Shiba Inu health guide
Also known as: Shiba
About this breed
The Shiba Inu is a clean, independent Japanese breed that has become hugely popular across Asia. Its main medical themes are itchy allergic skin, knees and hips, and a breed tendency to glaucoma that makes eye checks worthwhile.
Living in Macau's climate
Shibas blow their dense undercoat twice a year, and Macau humidity can trap dead coat against the skin; brush intensively during the moult. Many Shibas dislike rain, but their skin still needs thorough drying whenever they do get wet.
Common health conditions
Atopic dermatitis (allergic skin disease)
Signs: Recurrent itching of face, paws and belly, often seasonal at first.
Prevention: Year-round parasite control, early allergy work-up and maintenance treatment plans keep flares manageable.
Patellar luxation
Signs: Skipping or a stiff hind-leg gait after rest.
Prevention: Lean weight, non-slip floors and yearly knee grading.
Glaucoma
Signs: A red, painful, cloudy eye, dilated pupil or sudden vision loss.
Prevention: Treat a suddenly red painful eye as an emergency; pressure checks at senior visits catch early cases.
Hip dysplasia
Signs: Stiffness after exercise and reluctance to jump.
Prevention: Lean growth in puppyhood and joint checks at annual exams.
Daily care tips
- Brush daily during the twice-yearly coat blow.
- Keep parasite prevention truly year-round; fleas trigger many Shiba skin flares.
- Treat a red painful eye as a same-day emergency.
- Respect the independent temperament: build handling and grooming tolerance from puppyhood.
Screening schedule
8 to 16 weeks
Vaccination course with knee, hip and skin assessment.
1 to 6 years
Annual exam with skin review and knee grading.
7 years and up
Twice-yearly senior checks with blood work and eye pressure measurement.
Book a breed-savvy check-up
Our vets see Shiba Inu patients every week and know exactly what to screen for. Call +853 6677 6611 or book online.
Book a check-upRelated breeds
This guide is general information for the breed as a whole and does not replace an examination of your individual pet. When in doubt, always call the clinic.
Reviewed by the Royal Veterinary Center veterinary team.