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The average American Akita lifespan is 10-13 years. However, it’s not a guaranteed lifespan for every dog. Some Akitas live longer than thirteen, but unfortunately, some don’t even make it to ten.
Many factors influence lifespan in Akitas, such as inherited diseases, diet, healthcare, etc. We’re going to take a look at these factors and how you can help your dog live longer so you can enjoy the best and happiest years together. Let’s dive right in!
Average American Akita lifespan? What is the oldest Akita?
The American Akita lifespan is similar to that of other large breeds at 10-13 years. Some Akitas live shorter than this, while many well-cared-for dogs live much longer.
Dogs can definitely live longer with us if they are loved and receive proper care. The world’s oldest Akita, who passed away in 2011 after 26 years of life, is the most striking example. We will discuss ways to prolong your Akita dog lifespan in the below sections later on.
Do Akitas have a lot of health problems?
Every breed comes with some inherited diseases that can, of course, limit lifespan. A dog owner should be aware of their canine companion’s most common health problems.
Although American Akitas are relatively healthy, there are some diseases that can influence how long they will live like:
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Sebaceous adenitis (SA)
Fortunately, you can avoid these disorders as much as possible if you only buy Akita puppies from responsible, licensed breeders.
How size affects American Akita life expectancy
More important than whether your dog is purebred or not, the dog’s body size is the most important variable in predicting Akita life expectancy. The scientists found that small dogs live longer than large dogs. This is one of the characteristics of nature that we don’t fully understand.
The average dog life expectancy is between 15 and 16 years for small breeds, 10 to 13 years for medium and large breeds like the Akita, and 7 to 8 years for some giant species. In short, the Akita dog lifespan is probably never as long as the Chihuahua.
You can help your Akita live longer
You can influence your American Akita lifespan to a certain extent. If you are choosing an Akita puppy, make sure that you choose his parents wisely. His parents should have great temperaments and have received good care.
Genetic factors are only one side of the story when it comes to the Akita dog lifespan. The first thing to set up for a long life is to ensure your dog lives in a happy and healthy environment. Now we will move on to the other indispensable parts.
What to feed dogs to make them live longer?
Nutrition has a big impact on how long your dog lives. The secret to a healthy life is diet. A nutritionally balanced diet will set a great baseline for your Akita’s health.
Your Akita’s diet should be well-planned and contain enough nutrients and calories to keep him fit and healthy. You need to get high-quality dog food, monitor his weight to ensure consistency, and keep in mind that treats work best when doled out in small quantities.
In dogs in general and Akitas in particular, obesity is increasingly common. Unfortunately, it is a direct consequence of overfeeding.
Obesity in Akitas can result in a variety of additional health issues, especially conditions that impact their heart, kidneys, and liver, which will obviously shorten their lifespan.
Many Akita parents find it difficult to determine the quality of dog food they choose, how much food their dog should be eating and whether or not he is overweight.
If you are concerned about how much food your dog is consuming or want to make sure his food is fresh and healthy, you may want to see your dog’s recommended plan here. Meals are pre-prepared and portioned according to your dog’s calorie needs based on the profile you create.
Related post: The Very Best Food For Akita (A Complete Guide)
Does walking your dog everyday make them live longer?
Exercise goes hand in hand with proper nutrition. Your Akita, a working dog breed, can live longer with regular exercise because it staves off conditions such as stress and depression that can limit your dog’s lifespan.
Regular exercise also increases Akita’s immunity to disease. Your dog can easily gain weight and develop health problems if he doesn’t get enough exercise.
Also, never forget to train and socialize with your Akita thoroughly when you bring him home so that he gains confidence and views the world as a happy, friendly place.
The American Akita has a tendency to be aggressive, so training is a MUST if you want a well-behaved family member and an easy life!
You can choose suitable online classes from these 20 reputable SpiritDog Training courses to learn how to “successfully” train your canine using science-based positive methods, or grab the free guide below.
Conclusion
So let’s recap how long does an American Akita live for? The average American Akita lifespan is between 10 and 13 years. Some dogs live significantly longer than others. We can give our dogs longer, higher-quality lives by:
- Feeding a healthy diet with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Encouraging appropriate physical and mental exercise
- Taking our dogs to the vet for annual checkups and vaccinations.
- Giving love and affection.
Follow the 5 tips above, and your furry friend will live longer and be with you for many years to come. It certainly can and does happen.
Have you ever raised an Akita? How long did your dog live? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below.
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