Shiba Inu Allergies: Everything You Need to Know

Shiba Inus are known to be prone to allergies, particularly skin allergies, due to their thick double coat.

Their coat requires regular grooming, which can be a challenge for some owners.

The Shiba Inu's skin allergies can be caused by environmental factors, such as pollen, dust, and mold, as well as food allergies.

Common symptoms of skin allergies in Shiba Inus include excessive scratching, chewing, and hair loss.

Their skin can become red, inflamed, and itchy, leading to discomfort and pain for the dog.

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Atopic dermatitis in Shiba Inus is often caused by exposure to allergens, which can include environmental factors, food, or other substances.

Some breeds are more prone to atopic dermatitis, including Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Chinese Shar-Pei, and Shiba Inus.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in dogs include itching on affected skin areas, redness, lesions, and raised pimples or swellings.

Secondary symptoms from self-trauma can include excoriation, fur stained from saliva, scale formation on skin, and skin infections.

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Dogs with atopic dermatitis may also experience skin reactions, such as hives, and may break out at exposed areas after licking.

In addition to atopic dermatitis, Shiba Inus can also experience food sensitivity and allergies, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and itchy skin.

Food allergies can occur in multiple systems and can include symptoms like lethargy, poor skin and coat quality, and chronic ear infections.

Shiba Inus are particularly prone to food sensitivity and allergies due to their unique genetic makeup and dietary needs.

Some common allergens in commercial dog food products include preservatives, vitamins, and minerals, which can cause problems in sensitive dogs.

The body's immune system fights allergens by producing Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which causes the release of histamines and leads to skin symptoms like inflammation and itching.

Here is a list of common symptoms of food sensitivity and allergies in Shiba Inus:

Diagnosing allergies in Shiba Inus can be a challenging process, but it's essential to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

Allergy tests are available for seasonal and environmental allergies, but not for food allergies, which are generally not accurate or recommended by vets.

Intradermal skin prick testing is considered the "gold standard" for diagnosing canine atopic dermatitis and involves injecting small quantities of allergens into the skin to observe for visible swelling.

Blood testing is a more convenient option, but the results are less accurate, although it can still produce positive outcomes in terms of clinical improvement.

If an environmental allergy is suspected, allergy testing can be done through intradermal testing or a serologic test, also called an IgE allergy test, which looks for the presence of certain antibodies in a blood sample.

To determine food sensitivities and allergies, veterinarians often use an elimination diet followed by a "challenge" diet to identify the substance causing the reaction.

A skin patch test can also be used to rule out other causes of allergic symptoms, such as fleas or environmental substances.

If you suspect you have an allergy to dogs, a visit to an allergist is recommended, who can help make an accurate diagnosis using tests such as a skin-prick test.

Here's a summary of the types of allergy testing available:

Treating and managing Shiba Inu allergies requires a multi-faceted approach. Understanding the underlying causes and triggers is essential to developing an effective treatment plan.

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a common cause of skin issues in dogs, and Shiba Inus are particularly prone to it. FAD is caused by the saliva of fleas, which can affect a dog for up to 5-7 days.

Natural therapies such as Heliotherapy/Photobiomodulation, Hydrotherapy, and Mycology can be effective in managing FAD, but it's essential to work with a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment.

Medications such as antibiotics, steroids, and immunosuppressing drugs can be used to manage FAD, but they come with serious side effects, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and immune system damage.

To manage dog allergies, it's essential to keep your home clean and free of dog dander. Regularly vacuum and mop floors, and use a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.

A diet high in omega essential fatty acids can help alleviate symptoms of atopy, and topical lipid skin treatments containing ceramides can help repair damaged skin.

If your Shiba Inu has a food sensitivity or allergy, introducing a hypoallergenic diet or a bland diet can help alleviate symptoms. Regular office visits with your veterinarian will also help monitor for any new episodes and prevent infections.

Here are some common treatments for atopy and food sensitivity in Shiba Inus:

Monitoring your dog's symptoms and reporting any flare-ups to your veterinarian is crucial in managing Shiba Inu allergies. With patience, persistence, and the right treatment plan, you can help your Shiba Inu live a happy and healthy life.

Shiba Inus shed constantly, but their main shedding seasons are in the spring and fall, when the dog changes its coat for the summer and winter.

These periods of extreme shedding can last around three weeks and require lots of brushing to manage.

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The bad news is that Shiba Inus shed pretty much constantly all year around, so you need to be prepared for regular grooming.

The Shiba Inu's thick double coat is made up of a short, wooly undercoat and an outer coat of longer, water-resistant guard hairs.

The fluffy undercoat acts as a layer of insulation, keeping the dog warm in cold weather and cooler in the summer.

Unfortunately, the Shiba Inu is not the dog for you if you or any of your household are pet allergy sufferers.

The dog sheds dander and hair with dander attached to it as the animal moves around your home.

Dander is incredibly light and floats up into the air whenever someone walks across the room or sits on a chair where the dander has settled.

As soon as an allergy sufferer takes a breath, they inhale the dander, and the allergy cycle begins.

For your interest: Shiba Inu Coat

Immunotherapy is a treatment that can cause symptoms to go into remission, and in rare cases, can possibly cure the allergy. This involves multiple injections or drops with increasing levels of the allergen to increase the immune system's tolerance of that allergen.

Cyclosporine is a drug that can help modulate the immune system, but it's most often used in organ transplants to prevent rejection. Side effects may include diarrhea and vomiting.

Monoclonal antibodies, such as Lokivetmab (Cytopoint), mimic the body's natural immune response to treat diseases, including allergies in dogs. Lokivetmab has been shown to be an effective therapy for dogs suffering from chronic atopic dermatitis (C.A.D.).

Antipruritic drugs, such as otic corticosteroids, topical hydrocortisone or triamcinolone sprays, or oral steroids, can be prescribed to control the itch of atopy. Omega essential fatty acids and oral antihistamines may also be recommended.

If a specific allergen has been identified, avoiding or limiting exposure is the best way to prevent an atopic reaction. This can be achieved by using hypoallergenic and bland diets that don't contain common allergens and irritants.

Here are some potential side effects of treatment:

Food allergies and sensitivity can be a significant concern for Shiba Inu owners, with the average cost to treat these issues ranging from $200 to $2,000.

The financial burden of treating food allergies can be substantial, making it essential for owners to work closely with their veterinarian to develop a treatment plan that fits their budget.

Understanding the costs involved can help you prepare for the expenses and ensure your furry friend receives the care they need.

As of 2023, a staggering 66% of US households, which is approximately 86.9 million, own a pet. This number is significant, but it's essential to consider the people who are allergic to animals, especially those with asthma or other allergies.

Many people are unaware that a pet allergy isn't caused by the dog's fur, but rather by proteins found in the animal's dander, saliva, and urine. These proteins are then gathered by the fur and can carry additional allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites.

Symptoms of a pet allergy can occur when these proteins enter your mouth, nose, eyes, or skin. If you suspect you or a loved one has a pet allergy, it's crucial to consult with an allergist who can help make an accurate diagnosis.

Here are some questions an allergist may ask before performing allergy tests:

The cost of managing allergies in dogs can be a significant concern for pet owners. The average cost to treat your Shibu Inu's food allergies and/or sensitivity can range from $200 to $2,000.

Some dogs may require ongoing treatment, which can add up quickly. Treatment costs can vary depending on the severity of the allergy and the specific needs of your dog.

The cost of food sensitivity and allergies in Shiba Inus can be high, but it's essential to consider the long-term benefits of proper treatment.

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