Why Your Akita is Shedding too Much Fur?
Shedding in Akitas is almost normal. It is nothing to be afraid of as it is a characteristic feature of this dog breed. However, there could be underlying problems when Akita begins to shed too much fur. It is also important to know how much Akitas shed so you can discern when they are shedding too much.
In this article, I will explain the Akita shedding idea, why they shed, and when the shedding could mean there’s a problem.
Why Akitas Shed Their Fur?
Akitas, like many other dog breeds, naturally shed their fur to maintain a healthy coat. However, they tend to shed more than other dogs due to their unique double coat. This coat is designed to protect them from the colder weather, and they tend to shed the fur to keep them warm during the winter months.
The outer coat is made up of long, coarse guard hairs that provide insulation, while the soft and dense undercoat keeps them cozy. As the seasons change, Akitas shed their fur to adapt to the new weather conditions. This shedding process is essential for their overall health and well-being, as it allows for the growth of new fur and helps to regulate their body temperature.
Aside from this natural reason, there are other reasons why your Akita may shed which may not be right and require attention.
What Are The Unnatural Reasons that Will Make Your Akita Shed its Fur?
If you own an Akita and are worried about excessive shedding, there could be several reasons behind it. One of the primary causes of shedding in dogs is poor nutrition. Feeding your dog a low-quality diet that lacks essential nutrients can lead to excessive shedding.
Similarly, using the wrong grooming techniques or not grooming your Akita regularly can also cause shedding. Another crucial factor that can contribute to shedding is dehydration. Adequate hydration is essential for your dog’s overall well-being, and a lack of it can cause hair loss.
Therefore, make sure that your Akita always has access to clean drinking water. Lastly, illnesses can also lead to excessive shedding in dogs.
If you have tried all the above measures and your Akita is still shedding excessively, it is best to consult a veterinarian. They can diagnose any underlying health issues and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.
When is Your Dog Shedding too much Fur?
Note that your Akita will shed fur all year round but experience something called the ‘blowing coat’ phenomenon where they shed their coat heavily twice a year. This typically occurs in the spring and fall as they transition between their winter and summer coats.
During this time, it is normal for your Akita to shed large amounts of fur. However, if you notice excessive shedding outside of these times or if your Akita’s coat appears thin or patchy, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue such as allergies, hormonal imbalances, or parasites.
In these cases, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause of the excessive shedding and develop a treatment plan.
Why is Your Akita Shedding Too Much Fur?
If you notice excessive shedding in your Akita, it can be caused by a variety of factors including
- Seasonal changes: You already know your dog is going to shed its fur as winter/fall approaches. Expect your Akita to ruin your space and everywhere it goes with hair.
- Stress: Well, every dog sheds its fur when it is stressed. This is because stress can trigger hormonal changes in dogs that affect the growth and shedding cycles of their fur.
- Poor diet: If your dog isn’t eating right, and by right, I mean food that aids its hair growth, it would shed excessively even when it is not its season to do so. Food rich in biotin can help prevent hair loss, and they include meat, fish, liver, and eggs.
- Allergies: Typically, environmental allergies often happen in dogs and can be caused by a range of substances including pollen, mold, dust mites, and fleas, as well as certain types of food.
Other reasons why your Akita may shed too much include hormonal imbalances and health problems. Sometimes, you may not detect these issues by just observing. So, consulting a vet is your best course of action to ensure your Akita isn’t deprived of the necessities for its hair health.
I have written an article on Do Akitas shed a lot? and you should check it to learn more.
What Months Do Akitas Shed?
Even though Akitas shed throughout the year, they typically shed heavily during early winter and mid-summer. The months you can expect your Akita to shed more than usual include:
- December
- January
- Late June
- Early July
When you notice that your Akita is shedding excessively in months aside from the aforementioned months, then it could be a sign of something worrisome happening to your dog.
How Do I Stop My Akita From Shedding So Much?
There are a handful of ways you can prevent your Akita from shedding too much. If you want to ensure that the shedding your Akita is undergoing is natural, do the following:
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Never, ever shave your Akita
It is important to never shave your Akita, as their double coat helps regulate their body temperature and protects their skin. When you shave your Akita, you make it lose its ability to grow its fur naturally. Your Akita can grow or shed its fur when it needs to and when you shave it, you truncate the process.
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Brush it routinely
Regularly brushing your Akita’s coat is important to prevent matting and keep it healthy. It helps spread skin oil, which is necessary for growing healthy fur.
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Check in with your vet at least monthly
It is crucial to schedule regular veterinary checkups for your Akita to ensure they are in good health and not at risk of anything that could affect their hair health.
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Give your Akita proper dieting and hydrate regularly
Another important point to note is that you need to provide your Akita with a well-balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their overall health and hair. You should also make sure they drink enough water regularly to keep them hydrated and prevent any health issues.
Final Thoughts
I completely understand that dealing with shedding fur from your Akita can be a challenging task. It’s essential to know the months when they shed their fur naturally to determine if it’s normal or excessive. This way, you can take the necessary steps to ensure your furry companion’s health and well-being.
