Medium dogs

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

SignsCries when picked up, hunched back, wobbly or paralyzed hind legs, cannot urinate. Common in Corgis

PreventionPrevent obesity. Ramps for steps. Support chest and hips level when lifting. Non-slip flooring

Atopic dermatitis

SignsItchy face, armpits, paws and inner thighs; redness, hair loss, ear inflammation. Common in Shiba Inu, onset at 1–3 years

PreventionWeekly shampoo to remove pollen and mites. Clean and dehumidify indoors. See the vet early to identify the cause

Degenerative myelopathy

SignsDrags hind toenails, wobbles, gradually unable to stand. No pain. Common in Corgis

PreventionGenetic test for carrier status. Non-slip floors, walks and rehab to maintain muscle

Cognitive dysfunction

SignsNight howling, circling in one direction, getting stuck in corners, house-soiling. Common in senior Shiba Inu

PreventionDaytime walks, sunlight and puzzle toys for stimulation. Keep a steady routine. See the vet early

Otitis externa (ear infection)

SignsHead shaking, ear scratching, smelly ears, black or yellow discharge. Common in drop-eared breeds like Beagles

PreventionCheck inside the ears and smell them weekly. Dry ears after water play. Never scrub deep with cotton swabs

Glaucoma

SignsRed, bloodshot eye; eye looks enlarged; squinting in pain; sudden vision loss. Common in Shiba Inu

PreventionHard to prevent outright. See the vet the same day for redness or cloudiness. Eye pressure checks from middle age

Disc injury

PreventionNo jumping on or off sofas and beds. Ramps for steps. Mats on hard floors

First aidPlace on a board or in a crate, keep the spine still and see the vet now. Do not pick up even if in pain

Patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation)

PreventionPrevent obesity. Mats on slippery floors. Do not make the dog stand on hind legs

First aidIf favoring a leg, do not handle; keep rested. See the vet the same day even if it pops back

Heatstroke

PreventionWalk early morning or evening in summer. Shiba Inu and Corgis trap heat in their thick undercoat

First aidMove to a cool spot, wet the body and fan. No ice. See the vet now

Bite and fight wounds

PreventionShiba Inu are bold with other dogs. Never look away at the dog park. Always leash

First aidRinse under running water and apply pressure. Often deeper than they look; see the vet the same day

Pasteurellosis

RouteBites, scratches, mouth-to-mouth contact

PreventionRinse wounds right away under running water. No mouth-to-mouth feeding or kissing. See a doctor if the wound swells

Rabies

RouteBite from an infected dog (Japan is rabies-free but imported cases exist)

PreventionAnnual vaccination is required by law. If bitten by a dog overseas, see a doctor immediately

Ringworm (dermatophytosis)

RouteContact with an infected dog's skin or fur

PreventionSee the vet for circular hair loss. Wash hands after contact. Separate bedding

Toxocariasis (dog roundworm)

RouteEggs in feces reach the mouth via hands or soil

PreventionPick up feces immediately. Regular deworming. Avoid defecation where children play

Food

• Complete food for medium dogs, twice a day
• Keep a body condition where ribs are easily felt (obesity strains the back)
• If there is skin disease, discuss a prescription diet with the vet

Water

• Fresh water always available in several spots
• Always carry water on summer walks

Toys & play

• Tug ropes and sturdy rubber toys
• Puzzle toys to work the brain and prevent boredom
• Remove broken toys at once (prevents swallowing fragments)

Nest, bed & hideout

• Crate in a quiet spot with a view of the family
• Shiba Inu like their own space: an enclosed bed

Bedding & litter

• Washable thick bed (wash weekly in shedding season)
• Non-slip flooring (cork or rubber mats)
• Practice on indoor pads even for outdoor toileters

Cage / housing material

Steel crate or pen (chew-proof)

Size & space

Room to lie down, stand and turn around (about 90 cm deep)

Layout

• Crate against a wall, door facing the room
• Heavy, spill-resistant water bowl
• Mat on the floor to prevent slipping

Placement notes

• Avoid direct sun and air-conditioner drafts
• Keep away from the front door to prevent escapes and excitement

Exercise, free-roam & walks

• Twice a day, 30–45 min each. Include time to run
• Corgis: strain on the back; limit jumping and stairs
• In summer, touch the ground; if hot, skip the walk

Temperature & humidity

Temperature22–25°C. Heatstroke risk rises sharply above 28°C

Humidity40–60%. High humidity causes skin disease and ear infections

Summer & winter

• Summer: early morning/evening walks, cooling mat, air conditioning 24 hours
• Winter: heating for indoor dogs; keep senior dogs' joints warm

Nail trimming

Every 2–3 weeks. Many Shiba Inu resist; practice touching paws from puppyhood

Brushing, skin & coat care

2–3 times a week; daily undercoat removal in shedding season (spring, fall). Check for red skin

Other care

Brush teeth daily. Clean drop ears weekly. Wipe eye discharge with warm water

Protection from predators

• Ticks on walks (full-body check after grassy areas)
• Heartworm from mosquitoes (monthly preventive)
• Fights and bites from other dogs (no off-leash)

Foreign-body ingestion

Socks, toy fragments, fruit pits and skewers are commonly swallowed. Bowel obstruction is life-threatening. Do not induce vomiting; see the vet now and bring the rest of the item

Being stepped on

Puppies and senior dogs move slowly and are easily stepped on. Watch your feet and teach children not to step over the dog

Getting pinched

Paws and tails get caught in doors and sliding doors. Use door stoppers and close doors slowly in rooms where the dog is

Falls

Jumping off sofas and beds injures backs and knees. Install ramps. A dog that struggles and falls while being held can break bones; hold in a low position

Escape

Shiba Inu often slip their collars. Double leash with harness plus collar; license tag and microchip. If the dog escapes, do not chase: crouch, show a treat and wait

Safe release procedure

1. Stop moving and say "drop it" in a calm, low voice
2. Lift the dog's hind legs or pull the collar backward
3. Splash water or push a large object into the mouth to distract
4. Once released, isolate the dog in another room to calm down

After the release

Rinse the wound under running water for 10 minutes and apply pressure. Deep wounds or swelling: see a doctor the same day

What to tell the vet & what to bring

Time of onset, what and when the dog ate, photos of vomit or stool, current medications, photos of skin or eye symptoms

Checking consciousness, breathing & heartbeat

• Call the dog's name and pinch the ear for a response
• Check breathing by chest movement (normal 15–30/min)
• Check pulse at the inner thigh (normal 70–120/min)

Stopping bleeding

• Press firmly with a clean towel for at least 5 minutes
• Raise limbs above heart level
• If it does not stop, keep pressing and see the vet now

Transport

• Place on a crate or board and keep the spine level
• If unconscious, extend the neck and pull the tongue out to open the airway