Common Shiba Inu Health Issues and How to Prevent Them

Shiba Inus are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in Shiba Inus, with some studies showing that up to 50% of the breed may be affected.

Regular exercise and a healthy weight can help prevent hip dysplasia in Shiba Inus. Keeping your Shiba Inu at a healthy weight can also reduce the risk of other health problems, such as obesity-related conditions.

Shiba Inus are also prone to eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause blindness. This condition is inherited, so it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who has had their dogs tested for this condition.

Readers also liked: Dog Health Issues by Breed

Brushing your dog's teeth daily will prevent periodontal disease. This simple habit can make a big difference in your Shiba Inu's oral health.

Regular brushing will also help prevent bad breath. I've seen it firsthand - a clean mouth means a fresher breath!

Brushing your Shiba Inu's teeth daily will also prevent periodontal disease. This is especially important for Shiba Inus since they're prone to this issue.

Daily brushing can be a challenge, but it's worth it. Your Shiba Inu will thank you for the extra care and attention.

Brushing your dog's teeth daily will prevent periodontal disease. This is a crucial step in maintaining your Shiba Inu's overall health.

By brushing your Shiba Inu's teeth daily, you'll be doing a great service to their health. It's a small task that can have a big impact.

Eye problems can have a dramatic impact on your Shiba Inu's quality of life. Not many things have as big of an impact as the proper functioning of his eyes.

Glaucoma is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea, and redness in the whites of the eyes.

Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Shibas, and they can be treated with surgery to remove the cloudy lenses and restore sight.

Distichiasis is a painful condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain.

Ear care is also important for Shibas, especially if they struggle with allergies. Weekly ear cleanings can help prevent inflammation, and it's essential to dry the ears after a cleaning to prevent bacteria from accumulating.

Some structural defects in Shibas' eyes can cause serious vision problems, but most developmental errors cause no problems at all.

On a similar theme: Japanese Chin Dog Health Problems

Eye problems can have a dramatic impact on your dog's quality of life. Unfortunately, Shiba Inus are prone to inheriting or developing various eye conditions that can cause blindness if left untreated.

Glaucoma is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea, and redness in the whites of the eyes. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners, but it can be severe.

Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Shibas. We'll watch for the lenses of his eyes to become more opaque when we examine him.

Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Shiba is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition.

Small strands of tissue that were meant to disappear soon after birth can remain attached to the iris, a condition called Persistent Pupillary Membrane. Your Shiba Inu is more likely to have this condition than other dogs.

Expand your knowledge: Dogs That Look like Shiba Inu

Ear issues can be a real concern for our furry friends. If your Shiba Inu struggles with allergies, weekly ear cleanings can help prevent inflammation.

Dry the ears after a cleaning to prevent bacteria from accumulating and causing an infection.

Spaying or neutering your Shiba Inu is one of the best things you can do for their health. This surgery decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers.

In females, spaying means surgically removing the ovaries and usually the uterus, while in males, neutering means surgically removing the testicles. This eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies.

Spaying or neutering also gives your veterinarian a chance to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop while they're under anesthesia. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time.

Shiba Inus are prone to developing arthritis, which can cause undue pain and suffering. Shiba Inus are particularly prone to developing arthritis, for which we need to use many treatments.

Patellar luxation is a common issue in Shiba Inus, where the kneecap slips out of place. This can be caused by a genetic predisposition or an injury. If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication.

Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. Stiffness in your Shiba's elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures.

Shiba Inus are prone to developing patella luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place. This can cause pain, limping, and eventually arthritis in some dogs.

Patellar luxation can be diagnosed by a veterinarian with a physical exam, and treatment typically involves anti-inflammatory medications, weight loss, and exercise restrictions.

Overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering. This is because excess weight puts a huge strain on the joints.

Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. Stiffness in your Shiba's elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures.

Many older dogs have arthritis, and bigger dogs tend to have more pain and disability than smaller dogs. Shiba Inus are particularly prone to developing arthritis, for which we need to use many treatments.

Good nutrition and proper exercise are also very important to help reduce bone and joint problems as your pet gets older.

On a similar theme: Shiba Inu Exercise Needs

Dental issues can have a significant impact on our overall health, particularly when it comes to our bone health.

Gum disease is a major contributor to dental problems, and it's estimated that over 75% of adults have some form of gum disease.

Poor oral hygiene is a leading cause of gum disease, and regular brushing and flossing can help prevent it.

The bacteria in gum disease can also spread to other parts of the body, including the bones, where it can cause osteoporosis.

In fact, research has shown that people with gum disease are 2.5 times more likely to develop osteoporosis than those without it.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for preventing dental and bone issues.

A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is also essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.

Regular dental check-ups can help identify dental problems early on, when they're easier to treat.

The American Dental Association recommends visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and cleaning.

You might enjoy: Shiba Inu Bone

Shiba Inus are prone to skin allergies, specifically atopy, which causes itchy skin and can affect their feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears.

Symptoms of atopy typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Common signs include licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections.

Regular bathing and ear cleaning can help control and prevent some skin and ear infections. There are also medications to help control allergies, which can be prescribed by your veterinarian.

