8 Common Shiba Inu Health Problems & Concerns

Shiba Inus remain a generally healthy breed. They remain independent, happy-go-lucky pups with fox-like faces and a unique personality. At both birth and senior age, however, Shiba Inu dogs may develop one or more of the common health problems in the breed. Thankfully, with early intervention owners can help their Shiba Inu enjoy a comfortable and well-adjusted life with their illness.

AZ Animals consulted with Dr. Ray Spragley of Zen Dog Veterinary Care to understand the most common health concerns with Shiba Inus. Keep reading to discover the 8 most common Shiba Inu health problems and concerns owners have for their breed.

8 Common Shiba Inu Health Problems and Concerns

Cataracts

The Shiba Inu breed tends to have a predisposition for ocular issues, with cataracts making up much of the concerns. Usually, Shiba Inus will develop cataracts later in life during their senior years.

“Older Shiba Inus are very predisposed to cataracts,” said Dr. Spragley. “As they get older, their eyes should be checked yearly by your vet to make sure that cataracts aren’t developing. Surgery can be performed to remove cataracts to regain their sight.”

According to Dr. Spragley, cataracts are one of the common causes of blindness in older dogs. Though jarring at first, many blind dogs acclimate very well without vision should cataracts progress to a point in which surgery is no longer viable.

Hypothyroidism

The condition of hypothyroidism also affects a significant population of Shiba Inus. When their body doesn’t make enough thyroid, the dog’s metabolism slows down and can affect its quality of life. 

Thankfully, hypothyroidism remains pretty easy to treat. Once your vet confirms your Shiba Inu has hypothyroidism through a blood test, they’ll prescribe pills that augment the thyroid hormone your dog’s body fails to produce. Within a few weeks of beginning medication, your Shiba Inu should feel much better. In addition, they’ll regain a sheen in their coat and more energy — two side effects untreated hypothyroidism can cause.

Patellar Luxation

While a luxating patella is most common in toy or small breeds, the Shiba Inu’s size makes it susceptible to patellar luxation. This illness happens when a dog’s patella (their kneecap) slides out of the groove it sits on the femur. 

“There are different grades of medial patella luxation which determine the treatment,” Dr. Spragley began. “The higher grades typically require surgery to ensure the kneecap stays in place.”

Early detection is vital with patellar luxation. If it worsens, your dog will develop a higher grade. This causes your dog undue discomfort, may result in surgery, and places a higher time of recovery on your Shiba.

Dr. Spragley agreed, encouraging owners to keep an eye on any odd walking in their Shiba Inu. “It is important to diagnose this early to monitor if it is worsening. They may awkwardly kick their leg to pop their kneecap back into place. Even if it is a lower grade, which doesn’t require surgery, they can develop arthritis earlier in life due to the kneecap sliding back and forth.” 

Atopy

Shiba Inus have the proclivity to develop widespread skin irritation to common allergens like pollen, dust, and molds. Atopy, or atopic dermatitis, is a lifelong condition with no known cure. Instead, owners can soothe their pets with a therapeutic medicine or topical treatment that works for them. Each dog, even within the Shiba Inu breed, will differ in treatment based on the allergen affecting their skin.

Experts believe the most likely pups to develop atopy have at least one atopic parent. Neither gender has a higher rate of diagnosis for atopy in Shiba Inus.

Entropion

Along with cataracts, a common Shiba Inu health problem affecting the eyes is entropion or inwardly-rolled eyelids. This mostly affects Shiba Inu puppies several weeks after they’re born, but it can develop sometime during their lives, too. 

Should your Shiba Inu have entropion, your vet will most likely tack their eyelid up for a few weeks. This allows the eyeball, which is too small for the eye socket, and enables the eyelid to flip, to grow. This treatment essentially allows the problem to correct itself during the puppy’s normal growing process.

Dental Disease

Unfortunately, Shiba Inus tend to develop dental disease quicker than other breeds according to Dr. Spragley. Dental disease can negatively affect your Shiba Inu’s quality of life and shorten their lifespan. 

“Try to brush their teeth — and if that is not possible, they should have regular dental cleanings to prevent the buildup of tartar and subsequent loss of teeth,” Dr. Spragley cautions. 

With the independent and somewhat stubborn side of Shibas, owners must find a balance between maintaining their comfort and safeguarding their health. “Dental disease contributes to other issues such as heart disease and kidney disease due to the swallowing of bacteria. Shiba Inus are not typically pleased with their owner brushing their teeth, so it is important to consult with your veterinarian yearly to discuss their oral health.”

Hip Dysplasia

According to the National Shiba Club of America, “Hip dysplasia occurs with surprising frequency in the Shiba.” Hip dysplasia affects a wide number of purebred and mixed-breed dogs and occurs when a hip joint doesn’t align with the socket. It can become very painful for older dogs. Hip dysplasia occurs in younger dogs and puppies as well, but they don’t always show outward signs. 

If your Shiba has a luxating patella, there’s a good chance they also have or can develop hip dysplasia. Weight gain will make their hip dysplasia worse, so a great preventative measure remains to keep your Shiba Inu at a healthy weight. 

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Flea allergy dermatitis (or FAD) develops when your Shiba has an allergic reaction to the saliva in a flea’s bite. This hypersensitivity to the bite can cause intense itching and discomfort for any Shiba that has an active flea infestation on its body. For those on year-round flea medication, the number of bites will be fewer — meaning fewer allergic reactions.

Treatment depends on the severity of the allergy and if your dog has fleas. First, you must get rid of the fleas. Then, your vet may prescribe your dog medication (either oral or topical) to soothe their itching. Preventative measures include over-the-counter and prescribed antihistamines. 

How to Keep Your Shiba Smiling

When it comes to taking care of your Shiba Inu’s health problems, much of the preventative care is what you’re already doing. Make sure you take them to the vet regularly (or when you see a glaring issue), keep their diet balanced, brush their teeth on a schedule, and use monthly preventative medication to ward off fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms.