Tattoo or Microchip?

Woof!

Hello all you lovely people! Today I'm going to be looking into the two methods of making sure you're puppy is traceable if ever lost or stolen, and also if you want to travel internationally with your pup. The most common and recognisable is the microchip, a small pellet like do dab that's injected into the nape, and the other method is the ear tattoo, which is a small marking in the inside of a pup's ear with a special code. Which one is best though, and more importantly, which is the safest option for keeping me safe?

The microchip is seen as the norm by the majority of dog owners, it's small, easily administered and universally recognised. It is injected by a registered practitioner into the nape and is instantly recognised by the scanner used to pick it up and register your details. Most dogs don't even notice it going in, and it lasts a lifetime, so never needs to be removed, unless it has problems. Now the problems seem to be quite high, some owners have discovered they malfunction and cannot be read, others find it to migrate in the body, and some people can't even get the info off of it due to silly data protection rules. So with all it's pluses, the microchip does have a few negative drawbacks. Hmmmmm.

The tattoo method is a widely misinformed option, most people imagine it is similar to a human tattoo, which my owner claims does hurt a little bit and takes ages from her experience. The doggy tattoo is very different. Again, administered by a registered user, they hold your pup tight and safe and use a small clamp-like apparatus to pinch a special code onto the inside of a pup's ear and then rub a vegetable based dye into the ear lobe to set the tattoo. Tattoo's have the advantage of being permanent and visible to all, so can be a good deterrent from thieves, but it is not as universally recognised by certain authorities like the microchip is. It is not possible to alter the tattoo and your details are registered safely, and unlike the microchip, tattoo's cannot become corrupted. The biggest drawback I can see with the tattoo is the aesthetics, on a pup with floppy ears its fine, but with ears like mine, it would be very noticeable!

Whichever method you prefer, use, or give to your dog, the key thing to remember is responsible dog ownership. Have your details on the collar, not your dogs name, and make sure your dog is insured fully. If you are planning to travel, make sure their pet passport is in date and if they have the chip, make sure it works before leaving. When out in public make sure you know where your dog is at all times, and when at home make sure your doors and locks are secure. Of course, most of it is just basic common sense, but it's always good to have a back up plan in regards to either the tattoo or microchip, or even both. Stay safe for now my puppy pals!

Puppy Kisses and Love

Dexy Do Dah Dog

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Here's some extra kibble bits for you if you wanted more info on either procedure-

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

Microchipping Info- http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/az/m/microchipping/