Why is My Akita So Itchy?
It’s normal for dogs, including Akitas, to itch occasionally. However, if your Akita is consistently itching and seems uncomfortable, it’s a sign that something is wrong and needs your attention.
The reason for excessive itching can vary, but understanding the cause is important for addressing your Akita’s discomfort.
In this article, I will discuss several reasons why your Akita may be itching excessively and guide how to alleviate this issue.
Why is my Akita Itchy?
It is quite absurd to have an Akita that doesn’t itch at all, even though excessive itching sends a message that something is not right. When your Akita itches once in a while, you can tag it as a usual act, but when it is itching too much, then your dog may be faced with a challenge.
It is abnormal if your Akita itches its ears and other body parts excessively. The same applies when your Akita chews its fur and licks its hair time and time again, which can be a reason why your Akita is shedding too much fur. At the point when the scratching becomes intense, your Akita may be suffering from pruritus.
Pruritus is the medical term to describe the state your Akita is currently in. It involves an irritating feeling that gives your Akita the urge to itch any part of its body. Furthermore, your Akita’s uncontrollable desire to scratch any part of its body for ease may be traceable to any of the following reasons:
Flea infestation
Infestation caused by flea bites can cause redness, hair loss, swelling, and so on. It can also make your Akita so Itchy.
Allergies
Allergies ranging from inhalants, which include dust, pollen, airborne particles, and so on, can cause your Akita to feel itchy. Same with having direct contact with grasses, certain fabrics, and chemicals. Food allergies can also cause your Akita to feel itchy frequently.
Anxiety
When your Akita is anxious about something, it may lick and itch itself excessively.
Bites from insects
Bites from mosquitoes, ticks, parasites, and other insects can be another reason why your Akita feels so itchy. It can further cause your Akita to have skin irritation.
Skin condition
A number of skin conditions, ranging from body swelling, dandruff, scabies, dry skin, et al can cause your Akita to feel so itchy.
Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal imbalance can have a negative effect on the coat of your Akita, which can lead to dryness and itching.
You can get a clue as to what exactly could be wrong by taking a closer look at the exact area where your Akita itches. For instance, scratching the neck could be a result of dry skin.
How to Manage Your Itching Akita
The following are important steps to take if you want to manage the itchiness in your Akita:
Bathe it properly
In a situation where you have observed that your Akita has been itching a specific part of their body, you can look closely to see if they are battling with insects, twigs, and so on, and remove them.
Afterward, use the shampoo that is best for your Akita’s skin to bathe your dog after applying something cool to that area. Reach out to your vet if the scratching continues or increases over time.
Use Good Grooming Tools
This is a top priority if you want to keep your dog healthy enough to prevent it from the things that could make it itch. The need for good grooming tools when handling your Akita cannot be overemphasized.
Do not buy sub-standard tools to groom your Akita with. Get vet-approved tools or check out the store for items I have used on my Akita and recommend for you to also use.
Call your veterinary doctor
It may not be easy for you to ascertain what has gone wrong with your Akita or trace the source of its itching. However, you can reach out to your vet doctor to know exactly what has gone wrong. Ensure that your vet comes over to check your Akita properly if they are not sure of your dog’s state over the phone.
If your vet doctor diagnoses your Akita with a flea infestation, ensure you treat it properly, and if not, administer preventive treatments to keep it in check now and in the future.
How to Prevent Your Akita from Having Recurring Itchy Skin
It’s a good idea to pay more attention to your Akitas health from now on. This new posture can save your dog from discomfort and life-threatening conditions. You can do this by:
- Giving your Akita up-to-date preventive flea infestation treatments.
- Regularly groom your Akita.
- Feed your dogs a high-quality diet.
- Keep your Akita away from toxic substances and allergies.
- Pay more attention to your Akita’s coat and environment. Keep it neat, clean, and dry.
Final Words
It’s great to know that you are mindful of your Akita’s well-being. If your Akita is so itchy, take the time to observe and know while and then propose a solution. If the situation is beyond your control, reach out to a vet doctor to get professional help.
Ultimately, check the coat of your Akita regularly to ensure that there is nothing unusual. Put efforts into preventing your Akita from allergies, insect bites, and other conditions that can cause discomfort.
Now, you know why your Akita might be itching too much.
