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We all know that Akitas have a thick double coat that sheds heavily. And brushing is one of the best ways to handle it. Whether you’re new to dog grooming or unsure of the best brush for Akita, keep reading, and we’ll help you narrow down the choices, get the best Akita shedding tool, and know how to use it properly.
Let’s dive right in!
Factors to consider when choosing the best brush for Akita
- Brush type and size: Choose based on your dog’s size, breed, and coat type.
- Ergonomic grip: Ergonomic handles with a slip-resistant grip will provide an easier and more comfortable experience for you and your furry friend, especially with thick-haired dogs that take time to groom like Akitas.
- Self-cleaning function: Some brushes have a self-cleaning function. After brushing your dog, press the button, and the hair will easily slide off that brush.
What kind of coat do Akitas have?
Both short- and long-hair Akitas have a thick double coat. While a topcoat acts as a protective external layer, an undercoat made of soft, downy materials acts as insulation to keep your dog warm in winter and cool in summer.
If you want to keep shedding under control, it’s crucial to brush your Akita regularly, especially during seasonal transitions when he tends to lose much more fur than usual. But it can be challenging to do a thorough job like grooming without the right tools.
Don’t worry! We’ve rounded up the best Akita shedding tool below to help you reduce his shedding and make your home clean.
But before we dive into that part, let me give you a little overview of the most common dog brush types and what they’re used for, so you’ll have a clearer idea of what is the best grooming brush for Akita.
Types of dog brushes
Here’re 5 most common types of dog brush:
Slicker brush
Slicker brushes have fine, short wires that are close together on a flat surface. They are used to remove mats from dogs with medium to long or curly hair.
To make brushing your dog easier, pick one that is the right size and has a flexible handle. Make sure always be gentle when using a slicker brush. If you use too much pressure, your dog can feel discomfort from the fine, tightly-spaced wires.
Suitable for: This type of brush works with all coat types.
Bristle brush
Bristle brushes have a rich amount of natural or synthetic bristles. Their soft clustered bristles offer a gentle brushing experience and distribute the natural oils in the coat to create a shine.
Suitable for: short and thin coats, silky coats, or use as a finishing brush on all breeds.
Pinhead brush
Pinhead brushes look similar to human hairbrushes. They usually have long metal bristles with rubber tips to prevent scratching your dog’s skin. The wide gap between the wires of this type also makes brushing more gentle.
Suitable for: short coats, medium coats, long coats, curly coats, silky coats, and as a finishing brush for all breeds.
Rake brush
Rakes are brushes designed to penetrate deep down into thick coats to remove tangles and dead undercoats near the dog’s skin. They are often shaped like shaving razors and feature one or two rows of long metal pins.
When using a rake brush, it’s crucial not to press down too hard because the pins get very close to your dog’s skin and can cause pain.
Suitable for: medium coats, long coats, thick coats, double coats, and combination coats.
Rubber brush or glove
Rubber brushes are soft and made entirely of rubber. Loose hair will stick to the silicone tips of this brush type, making brushing easier. You can also use them to massage or shampoo your Akita.
Suitable for: Rubber brushes are good for short or medium-haired breeds, while rubber gloves will work on both long and short-haired dogs.
So what is the best dog brush for Akitas?
Best overall: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
With no pulling or damaging your Akita’s sensitive skin, this slicker brush will remove even the most stubborn mats and tangles from his coat. It won’t get rid of as much undercoat as a de-shedding tool, but it’ll give your dog a shiny, luscious coat.
This brush has a comfort-grip and anti-slip handle, which prevents hand and wrist strain no matter how long you brush your Akita, allowing you to continue grooming as long as necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
The Hertzko brush is much easier to clean compared to other slicker brushes. After brushing your dog, press a button, and it will be ready for the next brushing time.
This brush isn’t the cheapest option for Akitas, but it’s not the most expensive either. It will make your dog’s brushing process manageable and give him a more comfortable grooming experience and a healthier coat.
Best dematting rake for Akitas: Pet Republique Dematting Rake
The Pet Republique Dematting Rake is your best choice for getting deeper into your Akita’s undercoat to remove more challenging knots and mats. It will cut through tangles and remove loose hair while not tugging on the coat.
Best brush for Akita puppies: Hartz Groomer’s Combo Brush
Since the coat of an Akita puppy is softer and more sensitive, a steel comb can be uncomfortable for him.
A pin and bristle brush like the Hartz Grooming Combo, which has soft nylon bristles, is a better choice as it will be gentler in removing loose hair and distributing natural oils throughout the coat.
If your puppy shows signs of anxiety when you use a brush, you can try switching to a grooming glove because it gives your dog a massage-like feeling. It’s a great way to help your puppy get used to being groomed.
Best comb for Akita: Frisco Metal Dog Comb
Dog combs are inexpensive but surprisingly effective at removing debris and snarls in hard-to-reach or sensitive areas like around the face and eyes.
How to brush an Akita
First, you will need the most suitable brushes for your dog. For a thick double coat like Akitas has, this typically starts with a slicker brush to remove loose hairs from the soft undercoat. Keep in mind that you should brush in the direction of hair growth.
Then, use a rake brush to remove hairs from the undercoat that are ready to be shed. The next step is to use a comb to remove the remaining loose hairs from the coat and determine any mats or tangles that have been missed.
Finally, use a bristle brush to smooth the hair while encouraging the spread of natural healthy oils in the coat and improving your Akita’s coat condition.
How often should I brush my Akita?
In general, you should brush your Akita at least twice a week. But when he is in heavy shedding seasons, daily grooming sessions are recommended.
How do I stop my Akita from shedding?
There’s no way to stop shedding. It’s a healthy and natural process necessary for any dog. Fortunately, you can reduce it by following the 3 most important things to keep dog shedding under control which include:
- Grooming regularly with the right tools.
- Feeding your dog a healthy diet.
- Keeping your dog well hydrated.
Conclusion
Akitas groom themselves like a cat, but with all that hair, they do require support from time to time! That’s why having a good grooming tool on hand is essential to take control of their heavy shedding and the cleanliness of your house. Get the best brush for your Akita and follow the guide above to brush your dog today!
Best overall: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
Best dematting rake for Akitas: Pet Republique Dematting Rake
Best brush for Akita puppies: Hartz Groomer’s Combo Brush
Best brush for anxiety dogs: Mr. Peanut’s Hand Gloves Dog Grooming
Best comb for Akita: Frisco Metal Dog Comb
