shedding
ok so roxy my shiba has been shedding like she's going bald, my mom is freaking out over it and I'm a lil conserned as well, she has/had some blad spots on her ear I just wanna know if she is just doing her shedding cause its so hot were we are, she has been shedding for a couple months, since like june or so...so its been going on for a long time, we took her to the vet and they gave her some meds but its not fungal nor is it mange so we're stumped at what to do the meds didn't help at all.
Comments
**sorry, just re-read your post. What are the meds for?
How are you brushing her hair? how often? with what?
are you bathing her? do you use anything?
do you use any ear cleaning product or flea/tick meds?
what type of food do you feed?
I agree with Tsukitsune, It sounds like she could use a check up with the vet.
Snf
Also, while some have no issues with Iams, most Shibas have food allergies and have sensitive bowels. You might want to look into getting a food that has actual meat, and not watered down soupy dead unwanted parts. Theres a lot of really excellent dog foods out there, you just got to do the research. Some good dog foods are: Innova, Canidae, Eagle Pack, Orijen, Wellness.
I WOULD STRONGLY DISCOURAGE IF NOT BEG YOU TO RECONSIDER BREEDING YOUR DOG, ESPECIALLY ONE THAT IS ALREADY HAVING HEALTH PROBLEMS SO EARLY IN HER LIFE
You may have a dog that you like and get asked about constantly - everyone on this forum gets a lot of attention because of their dogs, that doesn't mean we all want to breed them.
Think about this: A dog is a companion for 12-16 years of your life. You want those years to be filled with fun and joy and health, right? Professional, respectable breeders work for years to better the breed and health and overall appearance of a dog. they spend tons of money doing genetic testing to make sure the dogs have healthy legs, knees, hips, eyes and have no congenital diseases or genetic defects. Then these dogs must prove themselves in appearance and temperament and be put to the test in an AKC or ARBA show ring, judged and strive to become a champion. Pups are then planned far in advance for a female who is of proper (2+ years) age who is a champion and a completely different bloodline male who also has champion qualities or titles. Selection is crucial and their breeding programs are very complicated and efficient. From these breeders only do we get an amazing longtime companion. Monetary gain is the LAST thing on a reputable breeder's mind. The integrity and betterment of the breed comes first.
People who are not breeders but love their dog and want to have the 'experience' of a litter are called Back Yard Breeders, that is not a respectable term and any prospective shiba owner who knows what kind of dog they want will not come to you, they will go to the above breeder because they want excellence in temperament, health, looks and overall well being.
Breeding is not something to be taken lightly.
As Jessica stated, there are NO health benefits to waiting for a female to have a litter before spaying her. In fact, you only do harm by adding to the overpopulation of animals in shelters. I urge you to speak to your veterinarian about why you should spay your female shiba and not after she's had her first heat or a litter.
You can have shibas, many of them, all spayed and neutered, living happily with one another. Get that male shiba, but only after you have spayed your female and work on her health and temperament issues (if there are any). I like the names you have picked out already! But consider the male as a playmate to Roxy and a companion for you, and if you can commit to a second dog, do it for those reasons, not to get a male breeder dog.
You can tell those people who want a shiba pup that they can find respectable, reputable experienced breeders by doing a little research about the breed and finding a breeder that suits them. You will be doing the breed a great service by educating the public on the Shiba Inu and how to find a great breeder for a wonderful companion dog.
Moto (knocking on wood) is healthy as a horse, is great with everyone (including children and other dogs), and is really a super sweet boy. Other than being a shiba inu (meaning he is still planning on taking over the world as we speak) he is close to perfect.
The foods I mentioned earlier are the kinds of foods to look into.
Just think of it this way. If you can buy the dog food at the grocery store or another cheap place, then its most likely commercial/bad dog food. Look for holistic or grain free food at the pet store. If she does have allergies, most puppy foods have a chicken base. You might want to switch to a different meat ingredient.
Before we switched though we drove an hour and a half to buy Orijen.
Also check out K9cuisine.com Free shipping for purchases over $50
Going 20 minutes out of your way once a month isn't going to kill your gas tank, and it would certainly improve the quality of life for your dog.
do some internet research, talk to your vet or find a holistic vet or canine nutritionist, and there is also a home cooked forum on dogster.com to help get meal ideas when you get to that point.
You are only feeding one dog so it will be WAY cheaper for you too, I am feeding 3 dogs, so it can be a little expensive. But the way I see it, I am prolonging their lives and it is cheaper than chemo (part of why so many dogs are dying of cancer now a days are crappy diets).
It is just filler. IF you eliminate grain from your dogs diet your dogs immediately need to eat less and poop less
Go to this link and read this...
http://www.championpetfoods.com/orijen/documents/ORIJEN_White_paper.pdf