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Every Akita requires some grooming, but not every owner can afford a monthly trip to the local dog “salon,” so we’ve put together the top 10 Akita grooming tips from professionals in this article.
These professional Akita grooming tips will make your life easier, make your dog look great, and help you save tons of money.
Let’s dive right in!
10 best Akita grooming tips video:
#1. Create a routine
Create a routine that works for both you and your Akita with the same bathing spot, same shampoo, and same process every time.
It can help you be more proactive, and they’ll also be less anxious because they’ll know what to expect.
Make sure to clean every part of their body, including the face and belly. No shampoo residue should be left on the skin or coat.
#2. Help your Akita to enjoy grooming sessions
When you first introduce your dog to a grooming routine at home, many dogs need encouragement and positive reinforcement, especially puppies.
Here are some tips you can use to make them enjoy grooming:
- Pet and hold your dog outside of the bathroom to build their trust and make them feel comfortable.
- Slowly introduce your dog to any kind of grooming.
- Use high-value treats and praise so your dog will look forward to the next pampering session.
Related post: Grooming an Akita | 10 Most Important Do’s and Don’ts
#3. Choose the shampoo
Many people use human shampoo for their dogs because it is convenient and inexpensive. It is a big mistake! In fact, chemicals in human products can be harmful to your Akita’s coat and skin.
Dog shampoo contains a pH balance that keeps their skin clean and healthy, a beautiful and shiny coat. So, you should always use a natural shampoo specially developed for dogs.
Like for humans, there are many types of dog shampoos available. What you choose will be based on your needs:
- For dry skin, try an oatmeal-based shampoo.
- To control fleas, you’ll use a flea shampoo.
- For skin irritations, dandruff, or hot spots, a medicated shampoo can help.
- To brighten up their coat, choose a whitening shampoo.
- For sensitive skin, they will need a hypoallergenic shampoo.
- Puppies need a special shampoo that won’t make them tear up.
Besides, if your Aktia has dry or sensitive skin and dry or brittle hair, conditioners can be used. It can also help reduce matting.
Related post: Best Shampoo for Akitas – Top 6 Gentle Formula Choices
#4. Regularly brush your Akita’s coat
Our Akitas have a thick double-coat, so they need regular brushing to keep their coat shiny and healthy. But long-haired Akitas may need more brushing.
Badly matted hair can cause pain. When dogs are irritated, they will lick or bite themselves, which leads to skin infections.
Brushing your long-haired dog can prevent matting from becoming a problem.
Throughout the year, you can brush them once or twice per week. However, when Akitas are in heavy shedding season, you should increase brushing from four times a week or even daily.
Related post: The 5 Best Brush for Akita of – Reviews & Top Picks
#5. Check your dog’s skin when you groom
Allergic skin diseases in dogs are common, causing them to scratch, chew, or lick their skin. Also, external parasites such as fleas, ticks, lice, and mites can transfer diseases and make your Akita miserable.
When you groom your dog, make a habit of checking their skin. Move your fingers through their coat and find any strange lumps or bumps.
You can check further by splitting the coat and looking for redness, sores, rashes, bald spots, and evidence of parasite infections on the skin. This will help your dog avoid a variety of skin issues.
#6. Akita grooming tools
If you intend to do all the Akita grooming yourself, a pro tip in dog grooming is to ensure you have all the necessary tools (brush, scissors, trimmer).
They will not only last longer but will also perform better than their cheaper cousins. To prolong the life of your tool, make sure you clean it after each use and lubricate and sharpen it as needed.
#7. Get a helping hand
Because many Akitas will not sit for drying and trimming, you might need help. You can seek the support of a family member or friend who is familiar with your dog.
It will make your job go by all that much faster, a relief for the dog as well. One person can keep focused on their safety and reward their good behavior, while the other takes care of shampooing, massaging, and rinsing.
#8. Regularly check your dog’s ears
Remember to check your Akita’s ears while grooming them. Because ear infections can be painful, take your dog to the vet if you notice any changes or strange behavior.
Related post: How Often To Clean Dog Ears (10 Simple Step Guide)
#9. Safely trim your Akita’s nails
When you hear your dog’s nails clicking on the hard floors, it’s time to trim their nails. This will help your dog from becoming discomfort with overly long nails.
Always wait until your Akita settles down before trimming, and don’t cut nails too short.
Clippers come in a range of forms, from electric Dremel-style tools to scissor and guillotine styles. It is not necessary to buy an electric Dremel nail grinder. It’s more expensive than the other options, and the noise may be off-putting to your dog.
#10. Don’t bathe your dog too often
A healthy Akita only needs a bath every six weeks to three months to prevent hygiene problems and unpleasant odors.
Do not bathe your Akita too often because it can deplete natural oils, dry out their skin, and lead to scratches and irritation.
Natural oils are protective oils that help protect their coat from dirt and damage but can disappear if your dog is bathed too often.
- Brush your dog before bath time
- Choose a soap-free shampoo specially formulated for dogs
- Give plenty of praise and treats
- Rinse the shampoo off with warm water
- Dry thoroughly
Related post: 11 Easy Steps – How To Bathe an Akita At Home Tutorial
FAQs
What months do Akitas shed?
Akitas shed heavily in the fall and spring. In the fall, you will see a change in your dog’s coat and a higher incidence of shedding in preparation for the coming winter months. In the spring, your dog’s coat will become lighter in preparation for the warm weather in summer.
Is it OK to shave an Akita?
You should not shave an Akita because their coat has evolved to provide the best possible protection for their skin and body. And it does almost nothing to reduce shedding.
Conclusion
Akita grooming tips include:
1. Create a routine
2. Help your Akita to enjoy grooming sessions
3. Choose the right shampoo
4. Regularly brush your Akita’s coat
5. Check your dog’s skin when you groom
6. Organize Akita grooming equipment
7. Get a helping hand
8. Regularly check your dog’s ears
9. Safely trim your Akita’s nails
10. Don’t bathe your dog too often
If you have any other Akita grooming tips, feel free to share us with us by leaving a comment below. Happy grooming!
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