immune resources are finite – Your dog only has so many immune “soldiers.” If they’re busy attacking a microchip, that’s energy and defense not available to fight off pathogens. That could mean a virus like parvo hits harder than it should… or that parasites are tolerated instead of being eliminated.
Potential health risks – While not commonly talked about, there are documented reports of inflammation, tumors at implant sites, and systemic stress linked to microchips.
Why I Stopped Microchipping My Naturally Reared Dogs
With my boxers, who are raised naturally and supported with strong immune systems, I’ve made the choice not to microchip. I want their bodies focused on real threats — not wasting resources fighting a little piece of glass and metal that doesn’t belong there.
I believe these dogs are perfectly capable of handling pathogens and parasites as nature intended. But when we add unnecessary burdens, we tilt the scale against them.
For me, the risks outweighed the benefits.
Alternatives for Identification and Safety
If you’re on the fence about microchipping, there are other ways to protect your pup:
Collars and tags – The old-fashioned but still effective way to carry your contact info.
GPS collars or trackers – Technology has come a long way, and these provide real-time location updates.
Training and management – Solid recall, secure fencing, and mindful supervision go a long way in preventing escapes.
🐾 Top 5 Things to Do Instead of Microchipping
If you’re not comfortable with a chip, here are smart alternatives to keep your pup safe and home where they belong:
Keep an updated ID tag – A collar tag with your phone number is still the quickest way for a finder to call you.
Use a GPS tracker – Lightweight collars and devices can give you real-time location if your dog ever slips away.
Secure your environment – Check fences, gates, and doors regularly. Prevention is still the #1 strategy.
Train a rock-solid recall – A well-practiced recall can stop a runaway moment in its tracks. (See K9Coach.dog Recall Games)
Consider a tattoo ID – Some pet parents choose a simple ID tattoo (usually inside the ear or thigh) as a permanent, chip-free identifier.
Wrap-Up
At the end of the day, every pet parent has to decide what feels right. For some, the reassurance of a chip outweighs the risks. For others — like me — once you’ve seen migration, inflammation, and the potential drain on the immune system, the choice is “never again.”
If you’re wrestling with this decision, I’d be glad to talk through your options and help you find what fits your dog’s lifestyle and wellness plan.
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Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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