Archive for October, 2011

Double Microchip Miracle: Two Lost Dogs Found After Four Years

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

As vets, it’s always upsetting to hear about a pet who has been lost. That’s why we highly recommend getting your pet micro chipped. Pet ID microchips can greatly increase the chances of being reunited with a lost pet, even after years have gone by, but don’t just take our word for it. Check out this amazing story of two lost dogs who were finally able to return home to their owner all because of micro chipping.

Double Microchip Miracle: Two Lost Dogs Found After Four Years

Hobo and Tedo were playing in the back yard of Victor Garcia’s home in April 2007 when they suddenly disappeared.

The North Long Beach dog owner said it appeared that someone had set them loose. “I figured they were outside playing in the weeds, but I went looking for them and they weren’t there,” he said. “The gate was open and the chain was cut and they were gone.”

Garcia searched for the dogs for some time before losing hope. After more than a year had passed he resigned himself to the fact that he would never see them again. He adopted a female German Shepherd named Hazel. Then life took a funny turn.

Long Beach Animal Services called Garcia last year. Tedo had been turned into the shelter and a microchip scan revealed Garcia’s contact information. Garcia said he nearly dropped dead from shock when that call came.

“I barely recognized her when she came home because she had gained a little weight,” Garcia, 58, said. “She didn’t recognize me until she got home and saw her doggy door. That’s when she got excited.”

Last month the phone rang again. Garcia said he nearly fell out of his chair when he heard that Hobo had also been recovered. “It was a total shock both times,” the dog owner said. “My German shepherd took it all in stride, but when Hobo and Tedo met again they went berserk for about half an hour because they remembered each other.”

It should come as no surprise that Garcia is a big proponent of microchipping. The retiree said he never planned on having three dogs, but is loving life with his expanded family, noting that all three have become close friends. “If you plan on keeping your dog, it is worth it to microchip,” he said while scratching two of the pooches behind the ears. “I know a lot of people who love their dogs like I do, and it really is worth it.”

Article borrowed from www.lifewithdogs.tv.

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Microchips Help Pets Stay Safe and Found

Friday, October 14th, 2011

As vets, we dread finding out that one of our client’s pets is missing. Once a pet is lost, the odds are against a happy reunion back home. According to the American Humane Association, only about seventeen percent of lost dogs and two percent of cats ever find their way back from shelters to their original owners. Almost 9.6 million pets are euthanized every year because their owners can’t be found. Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to increase the chances of a happy homecoming if your pet is lost. Every pet should have a sturdy collar that fits well and an up-to-date nametag—and every pet should have a microchip. Here’s what you need to know about micro chipping your pet:

What are microchips?

Microchips are tiny transponders, about the size of a grain of rice, that use radio frequency waves (RFID) to transmit information about your pet. They’re implanted just under the skin—usually right between the shoulder blades using a small syringe, much like a vaccination. It’s a simple, safe, and routine procedure.

How do they work?

Each microchip contains a unique registration number and the phone number of the registry for the particular brand of chip. A handheld microchip reader reads the radio frequency of the chip and displays this information. The animal shelter, humane shelter, or vet clinic that finds your pet can contact the registry to get your name and phone number.

Do only dogs need to get microchips?

Inside cats can easily escape from an open door or window, and just about any pet can get lost or stolen. Call and let us know what kind of pet you have, and we’ll tell you whether or not whether micro chipping is a good idea.

Can a microchip get lost inside my pet? Is it safe?

Your pet’s subcutaneous tissue usually bonds to the chip within 24 hours, preventing it from moving, although there’s a small chance that the chip could migrate. But it can’t actually get lost inside your pet. The risks of implanted microchips are very minimal compared to the risk of your pet becoming lost.

How long do microchips last?

Microchips are designed to work for 25 years. Unlike an ID collar or tag, they can’t be lost or damaged.

How do I register my pet?

Complete the paperwork that comes with the chip and send it to the registry, or do it online if that option is available. You’ll also receive a tag for your pet’s collar with the chip number and registry phone number.

What if I move?

You need to contact the company that registers the chip to update your information; otherwise, the chip will be useless. You may be charged a small fee to process the update.

Can I get my pet microchipped at the Delavan Lake Veterinary Clinic?

You sure can! We love being able to help our clients guard against losing a beloved family pet. Call (262) 728-8622 to make an appointment. We use HomeAgain.com microchips, one of the leading providers in the industry. Their Pet Recovery Process has a nationwide recovery network to help mobilize local resources as soon as you notify them of your missing pet.

Does it really work?

You bet it does! Check out this amazing story of Willow the cat: Five Years, 1800 Miles, and One Micro Chip Later. Luckily, most found pets don’t have quite that kind of incredible journey. But what a happy ending to that lost pet story!

Special Offer! $5.00 off microchipping until 12/31/11.  You must bring in a copy of this newsletter to receive discount.

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Should You Get Pet Insurance?

Friday, October 14th, 2011

When you bring home your adorable new puppy or kitten, the last thing on your mind is pet insurance. But that might be the exact moment when you should be thinking about it.

The number of insured pets in this country is still very small compared to the millions of pets in our homes. However, as veterinary science has advanced, treatments that were once only available to people—like radiation therapy, MRI’s, hip replacements, and kidney transplants—are now offered in full-service vet clinics and hospitals. Suddenly having pet insurance may be a good investment.

Pet insurance works in much the same way as health insurance for humans. You can choose from a range of plans, including major medical and wellness plans. You have monthly premiums, deductibles, and those pesky pre-existing conditions. The older your pet is, the more expensive the insurance rates. For certain breeds, known hereditary problems and pre-existing conditions may be excluded from coverage.

However, an insurance policy can be a lifesaver, literally, if your pet has a serious accident or life-threatening illness. The cost of diagnostic tools, surgery, specialists, and medicine can be very daunting. Getting an insurance plan when your pet is young allows you to have affordable coverage during emergencies and chronic illness situations, sparing you the pain of having to make difficult decisions in an emotional situation based on cost alone.

At Delavan Lakes Veterinary Clinic, we offer Veterinary Pet Insurance, the oldest and largest pet insurance company in the United States. In addition to dog and cat pet insurance, they offer coverage for birds, lizards, and other exotic pets.

Pet insurance is not for every pet or every pet owner. Sit down with your vet during your next appointment and talk about whether or not it makes sense for your pet. Or give us a call at (262) 728-8622.

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