Consider reading: Shiba Inu Allergies

Parasites can be a major concern for your Shiba's health, and it's essential to test for them on a regular basis.

All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Shiba's body, inside and out, including fleas, ticks, and ear mites that infest her skin and ears.

Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in various ways, such as drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito.

These parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so it's crucial to take preventative measures.

Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member, making it a serious concern for everyone in the household.

For your canine friend, regular testing and preventive medication can help keep her healthy and prevent these parasites from causing harm.

Allergies can be a real challenge for Shibas, and it's essential to understand what's happening in their bodies. In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch.

In dogs, allergies make their skin itchy, and we call this skin allergy "atopy". Shibas often have it, and it's common for the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears to be most affected.

Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three, and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs.

Regular bathing and ear cleaning can help to control and prevent some skin and ear infections. There are also medications to help control allergies, which can be prescribed by your veterinarian.

Your Shiba Inu has a thick double coat that sheds a moderate amount, so be prepared for regular grooming to manage the shedding.

Shiba Inus go through a molting period once or twice a year, where they shed a large amount of their coat, making it a good idea to have a professional groomer on hand to help manage the flying fur during these times.

Consider reading: Shiba Inu Coat

There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs, ranging in severity from very mild to very severe.

Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result.

Von Willebrand’s disease is a blood clotting disorder frequently found in Shiba Inus.

We’ll conduct diagnostic testing for blood clotting time or a specific DNA blood test for Von Willebrand’s disease or other similar disorders to check for this problem before we perform surgery.

Bleeding Disorders are a serious concern for dog owners, and it's essential to understand what they are and how they affect our furry friends. Many types of inherited bleeding disorders occur in dogs, ranging in severity from very mild to very severe.

Bleeding Disorders can be unpredictable, and pets may seem normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, resulting in severe bleeding. This can be a frightening experience for both the pet and the owner.

Some breeds, like Shiba Inus, are more prone to Von Willebrand's disease, a blood clotting disorder that can cause severe bleeding. It's crucial to be aware of this condition if you own a Shiba Inu.

Von Willebrand's disease can be detected through diagnostic testing, such as a specific DNA blood test, which can identify the disorder and prevent severe bleeding during surgery.

Shiba Inus sometimes maintain higher-than-normal amounts of potassium within their red blood cells, which can cause their blood potassium level to read falsely high.

This can cause confusion in interpreting blood potassium levels, as the increased potassium level in the blood fluid is indeed dangerous, but inside the red blood cells it is not.

Avoid feeding your dog onions or garlic, as Shiba Inus are more prone to onion toxicity, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.

It's worth noting that this is not a dangerous condition to the dog, but rather a quirk in their physiology that owners should be aware of.

See what others are reading: Red Shiba Inu Puppy

Shiba Inus can be prone to epilepsy, a condition that can cause seizures. This usually begins between six months and three years of age.

Reactive seizures are caused by a brain reaction to a metabolic problem, while secondary seizures are often the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause is found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy.

If your Shiba Inu is prone to seizures, an initial diagnostic workup may help find the underlying cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

If your dog has a seizure, carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but don't try to control his mouth or tongue. He may bite you accidentally! Note the length of the seizure, and call an emergency hospital.

Epilepsy is a common neurological issue in dogs, affecting many breeds, including Shiba Inus, who are often prone to it.

There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Reactive seizures are caused by the brain’s reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin.

Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy.

This problem is often an inherited condition, with Shiba Inus commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age.

An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

If your dog has a seizure, carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but don’t try to control his mouth or tongue. It won’t help him, and he may bite you accidentally!

Nerve issues can be a concern for Shiba Inu owners. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis, or NCL, is a progressive neurologic disease found in several breeds, including the Shiba Inu.

Clinical signs of NCL usually appear in younger dogs, between one to three years of age. Rear leg weakness and imbalance are common early symptoms.

A genetic test is available for NCL, but unfortunately, there is currently no effective treatment for this disease. Dogs carrying the mutation should not be used for breeding, as it can be passed to future generations.

Symptoms of NCL can progress to weakness involving all four legs, and some dogs may also lose vision. It's essential to work with your veterinarian to monitor your dog's health and address any concerns early on.

Here are some key symptoms to watch out for:

Keep in mind that these symptoms can appear in younger dogs, and it's crucial to be aware of them to provide the best possible care for your Shiba Inu.

Shiba Inus are prone to heart defects, which can affect the structure of the heart's dividing wall or vessels, or cause problems with electrical signals that control the heartbeat or heart valve function. Some common symptoms of heart disease in Shibas include tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting.

Special testing will be recommended if a heart murmur is heard or if you notice any unusual symptoms. Heart disease is a significant risk in Shibas, so it's essential to pay attention to your dog's heart during regular examinations.

Regular blood screening tests are recommended annually to screen for hypothyroidism, a common condition in Shibas where the body doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. Signs of hypothyroidism can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes.

Some breeds like your Shiba can be born with a variety of heart defects that affect the structure of the heart's dividing wall or the vessels. These defects can also cause problems with the electrical signals that control the heartbeat or with heart valve function.

