We all agree that Shiba Inus are proud owners of one of the most beautiful coats among dogs. The color of their fur may range from bright reddish with cream, black and tan, and sesame’s gorgeous wolf-like color. Even though they have double-layered coats, these pooches can also show signs of hypothermia if spend prolonged time in harsh weather conditions.
How do I know if my Shiba Inu feels cold?
There is a common misconception that Shiba Inus can sustain living in extremely cold weather. They definitely tolerate winter very well, but can also show symptoms of hypothermia in case they got used to living indoors. Shiba Inus are densely coated dogs that help them stay insulated from cold and moisture. Their outer coat is straight and stiff which means they can stay protected quite well in cold weather. The Shiba Inu’s undercoat is thick, soft, and silky. It helps in maintaining normal body temperature and serves to protect them from insect bites, and repel moisture and dirt.
In case you’re planning to spend a few hours outside with your Shiba, it would be best to protect their bodies by dressing them in waterproof Shiba inu jackets and coats. Shibas are great adventurers, so they’ll enjoy hiking, running, and walking with their masters. They possess high energy levels and their owners should always think about how to direct their energy in the right way. When the temperature lowers down during the winter months, even Shibas can become affected by hypothermia.
Hypothermia is a condition when a dog’s body loses heat faster than it can be replaced. With mild hypothermia, your dog may be shivering and appear lethargic. As the severity increases it will start to show other symptoms such as not being responsive or paying attention to you while his focus remains on staying warm by limiting blood flow from all other parts of their body to protect vital organs like the brain and heart which require more energy than others do when we don’t have enough heat conservation mode activated – so if this happens – treat immediately! These are the symptoms to notice in case you’re suspecting that your dog got affected by hypothermia:
- shivering
- lethargy
- stiff muscles
- pale or gray gums
- fixed and dilated pupils
- low heart and breathing rates
How to prevent your Shiba Inu from hypothermia?
The long, cold winter can be harsh on your dog. They must be always in an environment with plenty of warm spots and blankets which will help them stay healthy during these chilly months! If you notice any signs or symptoms suggesting mild hypothermia has set in (shivering) then simply get back into some warmth while wrapping up tightly until shivery stops – there shouldn’t need too much effort applied at once; just doing this little task every day should make all the difference.
Wear dog boots
Protecting your Shiba Inu’s paws is highly important because the dog’s paw pads are one of the most responsible body parts for regulating body heat. The dog’s paw pads are the only spots where they can sweat. Due to this, we have to keep them safe from street salt, ice and sharp terrains. By teaching your Shiba Inu to wear boots, you’ll improve his/her traction on slippery surfaces and will keep his paws dry.
Choose a waterproof Shiba Inu jacket
Since Shiba Inus have double and thick coats, dressing them in waterproof jackets will keep them dry and comfortable. Besides it will save your time and you’ll not have to dry your dog’s coat, it will also keep him/her snug in low temperatures. Your Shiba Inu will be able to spend plenty of time outside and stay dry and safe.
Choose a warm Shiba Inu bed
Another way to keep your dog safe from cold is to place his/her bed in the warm spot in the house. Dog beds filled with pp cotton and made of soft plush fabric are in most cases the best solution for dogs during winter months.
