How to deal with a Shiba Inu’s Anxiety – NorCal Shiba (2024)

FAQs

How to treat shiba anxiety? ›

For intelligent dogs like the Shiba Inu, puzzle toys can help. There are also pheromone diffusers and calming treats that you can purchase over the counter to help your anxious dog relax.

Common Shiba Inu Problem – Anxiety

Shiba Inus with anxiety experience stress due to their fears. These sometimes irrational fears can lead to unsafe behaviors such as running away, and / or bodily harm due to excessive scratching, clawing, or biting.

Another training strategy is desensitization. The owner slowly introduces the dog to the source of anxiety, preferably in small doses and at a decreased intensity. Repeated exposure and rewarding positive behavior can go a long way toward managing anxiety.

If your older dog is experiencing anxiety, you might try to offer some companionship. You can try cuddling on the couch together or even giving them a massage to aid in anxiety relief. Giving them a little 15-minute massage on their feet, ears, or head can help alleviate stress.

I have owned 3 Shiba Inus. They were “hyper” as puppies, but gradually grew out of that. That usually goes away by 1–2 years of age. After that, they were not “hyper.” However, they are originally hunting dogs and enjoy activities such as walking and play.

Shibas are acutely aware of their environment, including everything and everyone in it, at all times. They are are highly sensitive to loud or strange noises and changes in their environment. They can be quite skittish around new people and environments.

Nerve Disease

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis, shortened to NCL, is a progressive neurologic disease found in several breeds, including your Shiba Inu. Clinical signs usually appear in younger dogs, between around one to three years of age. In the early stages, rear leg weakness and imbalance can occur.

Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.

If you're looking for an affectionate dog that loves to cuddle and craves attention, shibas are not it. Hoju pretty much follows us around everywhere, but he'd much rather be a few feet away than in our laps. He only likes being pet on his terms. Shibas are loyal and territorial.

The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline for transitioning a rescue dog into its new home and helping it to settle in. It suggests that the first three days should be used for adjusting to its new surroundings, the next three weeks for training and bonding, and the first three months for continued socialization and training.

What stops dog anxiety? ›

Anxious dogs benefit from a safe place that they associate with positive things – treats, toys, or undisturbed rest. A dog bed or mat is perfect for this because it's portable, meaning you can take that safety on the road.

Use positive training methods only. Ignore and redirect unwanted behavior rather than punishing your dog. Using rewards will encourage your dog to build positive associations with the training process. Be patient.

There is probably nothing more soothing to an anxious dog than its owner's touch. Try to identify the signs of anxiety in your dog and nip them in the bud as early as possible by picking them up, cuddling on the couch, or giving them a good long petting session.

As a result of dementia, some dogs also experience 'sundowning'. The syndrome occurs in late afternoon and more commonly during winter, rendering dogs nervous and clingy as the light fades. Although researchers aren't quite sure what causes Sundown Syndrome, it could be linked to light and levels of melatonin.

Diazepam (Valium) - This medication can be an effective anti-anxiety medication, muscle relaxant, appetite stimulant and seizure-control drug for dogs. Diazepam can be helpful in treating dogs with panic disorders such as severe noise aversion or phobia if given in advance of an event known to trigger anxiety.

Exercise is another important factor; daily walks and play time will help keep your dog calm and in a happy state of mind. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, make sure they're never left alone for long periods of time, particularly during the training process.

The most successful treatment for canine separation-related problems may be behavior modification that focuses on systematic desensitization and counterconditioning, which can be supplemented with medication in the initial stages.

“A dog might need to be put on anti-anxiety medications if they become anxious and distressed during storms, when left alone, in new environments or if they become fearful and aggressive around strangers and unfamiliar dogs,” explains Dr Grace.