Most heart defects in Shiba breeds can cause significant problems, so it's essential to pay special attention to your dog's heart during each examination. Special testing will be recommended if a heart murmur is heard or unusual symptoms such as tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting are noticed.

Heart disease can be a significant risk for Shiba breeds, making regular check-ups crucial for early detection.

Suggestion: Airedale Irish Wolfhound Mix

Shibas are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone.

Signs of hypothyroidism can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes.

We'll conduct a blood screening test annually to screen for the disease.

Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill.

Shiba Inus are prone to obesity, a serious disease that can cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. This is why it's essential to feed them a balanced diet.

A good-quality joint supplement containing glucosamine can help slow the development or progression of joint problems. This is especially important for Shiba Inus with patella luxation.

Shiba Inus have a high prey drive, so they need to be leash walked and have a sturdy fence to prevent them from escaping. This can also help them get regular exercise.

To keep your Shiba Inu at a healthy weight, it's crucial to feed them a high-quality diet approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This ensures the food has the standard ingredients and nutritional components for a balanced diet.

Here's a table outlining the ideal feeding schedule for Shiba Inus:

It's also essential to be cautious of overfeeding, as this can lead to obesity and a slew of other health problems. To prevent this, use electronic feeders that can help ensure each dog only has access to their own kibble.

Consult with your veterinarian to find the best food for your Shiba Inu's needs, as they can create a feeding plan based on their current weight, health history, and lifestyle.

Taking care of your Shiba Inu at home is crucial for their happiness and health. Watch her diet, ensure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call a pet emergency hospital or veterinarian when something seems unusual.

Regular check-ups and vaccinations are also essential to prevent and detect diseases and conditions common in Shibas. Pet health insurance can help cover the costs of medical tests and procedures your Shiba Inu may need throughout her life.

If you notice any of the following signs, seek medical care immediately: Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear dischargeInability or straining to urinate; discolored urineCloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyesGeneral reluctance to run or playStiffness or reluctance to rise/sit/use stairsAny abnormal shaking, trembling, or excessive involuntary tremorsTiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly or fainting/collapse

Shiba Inus are high-energy dogs that require lots of mental stimulation and exercise.

Regular exercise is essential for this breed, as they can be prone to anxiety and undesirable behaviors without it.

A Shiba Inu's double coat means they shed quite a bit, and they need regular grooming to maintain a healthy coat.

Pet health insurance is a crucial investment for Shiba Inu owners, as there will certainly be medical tests and procedures needed throughout their life.

Shiba Inus are intelligent dogs that require consistent training with positive reinforcement, especially for experienced pet parents.

Signing up for pet health insurance can help cover the costs of medical tests and procedures that your Shiba Inu may need.

Shiba Inus are bold and fiery, making them best suited for pet parents with patience and consistency to train them.

Proper socialization and desensitization when they are puppies can help Shiba Inus feel more comfortable at the vet or grooming salon.

A fresh viewpoint: Shiba Inu Haircut

If you notice your pet exhibiting any of the following signs, seek medical care immediately. Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge can be a sign of an ear infection.

Inability or straining to urinate, or discolored urine, can be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes can be a sign of an eye infection.

General reluctance to run or play can be a sign of underlying health issues. Stiffness or reluctance to rise, sit, or use stairs can be a sign of joint or muscle problems.

Any abnormal shaking, trembling, or excessive involuntary tremors can be a sign of neurological issues. Tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting/collapse can be a sign of serious health problems.

Here are some potential emergency signs to watch out for:

Engaging with your pet is crucial for their physical and mental well-being. Scent walks are an excellent way to provide exercise and mental stimulation for your Shiba Inu.

Shiba Inus are naturally inclined to follow their nose, making scent walks a great activity for them. This can be done in a variety of environments, from forests to parks.

Scent work games are another fun way to challenge your Shiba Inu's sense of smell. These games can be played indoors or outdoors and are a great way to provide mental stimulation.

Fetch is a classic activity that many dogs love, and Shiba Inus are no exception. It's a great way to provide exercise and burn off energy.

Food puzzles and toys are a great way to keep your Shiba Inu's mind active and engaged. These types of toys challenge your dog to figure out how to get a treat out, providing mental stimulation and slowing down eating.

Here are some fun activities you can try with your Shiba Inu:

Shiba Inus are prone to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, which can be caused by their small joint size and shallow patellar groove.

Their brachycephalic skull structure can lead to respiratory issues, such as stenotic nares and elongated soft palates.

Shiba Inus are also at risk for hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, which can cause arthritis and mobility issues.

Their small size and deep chest can make them more susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat.

Shiba Inus are known to be sensitive to anesthesia, which can be a concern during surgery.

Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Shiba Inus are generally a healthy breed, but regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any potential issues early on.

Their strong prey drive can lead to eye injuries if they're not properly supervised around small animals.

Shiba Inus are naturally wary of strangers, which can make socialization challenging.

Their independent nature can make training a bit more difficult, but consistency and positive reinforcement can help.

Shiba Inus are prone to allergies, particularly skin allergies, which can cause itching and scratching.