We all know that getting outside to play with our Akitas is a terrific way to bond with them and expand energy! But is it too cold to hang out in the winter months? Do Akitas like the cold? In this post, we’ll take a close look at their interests and some pretty good ideas about how to care for your Akita in cold weather.
Let’s dive right in!
Do Akitas like the cold?
Yes, most Akitas like the cold. They are very suitable to live in this type of weather. Many dog owners enjoy making jokes about how much their dogs love being outside in the cold.
So, the breed originated in the mountains of northern Japan that were widely known for wind, snow, and low temperatures up to -30 degrees.
Their ancestors were born and raised in the harsh snowy, windy cold of Japanese mountains, and they also have passed this legacy on to their later generations. And this absolutely makes sense to explain why Akitas prefer freezing weather to hot weather.
Some are so excited that they want to stay out in it all day and ignore you when you call them in. Anyway, you must keep an eye on your dog. Don’t let their paws or noses be too cold out there.
However, later in this post, we will discover some exceptions.
Do Akitas like the snow?
Yes, Akitas love to play and roll in the snow because that’s their origin as I mentioned above. The thick double coats keep them warm and webbed paws make them adept at walking in the snow.
What kind of weather is good for Akita?
Although Akitas come from the cold mountains of Japan, go through a long time they have lived all over the world and have adapted to different climates.
However, cold weather is better for Akitas than hot weather, especially with long-haired Akitas.
How cold is too cold for an Akita?
In general, below -20 degrees Fahrenheit or -12 degrees Celsius is too cold for an Akita. This temperature is harmful to their overall health.
With this harsh weather, never let Akitas stay outside and protect them with clothing. Also, they should not be left alone, so playing outside in such low temperatures is dangerous.
However, the standard also depends on other factors.
Yes, we all know Akitas have a heavy double coat and originated from mountains that can reach up to -30 degrees! But we must know “DOGS ADJUST THEMSELVES TO CONDITIONS“.
It means we have to think about where we live and where our Akita was bred. If you live in a hot area and your Akita was bred in a hot area too, your dog will be more tolerant of heat than cold. This’s mind-blowing, right?
Anyway, you should notice your dog’s signs if they are affected by cold weather. When they refuse to go outside or shiver or curl up in the house, it’s probably because it’s too cold for them.
Akita’s adaptation to the cold
Breed history:
In the past, Akitas were excellent hunters in the snowy and rural lands of Odate, Akita Prefecture, a mountainous region of Japan. That’s why their body naturally adapts to the cold.
Double coat:
Akita’s double coat is a perfect adaptation that helps them survive and thrive in the severe freezing weather of the past.
Their coat has two layers with distinct functions. The dense undercoat supplies excellent insulation, protecting them from the cold and the heat. Furthermore, the outer coat is made of long rough hair that repels moisture and protects them from the elements. This double coat allows your Akita to live comfortably in colder weather.
Paws:
The paws of Akitas have thick padding with a lot of subcutaneous fat and connective tissue.
It is also supported by many blood vessels. One of the ways the body keeps warm and protects them from frostbite is through increased blood circulation.
Blood vessels constrict when the weather is cold: the colder it is, the less blood circulation to the paws.
Slow metabolism:
Like most other animals, Akitas minimize energy expenditure and body temperature by slowing chemical processes in their bodies. As a result, they emit less energy into the frigid environment.
Are Akitas Weatherproof?
As you know, this dog breed has a double coat trait that makes them a champion of the cold weather. Therefore, Akitas can be considered almost waterproof.
What factors affect Akita’s cold tolerance?
The cold weather tolerance of most dog breeds is affected by nutrition, age, health, coat density, and the area they live from puppies.
The impact of age:
Akita puppies under eight weeks might not do well in cold weather. They haven’t fully mastered their body-control abilities.
Adult Akitas are best suited to live in the cold.
An old Akita will do well in cold weather if all the conditions listed above are provided at their best.
Diseases:
Sometimes our Akitas suffer from coat-related diseases that prevent them from playing or going outside in cold weather because it causes hair loss.
Habitat:
As mentioned earlier, all dogs adapt to the weather conditions in the area where they are raised. This means that if your Akita is not familiar with cold weather, they might not do well in it.
Weather conditions:
So far, it’s clear that Akitas like cold weather. But they are still at risk of hypothermia and frostbite in extreme cold.
Top 3 simple winter safety tips for your Akita
#1: Proper nutrition.
Even though Akitas are well-adapted to cold temperatures, they still deserve protection to do well in cold weather.
First, care in cold weather begins with proper nutrition. The right food will help Akitas maintain tolerance to cold temperatures.
Puppies require nutrient-rich food to facilitate growth, getting them ready to deal with the cold.
Older Akitas should also eat nutritious food because it helps them enhance a fat layer under their skin to keep their bodies warm in cold weather.
Related post: Feeding your dog a raw diet!
#2: Clean their coat.
Perhaps the double coat is the most important protection of Akitas from the cold, so it deserves gentle care and attention.
Brush and clean your dog’s coat regularly because it does not work well in the presence of dirt.
Every time they come back inside the house, you need to remove the snow from their body. You can wipe the snow off with a towel.
#3: Build a safe environment.
If they sleep outside, make sure their shelter is well-protected against the harsh weather. If not, bring them inside during the colder days and nights.
So consider buying them a coat and boots to keep them warm when the weather is too cold.
Conclusion
Yes, most Akitas like the cold. They are very suitable to live in this type of weather. Their ancestors were born and raised in the harsh snowy, windy cold of Japanese mountains, and they also have passed this legacy on to their later generations.
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