My westie has just had his first check up at the vet. He has advised not to microcip until he is a year old and to do at same time as neutering because needle rather long! Thats sounds sensible but I am concerned at how to protect my puppy in the meantime should he get lost or stolen. Has anyone had their pup microchipped early or any other advice while I wait the year?

That's extraordinary! Vast numbers of pups are chipped at under 8 weeks with no ill effects. The length of the needle is immaterial because it's only inserted just under the skin!

I had my Westie chipped at 3 months and my vet was more than happy to do it admitatley he did squell when the needle went in but it was over in seconds and he was back to his old self within minutues.I personally would find another vet who was willing to do it for you, it will give you peace of mind knowing he has been chipped.

John

The vet said that he would do it he just thought it would be painful because of the long needle. But it is interesting to hear that you have had it done early and it wasnt traumatic.

Hi

I think it would be more painfull if he manged to escape and wasn't micro chipped and you lost him as I said my westie did squell but it was over in seconds as somebody else has said the needle doesn't go all the way in, they just put the needle a little way in so the chip is lodged under the skin at the back of the neck in my opion its better to be safe than sorry.hope this helps

John.

when you do  a puppy or kitten or small aniamls the needle only gos half way in,the chip is the size of a gain of rice,and the needle is the same size as if you were having blood taken.

i have chip puppy,s at 7 weeks with no trouble if fact  some old dogs are more of a problem

The vet is talking rubbish! I have microchipped westie puppies at 7 weeks! No problem. Also other small breeds such as Norfolks, Australian terriers, papillon etc. as well as kittens from 11 weeks. If anything puppies are a LOT easier to do than kittens as their skins are thicker and they don't seem to feel it as much.

Marianne

You vet wants you to wait till your dog is a year to neuter?  Most vets will neuter a dog at six months.

I would get a different vet ASAP, this one obviously hasn't got a clue what he's doing and I wouldn't trust him to look after your dog properly. Out of interest was the neutering his idea or yours?

neutering was just mentioned by the vet, but I had already decided that I would do it anyway.

Krytia - are you in the USA?   Most vets over here are happier to wait until the dog has fully matured before neutering, as are most owners.  The reasons are that with full sexual maturity, the dog/bitch will mature physically in a natural way.

REgards

Margot

In the UK where most dogs are kept in fenced gardens early netuering isn't seen as quite so necesary though many young vets encourage it. 

Many of those expereinced in dogs prefer that an animal is physically and to some extent mentally mature before neutering as the hormones are needed for other processes in the body other than reproduction.

Neutering effects the way a male will look, the growth, and in many breeds change the coat as well as causing urinary incontinenece in many bitches as they age.  These negative effects are often less when done wtih a mature animal

Yep I totally agree that neutering can effect their growth. I'm waiting till Bruce gets to adulthood before his op is done. I might consider a mirochip when he has the op. I was told that neutering too early affects their attitude ie they keep their puppy maddness longer :)
My vet also recommended waiting till the op before having the chip put in. He too said it could be painful and I have alot of trust in him.

Hi June,

I got my puppy microchipped at 10 weeks no problem. She didn't even notice the needle going in as I was well prepared with cheese, which she was too busy enjoying and finding to think about the needle.

Perhaps you should change vets?

Cheers,
Patty

You could always get your dog tattood in the meantime.

Nice to hear that your vet does not want to whip your puppies testicles off almost immediately.

Perhaps your vet does not actually DO chipping himself, hence his lack of knowledge?

Leo was chipped at 12 weeks i belive only because we didnt get him until he was nearly 11 weeks, he jumped a bit that was about it

Wouldnt tattooing be painful! or do they go under an anethestic? There is another post about tattoo's and microchip, some recommending both for extra security because chips are being scrambled by dog thieves. Its just so difficult to know what to do!!!

The actual tattooing only takes seconds & afterwards the puppies(if it's a liiter) or adult are back to normal even the most nervous of dogs as the tattooists have an experienced helper & not the owner hold the dogs & calms & reassures them

I'll be having my puppy tattooed & I'll have to have him chipped :( as i want to take him with me to Holland & Germany + the ISDS to date are insisting on a chip to verify the DNA tests he will be having done(which p**s me off)

OK so how do I find out about tatooing?

http://www.dog-register.co.uk/

thanks for address

Hi june,
Had all mine done on the second injection 10weeks.
Only takes a second.
Regards
Denese

Actually i dont think its wise to chip at such a young age.

In a loose skinned fast growing puppy its all too easy for a chip to move. Given taht a horrifically high number of shelters, pounds and dog wardens either do not scan or do not know to scan PROPERLY (including areas where a c hip may migrate to) i wouldnt panic too much anyway.

Id go for tattooing!

And id agree with this vet about not whipping balls off an immature puppy as well!

Em

My cat did not feel any pain when being microchipped , he will be fine.

My puppy slept through having his chip in :D

I agree that spay/neutering does affect growth and is better to wait to age 2 but microchipping is safe to be done at a very early age (several weeks old) and they barely notice that its being done.

All my pups get micro-chipped at 7 weeks old and none of them make a fuss.