Shiba Inu Ears Not Upright: Calcium Deficiency? How to

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Part 1: The Age and Process of a Shiba Inu's Ears Standing Up

Typically, purebred Shiba Inus will start to stand their ears up around the age of two months. However, due to individual differences, some Shiba Inus may take longer to achieve this. Rest assured, as long as they are purebred, most Shiba Inus will have their ears up by adulthood.

During the earstandingup process, it's common for one ear to stand up first, followed by the other after a while. The ears may also droop down and then pop back up, which is perfectly normal. Once both ears are standing and slightly tilted forward, you'll know your Shiba Inu's ears have successfully stood up.

Part 2: Reasons and Solutions for a Shiba Inu's Ears Not Standing Up

If your Shiba Inu is nearing adulthood without any sign of ears standing up, consider the following possibilities:

1. Mixed Breed

Since Shiba Inu puppies can resemble other breeds, some unscrupulous sellers might pass off mixed breeds as purebreds. To ensure you're getting a genuine purebred, it's advisable to purchase from reputable breeders.

2. Genetic Factors

Even purebred Shiba Inus can have ears that don't stand up. This could be due to one or both parents carrying a soft ear gene, leading to malformed ears in some offspring. Unfortunately, this genetic issue is usually irreversible, and pet owners must accept it as is.

3. Calcium Deficiency

Proper calcium intake is crucial for bone development, and a lack of calcium can prevent ears from standing up. This is often seen in puppies that were not wellnursed or did not receive adequate nutrition after weaning.

It's important to supplement calcium promptly. Otherwise, it can lead to skeletal deformities, such as bow legs or knock knees, and can affect tooth shedding, causing double rows of teeth. To ensure your Shiba Inu gets enough calcium, feed them pet milk powder, puppy biscuits, bone broth, and egg yolks, and ensure they get plenty of sunlight to aid calcium absorption. If calcium deficiency is severe, consult a veterinarian for advice on supplements, but be cautious not to overdo it to avoid cartilage issues.

4. Other Nutritional Deficiencies

Besides calcium, a lack of vitamins and other trace minerals can also affect normal development and lead to ears not standing up. If your Shiba Inu hasn't stood its ears by three months, consider enriching its diet with a balanced puppy food to ensure it's getting all the necessary nutrients.

We hope this guide on the reasons and solutions for Shiba Inu ears not standing up is helpful. If you have any more questions, feel free to consult an online veterinary expert!

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