The smallest of the six different breeds of dogs that originated in Japan is the Shiba Inu dog. Originally bred for hunting, Shiba Inu dogs are very small but agile creatures. It is their size that really needs to be considered when it comes to caring for them. When Shiba Inu dogs are born, even more care must be taken as their overall size is very small by nature. If you have younger children who are unaware of their strength, you should supervise them when they are delivering Shiba Inu puppies.
Proper care must be taken to ensure the health and well-being of Shiba Inu dogs. This care should start from the moment a Shiba Inu puppy is born. In addition to keeping an eye on children handling puppies, the owner should also consider the ambient temperature and make sure the puppies are warm enough.
Three months after a Shiba Inu puppy is born, it is imperative that the puppy is seen by a veterinarian.
A Shiba Inu puppy must have at least a minimum of two multivalent vaccines. These vaccinations should include distemper and parvo. All breeds, including the Shiba Inu dog, are required by law to receive vaccinations when they are over three months of age. All Shiba Inu puppies should also receive a rabies vaccine.
Your personal veterinarian may also require that your Shiba Inu dog receive additional vaccinations that help prevent Corona virus, Bordatella, and Lyme disease.
Shiba Inu puppies should start receiving these vaccinations from six weeks of birth. Then they should start getting these shots every three to four weeks. All general vaccinations must be purchased at sixteen weeks of age.
Other basic care concerns to keep in mind when dealing with your Shiba Inu dog is providing him with a fair and balanced diet. This diet should not include food scraps that are generally bad for dogs. When deciding what type of food to serve your dog, you should contact your veterinarian to learn about proper feeding procedures and what type of food should be given. Good eating habits should start early, and Shiba Inu puppies should be taught early on not to beg for table scraps.
Another concern when coming to the Shiba Inu dog breed is its shedding pattern. The Shiba Inu dog will start to move twice a year. The shedding of this breed can fill a shopping bag with hair every day during the process. To aid in the shedding process and keep their home free of unwanted dog hair, owners should brush their dogs’ fur regularly. This should also be done on a daily basis to avoid unnecessary knotting of the coat.
For the most part, Shiba Inu dogs don’t require a lot of bathing. You can usually wash a Shiba Inu puppy only four times a year during periods when it is not shedding. Washing a Shiba Inu dog more than that can actually be bad for his skin.
