How often should I bathe my Shiba?
Shibas should not be bathed unless absolutely necessary. Shibas are naturally very clean dogs. Like cat’s, they groom themselves. 1 or 2 baths a year is more than enough. Shibas have a dual coat; an undercoat and an top coat. The dual coat serves as their armor! It protects them from heat, cold, dirt, bacteria, and pests. Bathing them too often can degrade that armor, leaving them exposed! A quick wipe down with a baby wipe is often all you need to clean up messy paws or neck.
My Shiba’s is loosing all their fur & is coming-out in huge chunks. Is that normal?
Yes, it’s totally normal! Shibas have a dual coat; an undercoat and an top coat. The dual coat serves as their armor! It protects them from heat, cold, dirt, bacteria, and pests. However, in the warmer months, they “blow out” or shed their undercoat to keep them from overheating. This can happen 2-4 times a year, as the weather changes. When they start to blow their coat, you will need to brush them every day, but a normal dog brush will not work. You need a “de-shedding” tool vs. a brush. This tool is specifically designed to get down to the undercoat and properly remove it. You will are amazed at how well it works and how much hair will come off your dog! The ‘Furminator’ is a good example of the kind of tool you need. You can find them, and other less expensive brands, on Amazon. https://smile.amazon.com/furminator
Can/should I shave my Shiba?
NO! Please do not shave your Shiba. I know what your thinking, it’s so hot, he will feel better! Or your thinking you can just skip the terrible shedding/blowing of the coat process by shaving them. Don’t do it! A Shiba’s coat is their armor. It protects them from the heat, cold, dirt, bacteria, and pests. If you shave them, you take away their armor and expose them to potential sun damage too. Shiba hair takes forever to grow back, and in some cases doesn’t ever fully recover. It’s just not a good idea.
