Dog owners with pets should know that shedding is a normal occurrence for dogs, and the amount of shedding can vary by breed. The Shiba Inu is one of the breeds that tends to shed quite a bit! There are different types of Shiba Inus, including the red Shiba, black Shiba, and even the recently popular long-haired Shiba Inu. However, they all share a common trait: a double coat. The undercoat is light and soft, helping to maintain the Shiba Inu's body temperature, while the longer outer coat protects against direct sunlight exposure.
Shiba Inus naturally shed throughout the year, but they experience two significant shedding seasons each year, typically around winter and summer. In recent months, owners of Shiba Inus may have been struggling with frequent shedding or contemplating whether to trim their dog's fur. With summer approaching, the new hair that grows in after shedding tends to be sparser and coarser, allowing the dog to stay cool and breathable. Conversely, as winter approaches in September to November, Shiba Inus shed again to grow thicker and denser fur for warmth.
For owners dealing with such heavy shedding from their Shiba Inus, trying out certain foods may help delay shedding! During winter, Shiba Inus will grow dense fur to maintain their body temperature.
Improving Shiba Inu Shedding with Nutritional Foods
Shedding can be a common issue for Shiba Inus, and providing the right nutrition can significantly improve their coat health. Here are some effective dietary strategies:
1. Supplement Omega-3 Fatty Acids
When selecting dog food for your Shiba Inu, consider choosing dry food that contains deep-sea fish oil. Dogs, like humans, cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids on their own; thus, they must obtain them through their diet. Fish oil is rich in omega-3s, which can enhance coat quality, reduce skin itching, alleviate shedding, and maintain cardiovascular health. If fish oil is not available in your dog's food, there are nutritional supplements you can add to their meals. Fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, and mackerel are also excellent sources of high-quality omega-3 fatty acids. If you are willing to prepare meals at home, cooking these fish for your Shiba Inu can be beneficial.
2. Cooked Fresh Foods: Carrots
Carrots offer numerous benefits for dogs due to their high beta-carotene content, which is beneficial for vision and can help prevent cataracts. Additionally, vitamin A found in carrots is effective in reducing shedding and maintaining a shiny coat. However, raw carrots do not provide the necessary nutrients directly to dogs; they must be cooked to be digestible. To prepare carrots for your Shiba Inu, chop them into a puree and sauté them with a little oil before serving. While carrots are healthy, they should be given in moderation to avoid vitamin A toxicity.
3. Supplement with Lecithin
Lecithin is another beneficial supplement available in pet health products that can be added to your Shiba Inu's diet. Dogs often struggle to get enough lecithin from regular kibble, but adding it can enhance metabolism, replenish fatty acids, and repair damaged cell membranes. After consistent use of lecithin, you may notice reduced shedding and a denser, shinier coat.
4. Supplement with Seaweed Powder
Seaweed is rich in iodine, vitamins, and minerals that promote hair growth and reduce skin allergies and itching. In addition to supporting hair growth in Shiba Inus, moderate seaweed supplementation offers various other health benefits. Iodine aids in synthesizing thyroid hormones and can lower the risk of related diseases while providing essential nutrients like iron and calcium. Many seaweed-based pet supplements are available on the market; however, it is crucial to administer them in moderation to avoid adverse effects.
By incorporating these nutritional strategies into your Shiba Inu's diet, you can help improve their coat health and reduce shedding effectively.
Ways to Reduce Shedding in Shiba Inu
In addition to the aforementioned foods that can be given to Shiba Inu in moderation, there are several methods to help delay shedding in your Shiba Inu at home. Owners can try the following:
1. Regular Brushing
Brushing your dog frequently has numerous benefits. It enhances the bond between you and your dog while also massaging their body through the grooming tool, promoting blood circulation and increasing skin resistance. Moreover, it helps remove loose and excess hair and stimulates hair follicles, making your dog's coat appear shinier.
2. Ensure Adequate Hydration
If your dog is experiencing severe shedding, it may be due to a diet that is too salty. Check the food you provide to your Shiba Inu for excessive salt content. Alternatively, some Shiba Inus may not drink enough water, leading to significant shedding issues. It is advisable to have several bowls of fresh water available at home for your dog at all times or incorporate high-water-content foods into their diet.
3. Avoid Over-Cleaning
Some owners bathe their Shiba Inu too frequently, which can strip away the natural protective oils from their skin. The frequency of baths should depend on individual circumstances. Both adult dogs and puppies do not require excessive cleaning, and it is crucial to choose appropriate bathing products. Never use human shampoos or soaps as they can cause dryness and itching in your dog's skin. It is highly recommended to purchase pet-specific shampoos that are gentler on their skin.
Regular brushing can effectively remove excess hair, reduce shedding, and enhance the shine of your dog's coat.
Conclusion
In summary, it is normal for adorable Shiba Inus to naturally shed their fur twice a year, during which time significant hair loss is expected. In the summer, you might consider trimming your Shiba Inu's coat, while at other times, regular brushing and cleaning up loose fur will suffice. It's also important to pay attention to your Shiba Inu's condition at home; if they are shedding excessively, it could indicate a skin issue. Other potential causes might include a diet that is too salty or improper bathing techniques. Owners should examine various factors to determine the cause. Additionally, you can incorporate the recommended nutritious dog food into your Shiba Inu's diet in moderation. This not only helps reduce shedding but also enhances the shine of their coat.
