The summer season is always the best time to enjoy outdoor adventures with your dog. Whether it’s a relaxing stroll, going hiking, swimming, or exploring some other terrain, you should always keep an eye on your Shiba’s behavior. The tips we wrote about how to prevent your Shiba Inu from heatstroke should become a ‘Bible’ for every responsible dog owner. Your dog doesn’t know to tell you if something bothers him, so monitoring his behavior is the most important thing to keep in mind.
What are the best tips to prevent heatstroke in Shiba Inus?
Shiba Inus are known as highly energetic dogs who require a lot of physical activity. Otherwise, they can become destructive and start chewing on home items due to boredom. Since they need a constant mental occupation and interaction, the best thing to do is to involve them in our daily routines. Whether it’s going on hiking, swimming, or running, Shibas would love to become a part of our lives.
Taking a Shiba Inu on a vacation with you might sound challenging. However, it will actually be the perfect opportunity to make wonderful memories and build a special bond with your pet.
Luckily, Shiba Inus tolerate heat very well but they still need special monitoring when spending time in the sun. Whether you go running, swimming, or hiking with your pet, these are the tips to follow to prevent him/her from overheating.
Make sure your Shiba Inu drinks plenty of water
During the summer months, it’s necessary to take a bottle of fresh water for your furry friend. Water helps your dog regulate his body temperature and prevent dehydration. There are many collapsible bottles of water for dogs that come with a bowl for drinking. They represent a practical solution when you’re spending time outside.
Another tip to keep in mind is the bowl of water that your Shiba Inu uses inside the house. It should always be filled with fresh and clean tap water and placed in a visible place.
Keep your Shiba Inu’s bed out of direct sunlight
Some dogs love to sleep in the sun, however, it’s not a good idea. Do you know that your dog’s body temperature may rise by 4 C degrees in only 3 minutes? Regardless of the dog breed you own, dogs should never be allowed to sleep in direct sunlight.
Unlike brachycephalic dog breeds such as Frenchies, Shibas can regulate their body temperature quite well. However, it’s always better to follow the rule of placing your dog’s bed in the coolest place in the house.
Do not leave your dog in the car
Leaving your Shiba Inu in the car even with opened windows can turn out to be fatal. The temperate in cars goes double only in 2 or 3 minutes. Unfortunately, many dog owners are not aware of this, so they leave their pets in cars just to finish something quickly. However, it should not be done under any circumstances.
Choose a shady area for a stroll
Since dogs regulate their body temperature through their paw pads, it’s essential to choose a shady spot with grass for a stroll. In case you have to walk on hot sand, concrete, or some other hot pavement, then we recommend you put dog sandals or socks on your Shiba Inu’s paws. Dog sandals made of mesh or socks with special rubber soles are the best picks.
Bathe your Shiba Inu more often
During warm months, your Shiba Inu sheds a lot. By bathing him more often, you’ll help him get rid of excessive hair and provide him with an overneeded cooling effect. These pooches have double coats, so paying attention to their body temperature is important. There are many ways you can help your dog enjoy summertime. For example, you can splash him with a water hose in the yard, or install a kidy pool where your Shiba can play.
We also need to remind you that Shiba Inus have strong hunting instincts, so you have to make sure your yard is well-fenced and secured. That’s the first thing to do before you decide to unleash your Shiba Inu.
Cooling clothes can also be of great help
Dog cooling vests and cooling collars can be of great help when taking your Shiba Inu on a long summer adventure. They are usually made of special cooling fabric that absorbs the heat and provides a dog with a cooling effect. Dog cooling clothes should also be worn wet to get the best effect.
Board your Shiba Inu during summer vacation
While it may sound heartbreaking to leave your Shiba with relatives or a dog sitter while you’re on a vacation, sometimes it can be the best solution. Boarding facilities will also be a good option since they give your furry companion a lot of attention and care.
How to recognize heatstroke in Shiba Inus?
Here is the list of symptoms that will show you if your Shiba Inu got a heatstroke:
Difficult breathing and excessive panting
A dog who breathes fast and pants constantly could be overheated. In that case, you have to place him/her on a cold spot and put a wet towel on his/her head. Try to give him/her ice cubes to chew as well.
Excessive drooling
Along with fast breathing, excessive drooling is another sign of heatstroke in Shiba Inus. If your dog is overheated, he/she will have sticky slobber.
Dry nose and pale gums
A dry nose is almost always the sign of heatstroke. Therefore, we recommend you check whether your furry friend’s nose is warm and dry. If yes, then he was probably dehydrated.
Weakness, tremors
Overheating can cause Shiba Inus to nap more than normal or have trouble standing up or walking.
Rapid pulse
Place your hand on your Shiba’s chest near his/her front elbow joint. If it seems elevated, then he can be overheated.
