Comprehensive Guide to Dog Microchip Implantation: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care

Lifestyle & Age CareDiseasesMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Microchipping your dog is a preventive measure that helps you quickly locate them if they get lost. While some minor side effects may occur after implantation, they are usually mild.

Dog microchip implantation is a key method for storing information to quickly reconnect with owners if lost.

An image showing a microchip being implanted in the back of a dog

A dog microchip is a tiny chip about the size and shape of a grain of rice, typically implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades. It is a passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) device with no internal power source, so it doesn’t operate on its own but only transmits a unique identification number when activated by a dedicated scanner. Veterinary clinics and animal shelters can read this number to verify the registered owner’s information. The chip consists of an inert solid encased in biocompatible glass, with no battery or moving parts, ensuring long-term durability. Implantation is performed quickly using a sterile, single-use needle; while not entirely painless, most dogs tolerate it well. Thanks to this stored unique identification number, microchipping plays a crucial role in reuniting lost pets with their owners.

The main reasons for microchip implantation are loss prevention and rapid contact with the owner.

The primary purpose of microchipping your dog is to quickly reunite them with you if they get lost. Whether they wander off on a busy road or slip away during a move, returning a missing pet to their owner is critically important. The microchip stores a unique identification number, which can be scanned to retrieve the registered owner’s contact information. As a permanent form of identification that remains in place even if a collar or ID tag is lost, the microchip serves as an essential backup for your pet’s safety. It also facilitates quick verification during adoption or ownership confirmation processes. Microchipping is widely recommended by numerous animal welfare organizations.

A guardian scanning their dog's back with a microchip scanner

Main symptoms include pain, swelling, infection, and foreign body reaction at the implantation site.

After microchip implantation in dogs, significant complications are rare, but temporary swelling, pain, or fluid accumulation known as a seroma may occur at the injection site. In fact, seromas and infections are the most common post-implantation complications. These mild reactions typically resolve on their own over time, but if redness, pus, swelling, or pain persists, or if a lump is palpable at the site, consult your veterinarian. Early detection and prompt reporting of any inflammatory changes at the implant site are recommended, as most cases improve well with timely evaluation and management.

An image of a dog’s back showing mild swelling at the site where the microchip was implanted.

If these symptoms appear, an immediate visit to the veterinary clinic is necessary.

If you notice pus or redness spreading around your dog’s microchip implant site, or if your dog frequently licks or scratches the area, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian. Additionally, if a hard lump forms around the chip or your dog’s movement is significantly restricted due to pain, a veterinary visit is recommended. These changes could be signs of infection or a foreign body reaction, so it’s important to inform your vet promptly for an examination. However, such symptoms are very rare.

Diagnosis involves checking for the chip's presence and unique ID number using a microchip scanner.

You can check whether a microchip has been implanted using a dedicated scanner. The scanner reads the chip’s unique identification number, which can then be used to look up the registered owner’s contact information. Scanning typically begins at the standard implantation site between the shoulder blades. If the chip isn’t detected there, the scanner is moved systematically along the back, sides, neck, and shoulders. It’s important to use a universal (global) scanner capable of reading all frequencies and to ensure the battery is fully charged, as low battery power is a common reason for failed reads. It’s also essential for the veterinarian to verify that the number is read correctly, confirm there are no errors in the registered information, and check the chip’s location and functionality.

A veterinarian using a microchip scanner on a dog's back

Treatment includes antibiotic administration for infection and possible surgical removal for foreign body reactions.

If side effects occur after microchip implantation, antibiotic treatment may be necessary based on the veterinarian’s assessment. In cases of infection, appropriate antibiotics are selected based on culture and sensitivity test results, and the duration of treatment may vary depending on the condition and its progression. Overall, infections are rare, and most can be successfully treated if detected early. If a foreign body reaction or infection is linked to the chip itself, removal of the chip (implant) may be considered. The decision to remove it, the method of removal, and the recovery period will depend on the veterinarian’s evaluation. After treatment, it is important to follow the veterinarian’s instructions for proper care of the site.

A puppy recovering after microchip removal surgery

Home care requires observing the implantation site and regular scanning checks.

After microchip insertion, regularly check the implantation site for redness, swelling, pus, or hard lumps. If your dog frequently licks or scratches the area, consult your veterinarian immediately. Regular scans help ensure the chip is functioning properly and hasn’t migrated, and are recommended both immediately after insertion and at follow-up intervals. Routine check-ups are essential to maintain the chip’s reliability and readiness in case of loss. Your role as a caregiver—observing and recording changes at home—plays a vital part in keeping your pet safe.

A guardian examining the area where a microchip was implanted in their puppy.

Certain breeds have a higher risk of chip migration, so caution is advised.

Microchips can be verified with a dedicated scanner, and regular post-implantation scans are essential. Although chip migration is rare, it can occasionally occur in any dog, so routine checks after implantation are recommended. There is no conclusive evidence that certain breeds are at higher risk of migration, so it is safest to monitor the implantation site regardless of breed. If the chip appears to have moved or cannot be scanned properly, consult your veterinarian. Having the chip scanned during regular health check-ups to ensure it is being read correctly is a helpful practice.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does microchip insertion hurt?

While there may be a slight stinging sensation during insertion and it isn't entirely pain-free, most dogs tolerate it well and soon return to their normal behavior. However, individual responses can vary, and although temporary pain or swelling after insertion is uncommon, it can still occur.

Can the microchip move around inside my pet’s body?

Although it’s rare, a microchip can sometimes shift position. In most cases, however, it remains securely in place, making migration unlikely. Regular scan checks are still important, and if you suspect the chip has moved, let your veterinarian know.

How long does a microchip last?

Microchips are passive solid-state devices that operate without a power source, so they don’t wear out or break down and can last for many years. Once implanted, they can be used long-term without the need for replacement.

Are microchips affected by radiation?

Microchips are passive, solid-state devices with no internal power source, so they only activate when they receive a signal from a scanner. However, since there is limited confirmed information about the effects of imaging tests on microchips, it’s a good idea to let your veterinarian know in advance that your pet has a microchip implanted before any imaging procedures.

Where can I get a microchip implanted?

It can be administered at veterinary clinics or animal hospitals where veterinarians are on staff. Most clinics can perform it right away.

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References

[1] American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). (2022). Microchipping Guidelines for Companion Animals. AVMA Press.

[2] Hoffman, J. M., & Kass, P. H. (2019). Long-term safety and efficacy of subcutaneous microchips in dogs: A retrospective study. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 254(3), 321–327.

[3] Veterinary Information Network (VIN). (2021). Microchip Implantation in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide. VIN Veterinary Knowledge Base.