If you adopt a new puppy from a rescue shelter or your friend and come across a tattoo on its ear. It may arise many questions in your mind. To get the answer keep reading this.
Tattoos have different meanings in dogs’ life. A tattoo on your dog helps to identify them in case they are lost. A tattoo is made on the dog’s ear at the time of surgery. A standard tattoo symbol on the left ear signifies the Desexed status of the dogs.
What does the Ear Dog Tattoo Mean?
A tattoo on a dog’s ear represents the rapid identification of desexed pet. A tattoo is made under general anesthesia and surgery.
Cryptorchidism is a condition that makes neutering. That is necessary to prevent the development of testicular cancer.
Neutering is a common term used to explain the surgical operation. In which their testicles are removed in order to make them infertile. This procedure in male dogs stops the reproductive system.
Being a pet owner, it is a big responsibility for you to look after your dog. There are three types of identifications for your dog.
- ID tags (every pet owner gets a collar and a tag for his dog. an ID tag is a cheap way and without pain for your dog. This ID tag contains your name, phone number, and address. it makes it easier for you to find your lost dog.)
- Tattoos (A tattoo is a visible and expensive way to identify your dog. It is a visible form, but not like a tag. Tattoos can look like stickers or fancy signs.
Most tattoos are placed on a dog’s belly or inner thigh. Tattoos are placed in a . Veterinarian centers. However, tattoos are permanent marks on your dog’s body).
- Microchips (implantation of microchips is a modern technique for pets. It is all about science fiction. Due to these microchips animals are connected with their owners. Each chip has a unique program. It contains an unalterable code and some other information about the dog and his owner).
How does a Veterinarian Give a Tattoo on Dog?
Veterinarians use needles, syringes, and tattoo guns. They use anesthesia. It gives them a painless tattoo. These tattoos are made on the ear of dogs.
If a tattoo hurts your dog, causes infection or pain. The vet who gives this tattoo can be jailed for animal abuse.
The cost of a tattoo depends on the different sizes such as small, medium, and large. It may also depend on the skin, body size, age, and breed of the dog.
A medium-sized tattoo costs between $150 and $450. A large-sized tattoo for a dog’s sleeve or full-back costs between $500 and $4000.
Is Dog Tattoo Beneficial?
The biggest advantage of pet tattoos is that they are immediately noticeable. If someone finds your lost pet he will bring them to a shelter or veterinarian. Any dog professional will be able to identify them and contact you immediately.
The major disadvantage of a tattoo is not everyone knows how to contact a registry. It may not be immediately clear which registry your dog is signed up with. However, tags and tattoos can be used in combination.
The dog, who is wearing a tag bearing a registry phone number. In human society, the permanent tag is crucial. Tattoo registries know if your address or phone number changes.
How to Read a Dog’s Ear Tattoo?
Did you find a dog having a tattooed ear, and you don’t know how to read an ear tattoo?
First thing is, check its right for tattoo with a torch light. If there is no tattoo, check its inner leg and stomach.
If there is a tattoo and not too much visible, use a Q-tip with alcohol to make it visible.
A greyhound has a tattoo in his left ear. If you adopt a greyhound then check his left ear. It should contain a five digit number of registration.
The very first number expresses the month they were whelped. And the last number identifies the year of his birth.
However, an Irish greyhound has tattoo in their both ears. Both tattoos are related to each other and make a sense. The right ear has two letters, first one indicates the year of whelp, and second is identifier.
The left ear has three letters. If this tattoo is given in UK, then these letters C, F, G, O, and W are not used.
Where Would a Dog be Tattooed?
Dogs have to face many problems. Especially when they are lost, and have no identification mark on their body. This is very important to give a tattoo to your dog. This tattoo can be given on;
- Dog’s ear
- Dog’s belly
- Dog’s inner leg
Tattoos are visible, so it is easy for anyone to find your dog. A tattoo must be registered with your vet or tattoos specialist.
Pet thieves are less likely to steal tattooed pets. Because, they know about tattoo identification. Many regions impose fines and jail in case of pet theft.
Is it Legal to Give a Tattoo to your Dog?
Tattoos are legal. But what kinds of tattoos are legal or illegal?
There are two categories of tattoos. 1. Temporary tattoos 2. Permanent tattoos.
Temporary tattoos are legal for dogs. Because, they are painless and do not hurt your dog.
While, permanent tattoos are cursed. Real tattoos can potentially cause pain and infections to dogs. It may to lead you to jail for animal abuse.
Before giving a tattoo to your must assure the registration of tattoos and tattoos center.
Conclusion
Animals have no choices in this matter. Everybody knows they cannot talk. But it is a good thing to give tattoo to your dog. You can give tattoo to your dog for both reasons. One for the reason of desexing and other for identification, find them when they are lost.
Always give them a registered temporary tattoo. It does not hurt them and good for you too. You can also give an ID collar tag with your name, phone number and address.
