How do I create a safe home environment for my Shiba Inu when I'm away?
Follow this daily, weekly, and monthly routine to ensure your Shiba Inu stays safe and comfortable while you're away.
Daily Routine
Before leaving for the day, make sure your Shiba Inu has had a good walk or play session. Aim for 45–60 minutes of exercise to tire them out. Provide fresh water and a healthy meal 30 minutes before you leave. Then, perform the following tasks:
1. Check the fence for any gaps or loose panels that a Shiba Inu could squeeze through. A secure fence is crucial for an escape-prone breed like the Shiba Inu.
2. Clean the litter box and replenish with fresh litter. A clean litter box is essential for maintaining your Shiba Inu's hygiene.
- Walk your Shiba Inu for 45–60 minutes
- Provide fresh water and a healthy meal 30 minutes before leaving
- Check the fence for gaps or loose panels
- Clean and replenish the litter box
Weekly Routine
On a weekly basis, it's important to maintain the safety and comfort of your Shiba Inu's space. Here's what to do:
1. Inspect the fence for any signs of wear or damage. Repair or replace as needed.
2. Clean the dog bed and any toys to prevent the buildup of allergens and bacteria.
3. Check the air filter in the HVAC system to ensure it's clean and functioning properly.
- Inspect the fence for wear or damage
- Clean the dog bed and toys
- Check the air filter in the HVAC system
Monthly Routine
Monthly maintenance is key to ensuring your Shiba Inu's space remains safe and comfortable. Consider the following tasks:
1. Trim the grass around the fence line to prevent your Shiba Inu from burrowing under.
2. Clean the outdoor doghouse, if applicable, to keep it dry and free of pests.
3. Schedule a professional grooming session to manage the heavy seasonal blow-out of your Shiba Inu's double coat.
- Trim grass around the fence line
- Clean the outdoor doghouse
- Schedule a grooming session for the heavy seasonal blow-out
Busy Day Alternatives
On particularly busy days, you can skip certain tasks without causing harm to your Shiba Inu. However, always prioritize the following:
1. Ensure your Shiba Inu has access to fresh water at all times.
2. Provide a healthy meal if you're gone for less than 8 hours.
3. Check the fence and litter box before leaving.
- Always provide fresh water
- Provide a meal if gone for less than 8 hours
- Check the fence and litter box
Daily Checks
Perform these daily checks to catch any potential problems early:
1. Observe your Shiba Inu's behavior and activity levels. A sudden decrease could indicate illness or discomfort.
2. Check the litter box for any signs of diarrhea or blood, which could indicate a health issue.
3. Monitor the temperature inside the home. Aim for a comfortable 70°F (21°C) for your Shiba Inu.
- Observe behavior and activity levels
- Check the litter box for signs of illness
- Monitor the indoor temperature
Keep reading about Shiba Inu: Shiba Inu care sheet
Related questions
How often should I check the fence for gaps?
Check the fence daily before leaving and weekly for general maintenance.
What should I do if my Shiba Inu tries to dig under the fence?
Trim the grass around the fence line to a height of 4 inches to prevent digging.
How often should I clean the litter box?
Clean the litter box daily and replenish with fresh litter as needed.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your shiba inu is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.