Shiba Inu Regular Checkup Schedule

ImmunityBreed HealthMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Shiba Inus are prone to atopic dermatitis, patellar luxation, and glaucoma, making age-specific veterinary checkups essential. We’ve outlined the key exams and recommended intervals for puppies, adult dogs, and seniors.

What is a Shiba Inu Regular Checkup?

A Shiba Inu undergoing a weight measurement check-up at the animal hospital.

The Shiba Inu regular health checkup is an age-specific wellness program designed to catch skin, joint, and eye conditions—common issues in this breed—at an early stage. The program focuses on three key areas: skin, joints, and eyes. Allergic skin diseases, orthopedic problems such as knee and hip disorders, and eye conditions are frequently reported in dogs, so routine monitoring allows for early detection and much easier management. In addition to a standard comprehensive health screening, we’ve organized essential checkup items by life stage based on your dog’s age and condition, ensuring you never miss a critical step in their care.

Why Shiba Inus Need More Attention to Checkups

The Shiba Inu is a medium-sized breed originating from Japan. Like all dogs, they can develop various health issues as they age. Common conditions seen in Shiba Inus include allergic skin diseases, orthopedic problems such as knee and hip joint disorders, and eye diseases. These issues often go unnoticed in their early stages and are typically detected only after they have progressed. Therefore, in addition to routine vaccinations, it is important to regularly monitor your dog’s skin, joints, and eyes through consistent health check-ups. Establishing a habit of regular veterinary examinations is key to catching subtle changes early.

Age-Specific Shiba Inu Checkup Schedule

Item	Puppy stage (0–12 months)	Adult stage (1–7 years)	Senior stage (8 years+)
Basic physical exam	Once a month	Once a year	Twice a year
Blood test	Once (before vaccination)	Once a year	Twice a year
Skin & allergy check	When symptoms appear	1–2 times a year	Twice a year
Patella & joint exam	At 6 and 12 months	Once a year	1–2 times a year
Ophthalmic exam	At 12 months	Once every 2 years	Once a year
Detailed heart, kidney & liver exam	Not recommended	Once a year from age 5	1–2 times a year

This is a general veterinarian-recommended guideline and may be adjusted depending on your dog's condition.

Essential Checkups for Puppies (0–12 Months)

Puppyhood is the time to establish a baseline for health through vaccinations and preventive care. - Core Vaccines: Administered in 3 to 4 doses between 6 and 16 weeks of age. - Rabies Vaccine: Given once after 3 months of age, followed by annual boosters. - Heartworm Testing: The first test is performed after 6 months of age. - Patellar Examination: Knee joint status is assessed at 6 and 12 months of age. - Congenital Eye Examination: It is recommended to have an ophthalmologist perform an eye exam around 12 months of age.

A young Shiba Inu undergoing a patellar examination by a veterinarian

Advance Your Checkup Schedule If You Notice These Symptoms

Even between scheduled check-ups, don’t wait for the next appointment if you notice any of these warning signs—seek veterinary care immediately. These include frequently lifting a paw or hopping on three legs (suggesting knee or joint issues), repeatedly licking or scratching the paws, ears, or abdomen (indicating possible skin allergies), or red, bloodshot eyes with excessive tearing (signs of an eye condition). All of these can be early indicators of relatively common problems in dogs, so never dismiss them as minor. Keeping notes on changes in gait, activity level, appetite, and water intake will also help your veterinarian during the exam.

Regular Checkup Points for Adult Dogs (1–7 Years)

Even if your adult dog appears healthy, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive checkup at least once a year. - Annual Comprehensive Checkup: The standard package includes a physical exam, blood test, and urinalysis. Your veterinarian will also assess weight, body condition score (BCS), and monitor appetite, water intake, urination, and defecation. - Skin Health Assessment: Since allergic skin conditions are common in dogs, we check annually for signs of itching, redness, or hair loss. - Gait Evaluation: By observing how your dog walks and runs, we can detect any issues with joints, pain, or neurological abnormalities. - Organ Function via Blood Work: Blood tests help evaluate kidney and liver function, as well as screen for diabetes, allowing for early detection of any abnormalities.

An adult Shiba Inu undergoing a heart examination with a stethoscope.

Enhanced Checkup Items for Senior Dogs (8+ Years)

As dogs enter their senior years, their bodily functions gradually change, so it’s important to schedule more thorough check-ups. - Blood and urine tests: These help detect early signs of age-related changes in organs such as the kidneys and liver. - Eye examinations: Eye conditions can develop with age, so regular checks of your dog’s eyes are recommended. - Gait and activity level assessment: Monitor for any signs of joint pain or decreased mobility. - Observation of cognitive changes: Cognitive dysfunction is common in senior dogs and can significantly impact quality of life. If you notice any unusual behavioral changes, discuss them with your veterinarian during the check-up.

Items to Specifically Request During Shiba Inu Checkups

Although not included in the standard checkup package, there are specific tests that are essential for Shiba Inus. When visiting the ophthalmologist, specifically request an intraocular pressure measurement, as this is crucial for the early detection of glaucoma. During orthopedic exams, have your dog’s patellar luxation graded on a scale of 1 to 4 so you can monitor the progression of the condition. For skin health, consider having an IgE allergy test performed around age 5 or 6 to identify potential allergens in advance.

How to Reduce the Burden of Checkup Costs

Regular check-ups for Shiba Inus typically cost between $200 to $600 per year. To ease the financial burden, you can take advantage of annual health packages offered by veterinary clinics or enroll your dog in pet insurance early in life with a check-up rider. Additionally, having regular check-ups at the same clinic allows for easy comparison with past data, enabling early detection of even minor changes. Consistency at one clinic is more important than the cost itself.

A pet owner discussing Shiba Inu health check-up results with a veterinarian.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should Shiba Inus start receiving annual comprehensive health check-ups?

Once your dog reaches adulthood, we recommend an annual comprehensive health checkup. As dogs age, their organ functions can change, so blood and urine tests are important for monitoring kidney and liver health. For senior dogs, more frequent checkups are advisable.

What is the most common genetic disease in Shiba Inus?

Allergic skin conditions, orthopedic issues such as knee and hip joint problems, and eye diseases are relatively common in dogs. Regular check-ups that include assessments of the skin, joints, and eyes can help detect changes early.

Do eye exams really need to be done every year?

As pets age, their risk of eye diseases increases, so it's a good idea to regularly check their eye health during their senior years. If you notice unusual redness or signs of discomfort, it's safer to seek veterinary care right away rather than waiting for a routine checkup.

Is there anything pet owners should prepare before the check-up?

If your pet’s checkup includes blood tests, fasting for a specified period is usually required, so be sure to review the clinic’s instructions in advance. To help improve diagnostic accuracy, jot down notes on your pet’s usual eating, elimination, and walking habits, as well as any areas they scratch excessively or instances of limping.

Even if the checkup results are normal, should I have another one next year?

Yes, it’s essential. The true purpose of a check-up is to track how your pet’s normal values change from year to year. To quickly catch any sudden changes, we need comparative data.

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References

[1] BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dermatology, 4th Edition

[2] Ettinger's Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 8th Edition

[3] Slatter's Fundamentals of Veterinary Ophthalmology, 6th Edition