The Shiba Scream & Shedding: What To Expect Owning A Shiba

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Owning a Shiba Inu is a unique experience, filled with charm, independence, and… lots of hair. Before welcoming one of these fox-like dogs into your life, understanding their vocalizations and shedding habits is crucial. Prepare yourself for the Shiba Scream and the infamous Shiba shed!

The Shiba Scream: A Vocal Personality

Forget typical barks and howls. The Shiba Inu boasts a distinctive vocalization known as the “Shiba scream.” This isn’t always indicative of pain or distress, though those can be causes. Think of it more as a high-pitched, ear-splitting shriek that they use to express a range of emotions, from excitement to annoyance, or even when they strongly disagree with something. It’s their way of saying “NO!” in the loudest way possible.

Common triggers for the Shiba scream include:

Restraint: Being held against their will, especially for grooming or vet visits.
Annoyance: Something they don’t like, such as a bath, nail trim, or another dog bothering them.
Excitement: Sometimes, happy Shiba screams occur during playtime or when seeing their favorite person.
Attention-seeking: They might scream to get your attention if they feel ignored.

While not every Shiba is a screamer, it’s a trait to be aware of. Early socialization and consistent training can help minimize unwanted screams. Positive reinforcement techniques are key; punishing the scream will likely exacerbate the behavior.

The Shiba Shed: Prepare for Furpocalypse

Let’s be blunt: Shiba Inus shed. A lot. They have a double coat – a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser outer coat – which provides insulation. Twice a year, during the spring and fall, they experience what’s known as “blowing their coat.” This is when they shed massive amounts of fur in a short period, earning them the nickname “fur tornadoes.”

During these shedding seasons, expect to find fur everywhere: on your clothes, furniture, in your food – literally everywhere. Regular brushing is essential to manage the shedding. Invest in a good quality undercoat rake to remove loose fur before it ends up on your floor. Daily brushing during shedding season is highly recommended.

Even outside of the shedding seasons, Shibas still shed moderately. Weekly brushing is necessary to keep the fur under control and prevent mats from forming.

While there’s no way to completely eliminate shedding, a healthy diet rich in omega fatty acids can help improve coat quality and potentially reduce the amount of fur lost. Regular bathing (every few months, unless visibly dirty) can also help loosen dead hair.

Owning a Shiba Inu requires patience, understanding, and a good sense of humor. Be prepared for the Shiba scream and the endless shedding. With proper training, socialization, and grooming, you can enjoy the unique and rewarding companionship of this independent and beautiful breed.