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In today’s post, we will break down all Akita shedding facts and share with you 5 handy tips to manage their shedding effectively. Let’s dive right in!
Akita Shedding Facts
Akitas are notorious shedders. They pretty much shed year-round. Luckily, ongoing shedding is quite manageable. Akitas have two heavy shedding seasons in a year, and things can get a little hairy in these periods.
Akita shedding level
Akitas shed their coat heavily twice a year – this is commonly known as blowing coat.
Akita shedding season
Shedding heavily in Akitas occurs 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.
Why Akitas shed?
The reason why they shed is because of their working past. The breed originated in the mountains of northern Japan that were widely known for wind, snow, and low temperatures up to -30 degrees.
Akitas assisted with various duties. Through lots of time spent outdoors, they developed a double coat that helps them survive and thrive in the severe freezing weather of the past. And it’s a feature that Akitas have maintained to this day.
Their coat has two layers with distinct functions. The outer layer is rough and waterproof, while the inner layer is soft, dense, and super cozy.
In short, because Akitas (and other double-coated dog breeds) have this thick undercoat, they need to get rid of it from time to time to make way for their new, healthy coat and adapt to the changing seasons. This is why Akitas shed so much.
How long does Akita shedding last?
Akita’s shedding period usually lasts two to four weeks. During these periods, you’ll find their fur all over your house, on clothing, furniture, and basically wherever else your dog goes.
Do they shed more than other dogs?
So if Akitas are big shedders, do they shed more than other breeds? Compared to some, yes. Compared to others, the amount of shedding is pretty on par.
Generally, dog breeds that shed most have double coats, just like Akitas. Not only do double-coated dogs shed year-round, but they also blow their coats up to several times a year to make way for new hair. Some single-coated dogs can still shed quite a bit.
Dog breeds that can shed a lot include:
Alaskan Malamute
American Eskimo
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Great Pyrenees
Labrador Retriever
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Siberian Husky
Bernese Mountain Dog
Saint Bernard
Golden Retriever
Dogs breeds that shed less include:
Airedale Terrier
Afghan Hound
Briard
Giant Schnauzer
Irish Water Spaniel
Komondor
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Poodle
Portuguese Water Dog
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Xoloitzcuintli
Akita Shedding Tips
Akita shedding depends on many factors such as the climate they live in, diet, and their grooming routine.
How to deal with year-round shedding and twice-yearly blowouts? Here are 5 tips recommended by the experts to help you handle the hair.
1. Grooming regularly with the right tools.
Regular grooming, especially brushing, is essential for controlling your Akita shedding. It allows you to remove loose hairs in a single grooming session instead of having them liberally sprinkled all over your house.
It also helps to move the oil on their skin more evenly. Natural oils will help the fur stay in place longer.
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.
You can start slow if your dog is not used to brushing or doesn’t like it. You can use bits of quality dry dog food as treats to encourage them!
It is essential to choose the right tool for grooming. You need to purchase the right brush and shedding tools. There are tools made specifically for dogs with double coats like Akitas, which are super handy for grooming.
Related post: The 5 Best Brush for Akita of – Reviews & Top Picks
2. Visit the professional groomer.
Regular visits to a professional groomer help control your Akita shedding and keep their coat and skin healthy. A groomer can thoroughly wash and brush your dog and even provide bonus services like nail cutting.
The coat is not groomed regularly as a breeding ground for bacteria, fleas, and ticks. You obviously can minimize some of these risks by grooming your dog yourself.
However, Professional groomers, on the other hand, are trained to use the right tools and techniques for specific dog breeds. They know how to get rid of as much dead hair as possible.
This efficiency is ideal when you want to keep your dog’s shedding under control. The shedding will reduce if less dead hairs fall out.
3. Feed your Akita the proper diet.
You may not have considered this tip for dog shedding. But the proper diet can help keep shedding down.
The right proportion of vitamins and minerals, especially iron, will help hair remain in place for both humans and dogs.
The best way to guarantee your Akita has the proper nutrition is by feeding them high-quality dog food. You can look for foods with protein sources like fish, beef, chicken, etc. Your veterinarian can guide you on the right food for your Akita dog.
We all know vitamins and minerals are necessary, but you should be careful when adding them to your dog’s diet. Just use supplemental vitamins when your veterinarian recommends.
It is better if your dog has all of the vitamins and minerals they require from their diet to keep shedding under control.
Related post: The Very Best Food For Akita (A Complete Guide)
4. Keep your dog well hydrated.
The right amount of water per day, like the right food, can help control your dog’s shedding. Dehydration can cause a dog’s skin to become dry. Dry skin can lead to excessive shedding and other health issues.
In short, a well-hydrated dog is a healthy dog whose shedding will remain under control. Ensure your Akita always has access to clean water. You can also keep this tip in mind: dogs should drink approximately 1 ounce of water (1/8 of a cup) per pound of body weight each day.
5. Whatever you do, don’t shave!
It might seem obvious you only need to shave off your Akita hair to prevent shedding, but this is prohibited.
The dog coat has evolved to provide the best possible protection for their skin and body. Therefore, removing it will put your dog at risk of sunburn, dry skin, and excess moisture or dirt. Shaving can also mess with their natural temperature control.
Finally, it does almost nothing to reduce shedding.
Conclusion
The Akita shedding occurs heavily in the spring and fall to make way for their new, healthy coat and adapt to the changing seasons. They shed quite a bit and require regular grooming.
These are 5 handy tips to reduce your Akita shedding:
1. Grooming regularly with the right tools
2. Visit the professional groomer
3. Feed your Akita the proper diet
4. Keep your dog well hydrated
5. Whatever you do, don’t shave!
If you have any other tips for managing Akita shedding or any questions, feel free to comment below.
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