A non-food or exercise related post for you!
Maggie is microchipped. We got her chipped about 3 years ago. The original location of the chip was on the back of her neck, in between her shoulder blades.
Over time, the chip has moved around under her loose neck skin and is slowly drifting to the front of her body, near her fat little arms.
Has this happened to anyone else’s pet? Is it a big deal?
March 24, 2009, 12:20 pm
March 24, 2009, 12:25 pm
Both of our dogs are chipped, but they have such thick fur, I honestly have no idea where the chips are. If I were in your situation, I’d probably be curious and try to find some info on the web, but unless she seems bothered by it, I wouldn’t take her to the vet.
March 24, 2009, 12:26 pm
Hmm, our dog was microchipped before we adopted her and have no idea where the chip is. I would think that they expect the chip to move around, but I can see why you would be concerned. There’s no harm in calling a vet or animal shelter to find out. 🙂
March 24, 2009, 12:29 pm
I would call the vet and they should tell you over the phone. It is definitely not a danger to her. The only issue is I she does get away from you/ get lost, vets automatically swipe the back of the neck area not her whole body. If the chip is not there to read then they cannot link her back to you.
March 24, 2009, 12:30 pm
hmmm Frank is chipped and I have no idea where it is? I might call and just let them know what you’re seeing and ask if you should be concerned?
March 24, 2009, 12:32 pm
Our vet microchipped our pup while she was being spayed…I guess I just assumed her microchip was in the belly area, but now I’m not so sure!
Give them a call…I wouldn’t think it should shift around that much.
March 24, 2009, 12:38 pm
My sisters dogs has moved down to her belly! around the rib area! its gross because you can feel it and its like a tiny twig!
I know in England, they scan the whole body because they move!
March 24, 2009, 12:39 pm
Otto has a chip and I can feel it under his skin. He is almost 7 years old and it has never moved. I would ask just to be on the safe side. Does the spot seem to be sensitive if you touch it?
March 24, 2009, 12:41 pm
Our dog isn’t chipped (it’s not a big thing here where I live) but that seems odd for it to move…..I would do some research online or call a few vets to get their opinion.
March 24, 2009, 12:45 pm
Both of my Bostons are chipped and I can easily find it on one of them. I’m fairly certain that it’s normal for the chips to move around, but I’m not 100% positive. As long as it doesn’t hurt her when you touch it, I don’t think it’s a big problem. If your concerned though just call the vet?
March 24, 2009, 1:05 pm
my dog is not microchipped, but I would definitely call the vet to check about it. Seems a little odd to me, but maybe it is normal based on the other comments?
March 24, 2009, 1:05 pm
Hey Caitlin! My hubby and I are getting a puppy in a few weeks, so I’ve been reading up on microchipping. I found the following statement:
“Some microchips have been known to migrate from the area between the shoulder blades, but the instructions for scanning emphasize the need to scan the dog’s entire body.”
Doesn’t seem like anything to be concerned about! 🙂
March 24, 2009, 1:12 pm
Hi Caitlin! I have been reading your blog for a while but I have never commented before. I used to work at an animal shelter. It’s no big deal that the chip has moved – it won’t hurt her or anything. The only way it might cause a problem is if she ever gets out and someone tries to scan her and can’t find the chip. Since the microchips are inserted by the shoulder blades, that’s where people tend to scan for them. Next time you are at the vet (for a checkup or something – I wouldn’t pay money for an extra visit just for this), you can ask them to scan for the chip to make sure they can find it. Hope that helps!
March 24, 2009, 1:40 pm
It is reallyc ommon for microchips to move around. Apparently some dogs their microchips end up in their tail!!
I would just call your vet- that way you don’t have to go in if it is nothing to worry about.
March 24, 2009, 1:56 pm
I haven’t had this problem with either of my dogs. The only cause for concern for me would be if the scanner would still read it if they scanned between the shoulders if she went missing….
March 24, 2009, 3:11 pm
I would think one of the only risks would be that if the chip isn’t where it was originally placed, it could be hard to detect if someone was trying to scan in the wrong place.
