Do Akitas Shed a Lot? + Reasons Why it Happens
As a new Akita owner or someone who’s trying to know a thing or two about Akitas, you may want to know whether your Akita sheds a lot or not. Akitas are known to be double-coated dogs which means they’ve got two coat layers and this gives them the possibility of shedding their fur more than others.
Do Akitas Shed a Lot?
Yes. Akitas are notorious shedders and they shed their fur all year round. An Akita will typically experience “blowing coat”, a phenomenon where they shed their coat heavily twice every year. You can expect your Akita to shed its skin just before winter and fall.
During autumn, your Akita will change its coat which can lead to increased shedding as it prepares for the winter season.
Similarly, in spring, your dog’s coat will become lighter as it prepares for the warmer summer weather.
Why Do Akitas Shed?
There are two reasons why Akitas shed but it springs from one principal fact – their past. Akitas were first bred in the northern mountains of Japan, a region that’s notable for high wind, snow, and low temperatures up to -30 degrees.
Akitas had to stay outdoors in these fierce conditions. This made them develop a double coat to help them survive the freezing conditions of the weather in Japan at the time. Interestingly, Akitas have retained their double coating from their ancestors.
The coat of an Akita has two distinct layers with unique functions. There’s the outer layer which is rough and waterproof while the inner layer is soft, dense, and cozy.
Akitas typically have to shed their skin to:
- Grow healthy coat
- Adapt to changing times and seasons
If your Akita is shedding excessively, it could be due to an overgrowth of fur that needs to be shed for healthier hair growth. Also, they could be preparing for fall and summer when they’ll need less coating because of the warmer weather conditions. There are other unnatural reasons why your Akita may shed fur aside from the above-mentioned. Let’s look at them in the next section.
Unnatural Reasons Why Your Akita May be Shedding its Fur
The following are reasons that are not natural that can cause your Akita to shed its fur:
- Poor dieting: A lack of proper vitamins and minerals in the diet is one of the reasons why your Akita will shed its fur even when it is not due. Ensuring your Akita gets the right amount of quality food will help keep their fur in place.
- Bad grooming routines: Another common issue I’ve seen with Akita owners is failing to understand how to groom their Akita. Some use bad grooming tools, others try to shave, while some don’t even bother to groom their pets.
- Illnesses: There are several fungal and bacterial infections that cause your dog to lose its fur. Also, underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, adrenal gland disorders, and growth hormone disorders can lead to excessive shedding in your Akita.
- Skin infections: Manges caused by mites are also responsible for hair loss in dogs. A dog affected by mange would burrow and chew on its skin.
How Long Does the Akita Shedding Last?
The Akita shedding period usually lasts between two to four weeks. During these periods, you’ll find your Akita’s fur all over the place – on clothing, furniture, and everywhere your dog goes.
As an Akita owner, it is quintessential for you to be aware of when your Akita will shed its coat, which is usually before fall and winter, and then take steps to manage its shedding.
In the next section, I explain all you need to know to be able to manage your Akita’s shedding.
How to Manage Akita Shedding?
Akitas shed for a lot of reasons such as their diet, grooming routine, and the climate they live in. Whatever the reason your Akita is shedding its fur, here are ways to manage the shedding:
Groom Properly
A lot of people have different ideas about grooming dogs. For my Akitas, I groom them three times every week, and during their shedding periods, I groom them up to five times weekly.
Grooming your Akita regularly is quintessential for keeping them clean and avoiding unnecessary shedding. By brushing them as they shed their fur, you can help remove loose hairs in single grooming instead of letting them fall off at random.
Also, when you groom your dog, it helps to evenly distribute the body’s oil on their skin. The natural oil on your dog’s body makes it possible for it to hold its hair longer.
If your Akita is not shedding its fur, you should brush it at least twice every week. When it is shedding, brushing it four times a week or even daily isn’t bad.
It is important to note that not every dog likes brushing. Your Akita may not be entirely accommodating of your attempt to brush it. My advice is to start slow and give it treats while you groom it.
Lastly, use grooming tools specifically made for dogs with double coating when trying to groom your fur.
Consult a Professional Dog Groomer
Before I got a hang of grooming my Akita, I had to meet someone recommended by my local vet as a professional groomer.
He taught me my first lessons about grooming my Akita and brushing them properly while helping me to take care of my Akita.
A simple Google search with “Dog groomer near me” can help you locate a dog groomer that’s close to you.
Ensure You Feed Them Properly
In the section where I talked about unnatural reasons why an Akita may shed its coat, I explained that poor dieting can be a significant contributor to your Akita shedding a lot of fur.
When you feed your Akita properly, it can reduce the frequency of shedding in your dog.
The right amount of vitamins and minerals can help your Akita’s fur stay healthy and shed less. One of the most important minerals that works to make sure your dog doesn’t lose its fur.
Keep Your Akita Hydrated
Akitas are known to shed a lot, and excessive shedding can be a nuisance to pet owners. To prevent this, one of the most effective things you can do is to ensure that your dog is properly hydrated.
Adequate hydration not only helps to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy, but it also promotes overall health and well-being.
Never Shave Your Akita
Resist the temptation to shave your Akita’s fur. It is not a good practice. Shaving your Akita’s skin puts it at risk. Your Akita develops its thick fur to help it survive adverse weather conditions.
When you shave your Akita’s fur, you would be reducing its ability to withstand cold and this can make them susceptible to certain skin allergies and problems.
Before You Go,
Akitas shed a lot, but their shedding can be managed through grooming, a high-quality diet, hydration, and avoiding shaving their skin.
