If your Shiba is experiencing a bout of diarrhea it can be concerning. I’ve dealt with this more times than I can remember with other dogs I’ve looked after and similar breeds like huskies.

I’ll explain the main causes behind diarrhea, and the best actions to take right now in order to get your shiba back on track. Everything you need to know is below.

7 Reasons Your Shiba Inu Has Diarrhea

Hey Shiba Inu parents! Worried because your fur baby has diarrhea? Let’s look at the top reasons why this might be happening. And remember, it’s not just Shiba Inus; this happens to all dogs sometimes.

1) Eating Weird Stuff

Sometimes, Shiba Inus eat things they shouldn’t. Maybe it’s table scraps or trash they find on a walk. Foods that are okay for people might upset a dog’s belly.

Eating something they shouldn’t have, whether rotten or mildly toxic makes up for over 90% of diarrhea cases in dogs. (not an official figure) but it’s usually this.

Why this is bad:
People food is often too rich for dogs and might have stuff that’s not safe for them.

Why Is My Shiba Inu Refusing to Eat? (Explained & Solved)

2) Food Change or Bad Kibble

Switching dog food can lead to tummy troubles. Always mix the new food with the old food for a week or two. This helps your Shiba Inu adjust.

Quality matters:
Cheap food with too many carbs can also cause diarrhea. Shiba Inus might have food allergies, so pick quality kibble.

3) Stress and Worry

Like us, dogs can get stressed. Maybe there’s a new person at home or you’ve moved. If your Shiba seems anxious, think about what’s different in their life.

What to do:
Help your Shiba feel safe and calm. Maybe they need more playtime or cuddles.

4) Bacterial Bugs

Dogs touch a lot of stuff— their toys, beds, and even dirt outside. Sometimes, they pick up bad bacteria.

Get help:
If you think it’s a bacterial problem, see a vet. Your Shiba might need medicine.

5) Pesky Parasites

Parasites like worms can also cause diarrhea. These are often caught from contaminated soil or even fleas.

Look out for:
Check if you see worms in your Shiba’s poop. They might need medicine to get rid of them.

6) Not Enough Water or Too Much Heat

Dehydration is a big deal. Make sure your Shiba drinks enough water, especially in hot weather. Too much heat can also make them sick.

Symptoms to watch:
If your Shiba has been in the sun too long and has diarrhea, it might be heatstroke.

7) Health Problems or Medicine Side Effects

Lastly, long-term health issues or medicine your Shiba is taking could cause diarrhea.

Get a check-up:
If diarrhea doesn’t stop, it might be good to visit the vet for a full check-up.

So, those are some common reasons why your Shiba Inu might have diarrhea. But, if it’s ongoing, a vet visit is a must. Take care!

How to Help Your Shiba Inu With Diarrhea: 4 Easy Solutions

Hey there! Got a Shiba Inu with tummy troubles? Let’s look at some easy ways to help your pup feel better fast. Just remember, the cause of diarrhea matters. I’ll guide you on when to use each method and when not to.

1) Fasting (12-16 hours)

Skipping meals can help your Shiba Inu if they have diarrhea. This gives their belly a break for a day. Fasting is the first port of call and is what veterinarians will recommend too.

Don’t do this if your pup is under 1 year old or over 7 years old.

During fasting, make sure your Shiba Inu drinks lots of water. This keeps them from getting dehydrated.

When to fast:
Use this method if your Shiba ate something bad, changed their diet, or has food allergies.

When not to fast:
Skip fasting if your Shiba is a puppy or a senior. These age groups need steady meals. Go see a vet if you think stress, medicine, or lack of water is the problem.

2) Go for Bland Food

If fasting works, do that first. Then try bland food. If you can’t fast, just stick to simple, easy-to-digest foods.

Feed your Shiba three small meals. Good options are white rice, plain chicken, and pumpkin. You can skip the pumpkin if you don’t have it.

This helps provide nutrients while being incredibly easy on the stomach. This can be given safely for a few days before slowly incorporating their food back in.

When to do this:
This method is really safe. Just be sure your Shiba isn’t allergic to any of the foods.

Something to think about:
This helps with diarrhea, but not the root cause. So, you might still want to visit a vet.

3) Use Pro-Pectalin

What’s Pro-Pectalin?
It’s a product that helps balance the gut and makes poop less runny. You can get it as a tablet or gel.

Keep Pro-Pectalin in your home. It’s a quick, low-cost way to help your Shiba feel better.

Look for reviews:
Check Amazon for what people say about it: Vetoquinol Pro-Pectalin Oral Gel

4) Add Pedialyte or Chicken Broth to Water

Drinking water is key. Dehydration can make diarrhea worse.

Your Shiba might not want to drink. Try adding Pedialyte or low-salt chicken broth to their water. It makes the water tastier and keeps them hydrated.

Remember, hydration is a big deal. Always make sure your Shiba has water, especially when they’re not feeling well.

And there you go! These tips should help your Shiba Inu get back to their playful self. But, if your pup isn’t getting better, it’s time to visit the vet.

When To See a Vet for Your Shiba Inu

Wondering when you should take your Shiba Inu to the vet for diarrhea? Here’s some guidance to help you know when it’s time to get help.

Diarrhea Lasts Too Long

If your Shiba Inu’s diarrhea doesn’t get better in a day of trying to help them, call the vet. The rule of thumb is 24 hours. Fasting (if possible) should see improvements within hours, so if your Shiba still doesn’t improve after fasting and consuming some safe food, it’s likely time for the vet.

Puppies and Older Shibas

Young pups under 1 year and older Shibas over 8 years need quicker care. If they have diarrhea, don’t wait. Call the vet right away.

Health Issues

If your Shiba already has some health problems, be extra careful. Call the vet as soon as you notice diarrhea. This is also the same advice for Shibas currently taking medication for existing health issues.

Trust Your Gut

If something feels off and you’re worried, it’s okay to call the vet. Better safe than sorry. You might just have an inkling that your pup has eaten something toxic (even though you aren’t sure) there’s just something telling you this isn’t right… see the vet.

How to Prevent Diarrhea in Shiba Inus

Although you’ll never be able to prevent all bouts of diarrhea, by following some good healthy habits you can avoid many cases. Check out the following:

Food Tips

• No Human Food: Don’t give your Shiba scraps from the table.
• Be Careful with New Food: Switching foods? Do it slowly to help your Shiba adjust.
• Choose Quality Food: Stick to good kibble that suits your Shiba’s needs.

Home Safety

• Trash Trouble: Make sure your Shiba can’t get into the trash can.
• Keep It Calm: Shibas like calm. Stress can upset their stomach.

Exercise and Play

• Exercise Is Key: A well-exercised Shiba is a happy Shiba.
• Bushy Dangers: Try to keep your Shiba from poking around in bushes during walks.
• Doggy Friends: Don’t let your Shiba play with dogs that haven’t had their shots.

Cleanliness

• Fresh Beds and Toys: Wash your Shiba’s bed and toys often.
• Clean Bowls: Don’t forget to wash the food and water bowls too!

Health Care

• Vet Visits: Keep up with vet appointments and shots.

Not all cases of diarrhea can be avoided. But these tips should help make them less common for your Shiba.