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Grooming an Akita in the right way is a must if you want your dog to live a healthy and happy life. Follow these do’s and don’ts to ensure your furry friend’s well-being during grooming.
Let’s dive right in!
DO’S
1. Groom regularly
Regular grooming an Akita is necessary because it is easy for your Akita’s hair to get matted and develop painful mats and skin problems.
Grooming an Akita includes checking their skin, brushing their teeth, trimming their nails, bathing them regularly, and washing with shampoo.
The long-haired Akita will need brushing more often than the short-haired dog, but other things still need to be done often.
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2. Choose a safe, well-lit place to groom
You should be able to see what you’re doing, and you also want a safe, nonslip surface to prevent your dog from slipping and falling.
Do not leash your dog during grooming because that can lead to accidents.
3. Use appropriate equipment when grooming an Akita
Are you using the right brush? With a thick double-coat of Akitas, a special brush might be necessary.
A wide-toothed comb should easily glide through the coat with no resistance down to the skin.
When brushing, you need to pay special attention to the neck, chest, and hindquarter areas as they can get packed with excessive hair.
4. Help your dog feel comfortable around grooming tools
Tangles and mats are a big concern of many Akita owners, particularly those with long-haired furry friends. It can cause skin irritation, so you should brush their coat regularly.
In fact, a simple brush can seem like a scary thing to some Akitas. You can start slowly by offering the treat while grooming tools are near them.
Also, keep initial sessions short and try again slowly on another day until they are relaxed and comfortable.
It is important to make sure that before you brush your Akita, they are comfortable with the tools you will be using.
5. DO make bathtime stress free
Bathing can be a super fun activity to help you bond with your Akita if you can make it stress-free.
Bathing your dog with a partner may be helpful if you are unfamiliar. One person can keep focused on their safety and reward their good behavior, while the other takes care of shampooing, massaging, and rinsing.
Make sure the water is warm or lukewarm – you don’t want the temperature to be too hot or cold.
When bath time is over, gently pat them dry, but be careful around their eyes and ears. Then you dry them with a towel carefully.
Related post: 11 Easy Steps – How To Bathe an Akita At Home Tutorial
DON’TS
1. Don’t rush
Would you appreciate it if your hairstylist or nail technician were in a rush? Absolutely not. And your Akita wouldn’t, either. Hasty grooming an Akita can cause stress and even lead to life-threatening mistakes. Do not rush!
2. Don’t use human products
It might seem more convenient and inexpensive to use your shampoo to wash your Akita, but chemicals in human products can be harmful to their coat and skin.
Dog shampoo contains a pH balance that keeps their skin clean and healthy, a beautiful and shiny coat.
Many shampoos are specifically for thick double-coat dogs like Akita. Generally, the shampoo you choose should be free from harsh chemicals and detergents which strip the natural oils from your dog’s skin and coat.
3. Don’t bathe your dog too often
Do not bathe your Akita too often because it can dry out their skin, deplete natural oils, 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.
Bathing in cold weather can cause your dog’s body temperature to drop, so make sure bath time takes place in a warm setting.
4. Don’t overwhelm your dog by trying to do too much at once
If grooming an Akita checklist includes a bath, fur trimming, nail trimming, tooth brushing, and other services, don’t try to do it all in one session.
Instead, divide grooming tasks into smaller, more frequent sessions. You want your dog to think, “That was fun!”
Related post: 10 Professional Akita Grooming Tips
5. Don’t cut nails too short
Trimming nails too short is painful, and it can agitate even the calmest dog. Their nails contain a blood vessel called the “quick.” Cutting into the quick can cause a great deal of bleeding and pain.
Always wait until your Akita settles down before trimming, and don’t cut nails too short. If you’re not sure how to trim your dog’s nails, ask your veterinarian to show you how to do it before you try it yourself.
Conclusion
Remember that you are your dog’s biggest supporter and protector. You will help them avoid many injuries by becoming a knowledgeable and confident groomer. Grooming an Akita is also a golden opportunity for you to bond with your dog and have lots of fun.
Leave a comment below if you have any tips for grooming an Akita!
FAQs
Do Akitas need haircuts?
Akitas usually don’t need a haircut. 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.
How do you stop an Akita from shedding?
Here are 5 tips recommended by the experts to help you handle the hair:
1. Grooming an Akita 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!
How to dry an Akita?
Dogs with double-layer coats like Akita need to dry totally to prevent wet spots in the undercoat that can lead to hot spots. It is a common skin disorder in dogs and causes sores and pain.
You can set the dryer to the lowest setting and keep a far enough distance from your dog’s coat. It’s best to use your free hands to lift and separate their fur. It also helps you know when the dryer is too close or far enough for comfort.
As mentioned above, Akitas have a double coat, which means this drying takes longer than other breeds. Be patient!
Conclusion
Grooming an Akita includes checking their skin, brushing their teeth, trimming their nails, bathing them regularly, and washing with shampoo.
Remember that you are your dog’s biggest supporter and protector. You will help them avoid many injuries by becoming a knowledgeable and confident groomer. Grooming an Akita is also a golden opportunity for you to bond with your dog and have lots of fun.
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