GROOMING
Shiba Inus are double-coated dogs and shed heavily twice a year, typically during the spring and autumn.
During this time, your Shiba will shed or “blow” it’s undercoat in a period lasting for a few weeks. This shedding is completely manageable.
Please brush them regularly, using the correct brushes. They will shed their coat off naturally and you will see fur around the place until shedding stops. Nothing that a good vacuum couldn’t handle.
BATHING YOUR SHIBA INU
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The coat of a Shiba Inu is resilient to water and dirt
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They don’t have to be given baths too often
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Do not use human shampoo our epidermis (skin) is 10-15 cells thick whereas Canine skin is only 2-5 cells thick: thinner skin so more sensitive!
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Human shampoo is ~200 times more acidic than dog shampoo
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ALWAYS test the water temperature -lukewarm around 37degrees celsius -before and during the bath
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Yes some do HATE water and bathing, so you can do quick clean ups and then we suggest booking in with a groomer who has experience with the Shibees!
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Some Shiba Inu’s have skin allergies that can flare up with excessive bathing
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If your Shiba Inu is an indoor dog, you can wait even longer between baths.
TIP: for quick clean-ups you can use a dampened cloth or spray shampoo to wipe down your Shiba in cold months or as necessary.
Never, ever, is it a good idea to shave your Shiba Inu, unless it is done in a veterinarian’s office during the course of a necessary medical treatment.
Dental Care
Dogs teeth are all adapted for gripping, puncturing, slicing, crushing and tearing, that said we feed raw chicken wings, necks and marrow bones to help clean their teeth and avoid build up, gum disease, infections and tooth loss.
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Nail Care
Some dogs are known to be very sensitive when it comes to just touching their paws, let alone trimming their nails, this includes the Shiba Inu.
Now, I could tell you that to prevent this reaction you need to begin handling their paws when they are puppies..from my experience that has not always been the case. I am the first to admit that I seek help, guidance and support from my groomer Nicole. I have no shame and happy to connect you to Nicole!
When I trim their nails I have the right clippers, a styptic pen and/or corn flour handy just in case I cut the quick.
It is really important to keep on top of trimming their nails. Overgrown nails can make it more difficult for them to walk and are prone to breaking, which can be quite painful. If you feel that you will not be successful in doing this yourself; due to nerves, experience, fear whatever the reason don't avoid the requirement, simply go to a groomer they are trained professionals.
If you are uncomfortable or unsure, I am here to tell you that this is ok-but leaving them to be grown unattended is not!
Once trimmed a good way to shorten the time between trimming is to go for walks on asphalt, this a great way to grind them down.
