Shiba Inu Grooming & Coat Care
Everything Australian owners need to know about grooming their Shiba Inu. From double coat management to seasonal shedding, paw care to professional tools—keep your Shiba looking and feeling their best.
Trusted by Shiba Inu owners across Australia • Updated February 2026
1. Understanding the Shiba Inu Double Coat
The Shiba Inu's double coat is a masterpiece of natural engineering. Understanding how it works is essential for proper care.
Shiba Inu Grooming Guide
Complete grooming routine for your Shiba Inu, from weekly maintenance to seasonal deep grooming.
Shiba Inu Bathing Guide
How often to bathe, product recommendations, and techniques that preserve coat health.
The Double Coat Explained
- •Top Coat: Coarse, straight guard hairs that repel water and dirt.
- •Undercoat: Soft, dense insulation that regulates temperature.
- •Function: Keeps Shibas cool in summer AND warm in winter.
Coat Colours (NIPPO Standard)
- •Red: Most common, with urajiro (cream) markings
- •Black & Tan: Black with tan points and urajiro
- •Sesame: Red with black-tipped guard hairs
- •Cream: Rare, but accepted in breed standard
2. Shedding & Blowouts
Shiba Inus shed year-round, but twice a year they "blow" their coat—a dramatic shedding event that requires intensive grooming.
Shiba Inu Shedding Guide
Everything you need to know about managing shedding, including blowout seasons, tools, and techniques.
Shiba Inu Grooming Guide
Weekly maintenance routines to minimise shedding between blowouts.
Blowout Seasons in Australia
- •Spring (Sept-Nov): Shedding winter undercoat
- •Autumn (Mar-May): Shedding summer undercoat
- •Duration: 2-4 weeks of heavy daily brushing
- •Expect: Enough fur to build another Shiba
Blowout Management
- 1.Daily brushing with undercoat rake
- 2.High-velocity dryer (professional or shop-vac attachment)
- 3.Bath to loosen remaining undercoat
- 4.Line brushing to ensure all loose coat removed
3. Bathing & Coat Care
Shiba Inus are fastidious self-groomers, much like cats. They rarely need baths, but when they do, proper technique matters.
Shiba Inu Bathing Guide
How often to bathe, product recommendations, drying techniques, and how to make bath time stress-free.
Shiba Inu Grooming Guide
Full grooming routine including nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care.
Bathing Frequency
- •Normal: 2-3 times per year
- •Blowout season: 1 bath to loosen undercoat
- •Mud/dirt: Rinse only, avoid soap
- •Skin conditions: Medicated baths as prescribed
The "Shiba Scream"
Shibas are notorious for vocalising dramatically during baths. This is normal, not pain—they just hate being wet.
- Use lukewarm water (never hot)
- Non-slip mat in tub
- High-value treats throughout
- Consider professional groomer
4. Paw Care for Australian Conditions
Australian environments present unique challenges for your Shiba's paws—from scorching pavement to grass seeds and bushfire debris.
Keeping Your Shiba Inu Cool
Paw protection, hot pavement safety, and summer care essentials.
Shiba Inu Grooming Guide
Nail trimming and paw pad maintenance techniques.
Hot Pavement Safety
The 7-second test: Place back of hand on pavement for 7 seconds. If too hot for you, too hot for paws.
- Walk before 8am or after 7pm in summer
- Grass or shaded paths only
- Consider paw wax (Musher's Secret)
- Booties for extreme conditions
Grass Seeds & Burrs
In spring and summer, grass seeds can embed between toes, causing pain and infection.
- Check paws after every walk
- Trim fur between toes
- Watch for excessive licking
- Vet visit if seed embedded
Monthly Paw Check
Check for:
- • Cuts or abrasions
- • Swelling between toes
- • Embedded grass seeds
- • Cracked paw pads
- • Foreign objects
Maintenance:
- • Trim nail (if clicking on floor)
- • Trim interdigital fur
- • Apply paw balm if dry
- • Check nail dewclaws
5. Essential Grooming Tools
Having the right tools makes grooming easier and more effective. Invest in quality equipment that will last.
Puppy Shopping List
Complete checklist of grooming supplies you'll need before bringing your puppy home.
Shiba Inu Grooming Guide
Detailed techniques for using each grooming tool effectively.
Daily/Weekly
- •Slicker brush: Remove loose fur, detangle
- •Metal comb: Check for mats, finish work
Blowout Season
- •Undercoat rake: Remove dead undercoat
- •Furminator: De-shedding tool (use gently)
- •High-velocity dryer: Blow out loose coat
Bathing
- •Dog shampoo: pH-balanced for dogs
- •Conditioner: Moisturise skin and coat
- •Non-slip mat: Safety in tub
Paw & Nail
- •Nail clippers/grinder: Nail maintenance
- •Styptic powder: Stop bleeding if quick cut
- •Paw balm: Moisturise cracked pads
Considering Adoption?
The RSPCA and other reputable animal welfare organisations across Australia have dogs and puppies of all breeds, including occasionally Shiba Inus and Shiba Inu crosses, waiting for homes.
Master Your Shiba's Grooming Routine
Regular grooming strengthens your bond and keeps your Shiba healthy. Our detailed guides walk you through every step, from puppy's first brush to managing those seasonal blowouts.