Akitas are a large breed of dog that is known for their thick, double coat. This coat helps to protect them from the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. However, it also means that Akitas shed a lot of hair.
How Much Do Akitas Shed?
Akitas shed heavily twice a year, in the spring and fall. During these times, they can lose a significant amount of hair. It is not uncommon for Akitas to shed enough hair to fill a grocery bag.
Why Do Akitas Shed?
Akitas shed to help regulate their body temperature. In the winter, they shed their summer coat to make way for a thicker, warmer coat. In the summer, they shed their winter coat to make way for a lighter, cooler coat.
How Can I Manage Akita Shedding?
There are a few things that you can do to help manage Akita shedding.
Brush your Akita regularly. Brushing helps to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout the coat. This can help to reduce shedding and keep your Akita’s coat looking healthy.
Bathe your Akita as needed. Bathing can help to remove dirt and debris from your Akita’s coat. This can also help to reduce shedding.
Use a deshedding tool. A deshedding tool can help to remove loose hair from your Akita’s coat. This can be a helpful tool during the shedding season.
Take your Akita to a professional groomer. A professional groomer can help you to remove loose hair and keep your Akita’s coat looking its best.
What Are the Signs of Akita Shedding?
There are a few signs that your Akita is shedding.
You will see hair everywhere. This is the most obvious sign that your Akita is shedding.
Your Akita’s coat will start to look thinner. This is because your Akita is losing hair.
Your Akita may start to groom itself more often. This is because your Akita is trying to remove loose hair from its coat.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Prevent Akita Shedding?
There is no way to completely prevent Akita shedding. However, there are things that you can do to help manage it.
Choose a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs for health conditions, including shedding disorders.
Get your Akita from a reputable shelter or rescue organization. Shelters and rescue organizations will often have information about the shedding habits of the dogs that they have available for adoption.
Do your research. Before you buy or adopt an Akita, be sure to do your research and learn about the breed’s shedding habits.
Conclusion
Akitas are a great breed of dog, but they do shed a lot. If you are considering getting an Akita, be sure to be prepared for the shedding. There are a few things that you can do to help manage the shedding, but there is no way to completely prevent it.
