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Do Shiba Inus Shed a Lot?

2 Shiba Inu standing in snow

This high-shedding breed loses a lot of hair throughout the year and things get really messy in the shedding season. Shiba Inus have double coats and will get rid of the undercoat in the spring to prepare for summer. Similarly, they replace lighter coats with heavier hair in the fall to preserve body heat. Keep reading to know more about why Shiba Inus shed a lot and learn how you can manage their shedding.

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Why Shiba Inus Shed?

Some of the major reasons that can trigger your Shiba Inu to shed excessively are discussed below.

Fluffy Coat

Portrait of a Shiba Inu standing outdoors

Shiba Inus were originally bred to retrieve games for hunters in the mountainous areas of Japan. For this reason, they needed a well-insulated coat to stay warm in extreme conditions. This fluffy coat allowed them to perform their duties in temperatures below freezing point. The downside of such a coat is that it sheds a lot, especially during the shedding season. 

Unbalanced Diet

Shiba Inu puppies eating on hardwood floors

Dogs need certain nutrients in their food to keep their skin and coats healthy. This includes healthy fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and water. A lot of people underestimate the importance of water intake and can have a dog with dry skin. Therefore, it’s imperative to choose high-quality dog food with all the essential nutrients to avoid excessive shedding.

If you cook your dog’s meal at home, make sure that there is no salt in it. This is because salty food causes extreme dehydration and will trigger hair loss in canines.

Allergies and Infections

Shiba Inu sitting outdoors scratching its chin with its hind leg

Dogs are prone to a lot of allergies (both food and environmental). The owners need to determine the foods that can be troublesome for their pups and must keep them away. Similarly, your Shiba Inu could become allergic to fleas and mites if they are present in or around your home. These parasites can also lead to painful infections that will cause plenty of shedding.

How to Manage Shedding for Shiba Inus?

The following are some effective ways to control the shedding rate of your Shiba Inu.

Groom Your Dog Regularly

Shiba Inu getting a bath

It becomes necessary to brush these pups 2-3 times a week during the shedding season. In normal routine, Shiba Inus must be brushed at least once a week. It will not only help you to control shedding but will also keep the coat free of mats and tangles.

These pups will also require 1-2 baths every month. Some owners tend to bathe their pups a lot more in an attempt to shed loose hair quickly. However, it’s not recommended because too much water on the skin can cause dryness.

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Ensure Dietary Balance

Overhead view of a full dog food bowl with dog food spilled over onto the hard wood floors

A healthy diet is an integral aspect of your dog’s skincare and can prove integral in controlling hair loss. Therefore, you must feed a well-balanced diet to your Shiba Inu with the right mixture of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Likewise, give your pooch plenty of water (to drink) to keep their skin hydrated.

Use Supplements

Dietary supplements on wooden spoons lined up side by side

Oil supplements have proven to be an amazing product for the skin and coat of dogs. They also offer a range of other benefits, including cardiac support and immunity boost. The Omega-3 fatty acids in these supplements will keep the skin of your Shiba Inu healthy. Hence, they are less likely to show abnormal shedding or become inflicted with skin problems, like dermatitis.  

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