What’s the first thing you spot on your Shiba Inu? Is that the fox-like appearance, curled and fluffy tail, or gorgeous coat? If you ask us, most people definitely spot the Shiba Inu’s rich coat. It relieves a lot about the dog’s general health, diet, and care he/she gets. So, if you’re wondering how to properly bathe a Shiba Inu and keep their coat smooth, fluffy, and shiny, the following tips will be of great help.
Shiba Inu bathing demands- How often to perform it?
Bathing a dog is necessary. Just like humans, dogs need a thorough bath to get rid of dirt, bacteria, and environmental allergens. When we talk about Shiba Inu bathing, it’s important to mention that these pooches will need it 6-10 times a year. Depending on your dog’s lifestyle, you can decide to bathe him/her once a month or every second month. Even though Shiba Inus are known as generally clean dogs who often lick their fur to get rid of dirt, they’ll need frequent baths during the shedding season. They’ll help your dog get rid of dead hair, dirt, and dander that is known as the main trigger of allergic reactions in humans.
Thanks to their thick and quite long coats, we can help them stay silky and shiny by performing weekly grooming. The rule of thumb is to choose a comb or brush with metal needles with coated tops to avoid skin irritations. To easier reach all the places on your dog’s body, you can also choose a glove with silicone pins. Your furry friend will definitely enjoy such a grooming session because it also provides a massage effect.
By grooming your Shiba, you distribute the skin oils evenly and help him/her release the collected environmental allergens from the coat. This routine will also be very beneficial for your pet because these pooches are on a higher tendency to suffer from environmental allergies. Itchy skin, redness, bumps, and paw licking are only some of the symptoms that will indicate an allergy.
Shiba Inu bathing- How to make a dog relaxed?
To help your Shiba Inu get used to a bathing routine, it’s important to start early. Young dogs easier accept new routines, and choosing the right motivational tool and approach is equally important to create a positive association with an activity. Therefore, start it gradually. The first lesson can include playing with or near water and rewarding your dog after showing relaxed behavior. You can use treats and toys to make a positive association with the activity.
After allowing your dog to explore the kiddy pool or bathtub, you can proceed to the next step. Start with bathing and apply a small amount of dog shampoo to his/her fur. Gently massage your Shiba Inu’s coat and reward him/her with praise words and treats. Some dogs might hate baths because of the smell of shampoo or because it pinches their eyes. To avoid any uncomfortable feelings and allergic reactions, we recommend you buy a no-tear and hypoallergenic dog shampoo.
You can also choose a fragrance-free dog shampoo or a type that comes with a conditioner to make your Shiba’s fur smooth and soft. Since Shibas have long and double-layered coats, using 2 in 1 dog shampoos can ease the combing of tangled and matted hair.
