FAQ on the Sterilisation Chip – A Gentle Alternative to Classical Sterilisation

The sterilisation chip is a rice-grain-sized implant that reversibly suppresses hormone production in male and female dogs. It offers a temporary alternative to surgical sterilisation and is particularly suitable for testing the effects of permanent sterilisation.

How exactly does the sterilisation chip work?

The vet implants the device under the skin between the shoulder blades. It contains the active ingredient deslorelin, which continuously releases GnRH analogues.

These hormones trick the body into thinking that enough sex hormones are already present. The result: the testes stop producing testosterone, and in female dogs, the cycle is interrupted. The effect occurs after 6-8 weeks; before this, a flare-up can occur, during which hormone production increases briefly.

The effect lasts 6-12 months depending on the chip type. Afterwards, the hormone balance normalises again, and the dog is fertile once more.

How much does a sterilisation chip cost?

The sterilisation chip costs between 80-150 euros, depending on the vet practice and the preparation used. An additional approx. 30-50 euros applies for the examination and insertion.

For comparison: surgical sterilisation costs 200-400 euros for a male dog and 300-600 euros for a female dog. The chip is cheaper if it is not renewed annually. After three years, the operation has financial advantages.

For which dogs is the chip not suitable?

In practice, with aggressive male dogs, it shows that if aggression is triggered by territorial behaviour or resource guarding, hormone withdrawal often brings little benefit. The problem then lies not with the testes, but with the behaviour.

Cautiousness is advised for very young dogs under one year of age. The hormone balance is still developing, and the chip can influence growth. Here, sexual maturity should be awaited.

Female dogs with diabetes or other hormone-dependent illnesses are also problematic, as the fluctuating hormone levels can exacerbate existing problems.

What happens during a flare-up?

In the first 2-4 weeks after insertion, testosterone levels rise again before falling.

In a male dog that already mounts or marks, these behaviours can temporarily intensify. A dog that normally marks three times per walk suddenly does so at every second tree.

After 4-6 weeks, this phase is over, and the desired effect occurs. During this time, encounters with female dogs in heat should be avoided.

Does the dog become lethargic after the chip?

Many male dogs become calmer after the chip, but not lethargic. The constant attention to potential partners subsides. A male dog that previously spent every walk searching for scent trails focuses more on the surroundings again.

In very dominant dogs, this can improve trainability. Less distraction means more focus on joint work.

How long does the chip really last?

In practice, a 6-month chip often only works fully for 4-5 months. In large, heavy male dogs, the effect wears off earlier than in small dogs.

The wearing off is evident when the male dog starts marking again or shows interest in bitches. At the latest when he mounts again, the chip has become ineffective.

Tip from practice: Have a new chip inserted 6-8 weeks before the end of the specified duration if the effect is to be maintained. This avoids the renewed flare-up effect.

Can the chip move or get lost?

This happens rarely. The chip is placed so deep under the skin that it is enclosed by connective tissue. Even during wild frolicking or fights, it stays in place.

Is the chip visible on an X-ray?

Yes, the chip is radiopaque and appears as a small, rectangular shadow. The vet should be informed about the chip so they know what they are seeing on the image.

Can the chip be removed prematurely?

Yes, but this is a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthesia. Since the chip is enclosed by connective tissue, the vet has to dissect it out. This costs around 80-120 Euros.

Does the chip also work in neutered dogs?

No. In neutered male dogs, the testicles have already been removed, and the chip cannot suppress testosterone production that no longer exists.

Can side effects occur?

Apart from the flare-up, genuine side effects are rare. Sometimes a small swelling develops at the insertion site, which subsides after a few days. Allergic reactions to the implant are documented but rare.