How to Care a Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix is a small to medium-sized dog breed which require proper care to keep themselves healthy and happy.
If you have a Shiba-Chi puppy at home, then you need to meet with the vet to know how to care for your loving Shiba-Chi. If you don’t know how to care for your dog, then don’t worry. Today in this article, we are going to guide you about the care of Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix.
Health Issues of Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix
Ensuring health problems is very important, because if you know Shiba-Chi’s health problems then you can give them proper care.
The common health issues of Shiba-Chi are:
- Dental problems
- Heart murmurs
- Patellar luxation
- Obesity
- Hypothyroidism
- Periodontal disease
- Cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
- Tracheal collapse
Care Tips for Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix
Here are some care tips for your Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix:
Diet & Nutrition
Healthy and balanced diet plays an important role for their overall health. They are small to medium sized dogs, so they don’t need a lot of food to eat. 3 to 4 small meals a day is enough for them. Always select the best dog food which contains essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrate, fats, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
Always choose animal-based protein sources for your loving pooch such as chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, duck, egg and fish. Stop feeding your Shiba-Chi table scraps and human foods, because it can cause stomach upset. Ensure that your dog always has access to fresh water. Avoid overfeeding your Shiba-Chi, because it can lead to obesity, diabetes and other health issues.
Exercise
While they are small dogs, but it does not mean that they don’t need exercise. Every dog requires proper exercise, Shiba-Chi also requires 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise to keep themself physically and mentally stimulated.
Here are some useful ways to exercise your Shiba-Chi:
- Running
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Dog Yoga
- Fetch
- Frisbee
- Tug of war
- Jumping
With physical exercise, Shiba-Chi also requires mental stimulation, so buying some interacting toys for them is crucial for their mental stimulation. You also must take them on a daily walk, this activity strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.
Training
Every dog requires proper training for socialization. Shiba-Chi are stubborn by nature, so proper training is essential from an early age to make them socialize. Consistency, patience and positive reinforcement are the keys of successful training.
Here are some training types for Shiba-Chi:
- Sit and stand training
- Obedience training
- Crate training
- Potty training
Potty training can be challenging for first-time owners because of their stubborn nature. Expose your Shiba-Chi to other people and animals, this practice creates a positive impact on their behavior.
Grooming
Because Shiba-Chi dogs shed a lot, proper grooming is necessary to minimize shedding.
Here are some useful ways of Shiba-Chi’s grooming:
Brushing
Brushing their coat is very essential 2 to 3 times a week with the best brush, it helps to prevent tangles and matting. It also helps to reduce the excessive shedding and make the coat look its best.
Bathing
Shiba-Chi don’t require frequent bathing, bathe your loving pooch once every 3 to 4 months with the best dog shampoo. It will help to remove the dander from their coat and keeps the coat moist. It is advised to dry their coat with a towel or blow dryer to prevent skin irritation.
Dental Hygiene
Shiba-Chi are prone to dental problems, that’s why proper dental hygiene is essential. Brushing your dog’s teeth twice or three times a week using the best dog toothpaste. Avoid using human toothpaste, because it might be harmful for your Shiba-Chi.
Nails Clipping
Clip your dog’s nails if you feel them big, because big nails can cause pain and discomfort.
Ear Cleaning
Using the best cleaning solution, clean your dog’s ears to prevent any kind of ear infection.
CONCLUSION
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix might be one of the best family dogs with proper care and training. These loyal dogs are known for their strong bond with their owner.
Shiba-Chi are small to medium-sized dogs which require proper care to keep themselves healthy and happy. As a responsible owner, it is your duty to keep in kind their care needs such as healthy diet, proper exercise and appropriate grooming.
FAQs
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How do you take care of Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix?
Here are some care tips for Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix:
- Watch her diet
- Make sure he gets plenty of exercise
- Regular brushing their teeth and coat
- Cleaning ears and trimming nails
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How long does a Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix live?
The Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix can live for up to 15 years on average.