Do Akitas Shed a Lot? What Akita Owners Need to Know

If you‘re considering bringing home an Akita, one of the first questions you probably have is, "Do Akitas shed a lot?" The answer is yes, Akitas are heavy shedders – but don‘t let that deter you from this loyal, courageous, and noble breed. With some background knowledge and the right grooming tools, Akita shedding is manageable. Let‘s dive into everything you need to know about Akita shedding and coat care.

The Akita Coat: Built for the Outdoors

Originating in the rugged, mountainous regions of Japan, Akitas were bred to be tough working dogs that could withstand harsh conditions. A key adaptation is their thick, dense double coat. Akitas have a short, soft, woolly undercoat topped by a longer, coarse outer guard coat. This combination protects them from both cold temperatures and wet weather.

The outer guard hairs are about 2-4 inches long and are naturally water-resistant. The undercoat is about half as long but is denser, almost plush-like. It‘s an excellent insulator that keeps Akitas warm in winter weather.

Coloring of the Akita coat is most commonly either solid white, brindle, or pinto – a white base with large patches of color. The fur is often slightly longer and thicker around the neck and shoulders forming a ruff or mane, and on the tail and backs of the legs forming breeches. But all this glorious fur comes with a downside – heavy seasonal shedding.

Akitas "Blow Coat" Twice a Year

Akitas are a double-coated breed that goes through a major coat change or "blow" twice per year, typically for 3-8 weeks in the spring and fall. They are shedding their undercoat to adjust to changing seasonal temperatures. During a coat blow, it may seem like there are tumbleweeds of fur rolling through your home every day. You‘ll find clumps of fur stuck to everything and everyone.

The amount and duration of shedding during a coat blow does vary from one Akita to another depending on factors like age, health, diet, and climate. But you can generally expect a very heavy shed in the spring as they lose their winter undercoat, and a slightly less intense shedding period in the fall as they get ready to bulk up again for winter.

Brush, Brush, and Brush Some More

The key to staying on top of Akita shedding is regular brushing. During their seasonal coat blows, you should brush your Akita daily, or even multiple times per day, to remove as much of the loose undercoat as possible. Opt for an undercoat rake, a long-toothed comb designed to reach through the outer coat and pull out the shed undercoat.

A slicker brush is also handy for removing loose fur from the outer coat and can help detangle any mats that are starting to form. Finish with a bristle brush to remove any remaining loose fur and smooth the coat.

Outside of shedding season, it‘s still important to keep up with regular brushing at least once or twice a week. This will cut down on the tumbleweeds of fur rolling across your floor and furniture.

Bathe Sparingly

With all that fur flying, you may be tempted to bathe your Akita frequently. But hold off on that instinct. Akitas and other double-coated breeds have natural oils that keep their skin and coat healthy. Overbathing will strip away those oils, leading to dry, irritated skin – which can actually trigger more shedding.

Instead, plan to bathe your Akita only once every 3-4 months unless they‘ve gotten into something messy. When you do bathe them, use a gentle dog shampoo that won‘t disrupt their skin‘s pH balance. Thoroughly brush out as much loose undercoat as possible before the bath, and again after they‘ve dried.

Watch for Excessive Shedding

Some degree of shedding is normal and healthy for Akitas. But if you notice bald patches, thin spots, or an overall dull and dry coat, there may be an underlying health problem. Excessive shedding can be a sign of:

• Allergies or skin irritation
• Poor nutrition or sudden change in diet
• Parasites like fleas or mites
• Bacterial or fungal infections
• Hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism
• Certain medications
• Extreme stress or anxiety

If you notice any of these red flags, make an appointment with your veterinarian. They can help identify the cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to get your Akita‘s coat and skin back on track.

Other Tips for Managing Akita Shedding

In addition to regular brushing and the occasional bath, there are a few other strategies that can help keep Akita shedding under control:

• Feed a high-quality, balanced diet to support skin and coat health. Look for foods rich in omega fatty acids.
• Add an omega supplement like fish oil or coconut oil for an extra boost.
• Make sure your Akita is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and stress shedding.
• Use washable covers on couches, chairs, and car seats to keep fur build-up at bay. Throw blankets work well too.
• Vacuum floors and furniture frequently with a pet-friendly vacuum that has a HEPA filter.
• Consider investing in a grooming blower or pet dryer to blast loose undercoat out during brushing sessions.
• Stay on top of flea and tick prevention, as parasites can cause skin irritation and fur loss.

The Bottom Line

So, do Akitas shed a lot? Yes, Akitas are a heavy shedding breed, especially during their twice-yearly coat blows. But with regular brushing, occasional bathing, and a healthy diet and lifestyle, the shedding can definitely be kept under control.

Don‘t let a little extra fluff stop you from bringing one of these majestic, loyal companions into your life. Their larger-than-life personalities and steadfast devotion more than make up for the extra vacuuming. Embrace the fur – it‘s just one more thing to love about your Akita!