March 24, 2009, 4:29 pm
They tend to move… biggest problem is that now if she gets lost and they check with the reader, no chip…the chip is only useful if you have a dedicated person determined to read it…cute pup! Make sure she has her tags too… i used to breed cavaliers… had puppies chipped… I have four spayed girls now… Can’t tell you where those chips have gone!… BUT saying that… was just at the vets and the person there with the tatood (sp?) dog patient could no longer read the faded tatoo in the ear so you lose either way… 🙂 don’t worry…it’s fine..
March 24, 2009, 4:38 pm
Hmm, I should get my dog chipped…he is only tattooed right now. I think it would be fine, as long as it doesn’t fall even more?
March 24, 2009, 4:49 pm
Hey Caitlin. I am a long-time reader of your blog (love it!), and had to tell you that you kind-of look like Catt Sadler on the Daily 10 on E! I am watching it as I type, and seeing her made me think of you. You are both very pretty girls, so it’s definitely a compliment! I know this has nothing to do with your dog question, but I just had to leave a comment about it now!
March 24, 2009, 4:51 pm
everyone – thanks for your advice!!
k – awww thanks. i just googled her and you’re right, we do kind of look alike. i need a haircut… maybe i’ll do it like hers!
March 24, 2009, 6:16 pm
When we found Ozzy we took him to see if he was chipped. They searched his whole back and sides in case the chip moved. I don’t think it’s a life or death thing. If it’s not bothering her to the touch, she should be fine. I think it’s just more noticeable because she’s not a puffball and it’s directly under the skin. I’d just call and ask the receptionist. They should be able to answer that free of charge.
March 24, 2009, 6:30 pm
i guess as long as it still reads her location and doesnt irritate her, no prob?
ps i loved readig about your house hunting…especially because we are now MOVING!!!!!!
March 24, 2009, 6:53 pm
I love your blog, but I just have to say that I’m a bit offended by your “extortionist” comment. I’m in my 2nd year of vet school and feel that many people do not understand the hard work (not to mention tuition!!) that goes into veterinary training. It entails 4 yrs of school beyond an undergrad degree (just like human med, plus 1 to 4 additional years of internship/residency if specializing. Of course I don’t know your particular situation with your vet, but I just wanted to remind you (and your readers!!) of the value of the expertise they are paying for when they get a vet consult. Thanks for letting me share my side, Caitlin!
March 24, 2009, 6:58 pm
anon – aww i’m sorry! i obviously i love pets and i really respect vets. my friend bethany is in vet school and its crazy hard. but like any profession, i’ve had good vets and bad vets. i wish i had my vet in pittsburgh — they were AWESOME. i just need to find a new place to take the pups. but im sorry if i offended you! you’re right that i shouldn’t generalize and i’ll take it down.
March 24, 2009, 7:03 pm
One of my dogs is chipped but hers never moved. She’s a bit bigger though so maybe that has something to do with it… not sure. Hopefully it won’t be a problem!
March 24, 2009, 7:19 pm
Thanks, Caitlin – I know you didn’t mean anything by it, but I’m pretty sensitive to those kind of things 🙂 By the way, like someone else mentioned, my main concern is that if a shelter or clinic that finds Maggie may not detect her chip since they typically just scan between the shoulder blades. I’d advise getting her re-chipped just to be on the safe side and contact the microchip company to see about a refund – the chips are supposed to have a coating to prevent their movement under the skin. I don’t know if they guarantee those claims, but it’s worth a shot!
March 24, 2009, 8:37 pm
my potential-future brother in law is a vet in california- Jeff is visiting him while on his work trip this week- i will talk to him tomorrow and check!
March 24, 2009, 9:18 pm
ooo I am not sure, I would love to hear the answer to this one!
March 25, 2009, 6:55 am
You should ask your vet- better safe than sorry! 🙂
PS: I love your blog!
March 25, 2009, 9:19 am
I would definitely ask your vet. Especially since it seems to stick out a bit more (but maybe that’s because her fur is white so it’s more noticeable?). Finding good vets are hard, I hear you on that! Do you guys go to a holistic vet? http://www.ahvma.org/ You can look for one in your area. 🙂
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both my dogs and one of my cats are microchipped but i have never noticed it before. i have no idea if thats a bad thing or not? i guess with it being under their skin already its ok but i still might question it like you are just because.