Shiba Inu Teeth Care and Maintenance Guide

Shiba Inus are prone to tooth decay and gum disease, so regular dental care is essential to prevent these issues.

Their teeth are designed for crushing and tearing meat, but this also means they can be prone to tooth wear and tear.

Shiba Inus typically start losing their baby teeth between 3 to 6 months of age, but it's crucial to establish a dental care routine early on.

A Shiba Inu's dental health is closely linked to their overall health, so neglecting their teeth can lead to serious health problems.

To keep your Shiba's teeth healthy, it's essential to introduce them to dog toothpaste in a positive way. Let your dog taste the toothpaste and praise them during this time to make the experience enjoyable.

Choose a flavor your Shiba enjoys, such as chicken, beef, or peanut butter, and start with small amounts. Rub the outer surfaces of their teeth with the toothpaste using your fingers.

Continue to give praise and see how long your dog can tolerate the teeth rubbing. If they start to get agitated, stop the session and end it with a positive taste.

Daily brushing can really keep bacteria levels in your dog's mouth down, so try to maintain a daily brushing schedule. Even if the brushing lasts less than a minute, it's still beneficial.

When brushing, the bristles of the brush should be at a 45-degree angle to the surface of the tooth. Use quick, circular brushing motions on your dog's canine and front molar teeth.

Shiba Inus are prone to dental diseases just like many other breeds, and it's essential to keep an eye out for the signs.

Bad breath is one of the most noticeable symptoms, but it's not always a clear indication of a problem.

Difficulty eating is another common symptom, which can be a sign that your Shiba Inu is experiencing dental pain.

Loose or missing teeth can be a serious issue, and it's crucial to catch it early.

Bleeding, redness, or swelling near the gums is a clear indication that your Shiba Inu needs a dental check-up.

Loss of appetite can be a sign that your Shiba Inu is experiencing dental discomfort.

Some Shiba Inus may take food from their bowl and eat it somewhere else, which can be a sign that they're experiencing dental pain.

Tartar buildup is another common issue that can lead to dental problems.

Here are the common symptoms of dental disease in dogs, including Shiba Inus:

Daily teeth brushing is the most effective way to prevent dental disease and tooth decay in Shiba Inus. It removes and prevents plaque and tartar build-up, keeping your dog's dental health in tip-top shape.

You can start by letting your Shiba taste dog toothpaste and praise them during this time to make the experience positive. Gradually introduce the toothpaste and teeth rubbing, and eventually, a dog toothbrush.

Using the right toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste is crucial. Human toothpaste has ingredients that are toxic to dogs, so it's essential to choose a toothpaste made with ingredients safe for dogs.

Brushing your Shiba's teeth is a crucial part of their dental care. Start by taking them to the vet for a complete dental exam to ensure they have a clean slate.

Choose a toothbrush that's the right size for your Shiba, and look for one with soft bristles and an angled head. You can also use a child-sized toothbrush, which is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).

Introduce your Shiba to dog toothpaste by letting them taste it and praising them during the experience. Make sure to choose a flavor they enjoy, such as chicken or peanut butter.

Start by rubbing the outer surfaces of your Shiba's teeth with the toothpaste, using your fingers. Continue to praise and reward them for their tolerance.

When you introduce a toothbrush, start with slow and gentle movements, and increase the speed slowly. Remember to keep the session highly positive and tension-free.

Brush your Shiba's teeth at a 45-degree angle to the surface of the tooth, using quick, circular motions on their canine and front molar teeth. This will help remove plaque and tartar.

Even if brushing lasts less than a minute, daily brushing can keep bacteria levels in your dog's mouth down. Brushing every day is ideal, but even once or twice a week will provide major benefits.

Some Shibas just won't let you brush their teeth no matter what you try. This could be due to severe anxiety, phobias, or behavioral disorders. In these cases, your dog would likely need to get their teeth cleaned by a veterinarian on a more frequent basis.

You can also try getting help from a canine behaviorist. They can provide guidance on how to manage your dog's behavior and make teeth cleaning a more positive experience.

If brushing just isn't an option, there are products that can help with plaque build-up. Dental gels, liquids, and chews containing chlorhexidine have been scientifically proven to reduce plaque accumulation in various studies.

Soft, raw marrow bones can also help remove plaque-causing bacteria in dogs. Just be sure to supervise your dog carefully when giving them a bone, as hard, brittle bones can cause tooth damage and fracture.

You can make your own dog toothpaste using natural ingredients like coconut oil, which can also improve your Shiba Inu's overall health.

The most important thing to remember is that the actual mechanical brushing on your dog's teeth is what does the most good, not the toothpaste itself. Dog toothpaste is mainly used to provide flavor so that your dog accepts teeth brushing.

Many ingredients in homemade dog toothpaste are free of preservatives, making them a great choice for your Shiba Inu. Just be sure to avoid using baking soda in your homemade toothpaste because it contains too much salt.

While there is no definitive study to say which type of toothpaste is better, many dog owners choose to go the natural route for their dog's care. With the right ingredients, homemade toothpaste can be a fine alternative to store-bought toothpaste.

Shiba Inus, like all dogs, are prone to dental problems. Many dog dental disorders are similar to those that occur in humans and can be prevented with proper dental care.

Bad breath is one of the earliest signs of dental disease in dogs. This is often the first indication that something is wrong.

Difficulty eating is another common problem. Shiba Inus may start to avoid their favorite foods or have trouble chewing their kibble.

Loose or missing teeth can be a sign of advanced dental disease. This can be painful and affect a dog's overall health.

Some common symptoms of dental disease in Shiba Inus include:

Regular dental checks with a veterinarian can help catch dental problems early. This is especially important in Shiba Inus, as they may not express pain or discomfort like other dogs do.