How to trim a Shiba Inu? The right timing and the right way

The Shiba Inu is a breed representative of Japan, known for its intelligence and loyalty. In recent years, it has become a popular breed overseas as well. Of course, it's also incredibly popular in Japan, where many Shiba Inu owners own them.

"Do Shiba Inu owners groom their dogs themselves?" "Do they leave it to a grooming salon?"

You're probably wondering how many other owners take their dogs to a grooming salon or groom them themselves. This is a survey conducted by "Inunavi" of owners of medium-sized dogs, including Shiba Inu, across Japan.

• Use a grooming salon → 28.8%
• Do not use a grooming salon → 71.2%

As you can see, more than half of people do not use a grooming salon for medium-sized dogs. This is likely due to the fact that there are many breeds, such as beagles and shiba inus, that do not require grooming.

So, how do people who don't use a grooming salon get their dogs groomed?

• I shampoo and cut my dog ​​myself → 73.8%
• I do nothing → 29.4%
• I ask a friend → 5.8%

The most common answer was grooming myself, at 73.8%. The fact that some people don't do anything at all is not a good trend. I was a little surprised to learn that asking a friend is an option. It might be a good idea to have a friend whose dog is attached to you.

Since many owners groom their own dogs, this article is aimed at Shiba Inu owners, explaining when grooming is necessary, grooming tips, and daily care tips.
We hope this information will be helpful for you as you enjoy your life with your Shiba Inu.

Do Shiba Inu Dogs Need Grooming?

Shiba Inu dogs are well-suited to Japan's four seasons, but they are also a breed that requires careful coat care.

Like other dog breeds, grooming is absolutely necessary to maintain their health.

Shiba Inus undergo a shedding period twice a year, in spring and autumn.

Shiba Inus have a two-layered coat, known as a "double coat."

This "double coat" consists of two layers: an outer coat and an undercoat.

• Top coat... Relatively hard and flexible, it grows year-round.
• Undercoat... Softer than the top coat, it has a downy texture and helps maintain body temperature.

This undercoat is replaced during the shedding season.

It doesn't grow back all at once, but rather gradually, in the following order: armpits → head → limbs → chest → back → thighs.

Shiba Inu dogs are a breed that naturally sheds a lot of hair, and they shed a considerable amount during the shedding season, so grooming is essential.

Trimming Tips

So, when is the best time to trim your Shiba Inu?

How should you trim your Shiba Inu?

Let's take a closer look.

When Grooming is Necessary

When grooming your Shiba Inu at home, it's important to get them used to it from an early age.

Teach your dog that grooming isn't scary.

If you suddenly trim or shampoo your dog's nails after it becomes an adult, it may become frightened and thrash around, running away.

The ideal time for grooming is about once a month.

One thing to be careful of here is not to shampoo your dog too frequently just because it's dirty.

Shiba Inu skin is very delicate, so frequent shampooing can wash away essential sebum, making them more susceptible to dermatitis.

If your Shiba Inu gets dirty on a walk, it's a good idea to wipe it off with a damp towel.

How to Groom

This section explains how to groom your Shiba Inu at home.

I've already explained in detail how to groom your dog in another article, so here I'd like to explain in detail how to care for your Shiba Inu's coat during the shedding season.

First, you'll need a few tools to groom your Shiba Inu.

• Comb

This is an essential tool for grooming your Shiba Inu. Combing every day makes regular grooming much easier. It can be used on the entire body.

• Slicker Brush

This is also an essential item for grooming your Shiba Inu.

Use the slicker brush to gently untangle any hairballs you find while combing.

Slicker brushes come in hard and soft types.

It's best to use the soft type until your dog gets used to it.

However, the hard type is more suitable for Shiba Inu dogs, so gradually switch to the hard type once they get used to it.

Slickers can be difficult to use until you get used to them, and they can irritate the skin, so use them carefully until you get used to them.

• Furminator

This tool is not essential, but it is useful.

This is a tool to remove the undercoat, used after combing with a slicker.

Having this makes grooming much easier.

How to Use the Tools

Let's explain how to hold and use the three tools introduced earlier.

• Comb

Hold the comb brush lightly at the 3/1 point, as if shaking hands.

Gently move the brush along your dog's body, combing its hair.

• Slicker Brush

Hold the handle of the slicker brush between your index finger and thumb, and support the slicker brush with your remaining fingers.

Move the brush in a snapping motion parallel to the back of your hand.

The tip of the slicker brush is very thin, like a needle, so avoid scratching movements as this can be very dangerous.

• Furminator

Hold the Furminator in the same way as a slicker.

Move your teeth horizontally without applying force.

Combing with Tools

To ensure your Shiba Inu doesn't dislike combing, it's important to be careful to avoid snagging.

The order in which to use the tools is

1. Slicker Brush
2. Comb
3. Furminator

Use them in this order.

During the shedding season, hair falls out in sections, so first, use the slicker brush to focus on the areas where new hair is about to grow back.

Comb horizontally toward the back of your hand, using a snapping motion. Combing in a circular motion will help. Use your wrist gently and avoid exerting too much force.

When hair accumulates on the slicker, use a comb to scoop it up and easily remove it.

Next, once the hair stops falling out, use a comb to comb the entire area.

If any snags occur during this process, switch back to the slicker and comb the snags before combing.

After combing with the slicker and comb, use the Furminator.

When combing, do not use on thin-haired areas such as the limbs.

Use only on the body.

Use the Furminator to gently comb the hair in the direction of its natural growth. It removes hair continuously, so combing too much can result in excessive shedding.

Stop combing when the hair feels smooth to the touch.

This completes your Shiba Inu's coat grooming.

It's a good idea to shampoo your dog after this.

Things to Keep in Mind When Grooming

• When grooming a Shiba Inu, it's best to groom over several days, as long grooming sessions can tire both you and the dog.
• When shampooing and drying your Shiba Inu, be sure to thoroughly dry it all the way down to the scalp, as double-coated dogs have a hard time drying the undercoat. Also, because Shiba Inu skin is delicate, be careful not to bring hot air too close.
• If you find grooming too hard, don't push yourself and leave it to a groomer.
• When grooming yourself, it's best to have two family members do it together. (This is quite difficult to do alone.)

Daily Care

In your daily life, make sure to brush your pet's coat frequently.

Especially during shedding season, brush your pet two to three times a day.

This will make monthly grooming much easier.

Shiba Inu dogs are also loyal to their owners, so please give them lots of petting and communication from a young age.

By doing so, they'll be more likely to let you pet them when you groom them.

Summary

What do you think? Shiba Inu is a very popular breed, so you've been seeing them a lot lately.

When you bring a Shiba Inu home, be sure to give it as much physical contact as possible.

Some Shiba Inu dogs are naturally wary. If you give them physical contact from a young age and reward them with treats for good behavior, they will develop a very friendly personality.

This will also make grooming easier.

Please continue to love your beloved dog and enjoy life with your Shiba Inu.