In this article, we will answer the following question: Can Akita dogs live in warm weather? We talk about Akita Inu’s living conditions. We cover everything, from the place where they have to live to who they can live with.
Can Akita dogs live in warm weather?
Yes, Akita dogs can live in warm weather! Although it has a very dense coat and undercoat, the Akita Inu can handle the heat well. Its hair is true of excellent quality and allows it to regulate its internal temperature.
This is also why it molts in the spring. The hair loss can also be quite significant, so it will have to be brushed every day to keep Akita Inu’s living conditions optimal. Be sure to keep it in the shade when it’s hot, through – which it will naturally do on its own.
What about Akita Inu and low temperatures? Your Akita Inu likes cold temperatures, of course! Thanks to its undercoat, it can brave bad weather and not suffer in winter. This is the advantage of primitive Spitz-type dogs.
The Akita is a strong, rustic, and courageous animal, with thick and very showy hair. The head should be triangular, with the ears in “v” inclined towards the forehead. Dark, triangular eyes, short and powerful muzzle. The body is relatively square, with straight forelimbs and strong hindquarters, with little angulation.
They must have thick hair and woolly undercoat. Most Akitas are golden or brindle and to a lesser extent white.
What is most striking about this breed is its temperament, security, calm, and speed of reaction. In its origins, it was a larger hunting dog and for generations, the Akita was used by the warriors of Japan as a defense and attack dog.
Affectionate and protective of family, sometimes distrustful of strangers, although he will not attack unless he has had specific training for the attack. It is extremely quiet and usually adopts a single owner, so it is difficult for it to accept trainers.
What are the signs that my dog is too hot?
Usually, the first reaction to heat is gasping. This is a way to bring his body temperature down. If a dog gets too hot, he will start to drool and he will have a glassy gaze. A change in color in his gums should alarm you because they will turn blue. It is also possible that he will convulse. In the long run, a dog that cannot tolerate heat may have diarrhea and vomit.
Heatstroke is an increase in body temperature, this is called hyperthermia, it represents a fatal risk. If you notice that your dog has suffered a heat stroke, we recommend that you go to a vet urgently. He alone will be able to assess the seriousness of the situation and administer treatment to your animal if it requires it.
Some dogs suffer more from the heat than others; This is the case, for example, for older dogs, those with heart problems, those who are overweight, and puppies. This is also the case with dog breeds with a flat muzzle, called brachycephalic, such as bulldogs, pugs, and boxers.
How to prevent a heat stroke in dogs?
- Always leave a bowl of fresh (but not ice-cold) water available for your pet.
- During very hot weather, it is imperative to keep your dog at home during the hottest hours, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Provide your dog with a small inflatable swimming pool, so that he can cool off if he wishes.
- Wet its paws and stomach evenly with a damp cloth.
- Beware of your dog’s pads, especially if you are going to the beach! Remember to bring a towel so he can rest on it, an umbrella and plenty of water. We also recommend that you avoid the hottest hours.
- Do not walk your dog during the hottest hours and avoid any strenuous physical activity. In addition, the temperature of the bitumen can exceed 60 ° C when it is in full exposure, which can cause burns to the bearings.
- Before putting your dog in the car, do not forget to ventilate it or turn on the air conditioning. On a long trip, take breaks at least every two hours to give your pet cool water. Never leave it alone in the car, even for “a few minutes”.
Protecting your Akita from other external conditions
The light: Light plays a leading role. Its prolonged insufficiency deprives the dogs of their strength; too sharp and persistent, it causes irritation of the eye and weakening of vision; less intense but continuous, it causes a loss of sensitivity of the eye and forcibly leads to paralysis of the retina. Low light is suitable for dogs that need a rest.
The wind: A moderate wind combined with neither too high nor too low a temperature is beneficial. Dogs like it a lot. On the other hand, they always try to shelter themselves from strong, cold, or humid winds.
The fog: Because of the moisture it contains, fog cools the body and weakens it.
The rain: Short storms have the advantage of cooling the dogs and lowering the room temperature. But it is not good for a dog to be exposed in hot weather to prolonged precipitation. In this case, it should be rubbed and wiped carefully upon its return to prevent the water from evaporating to the detriment of body heat.
The snow: The snow is harmless to dogs. On the contrary, it amuses them a lot. But beware of too sunny days, the reflection of the light on the snow may cause your dog to have visual problems. Often they swallow too much of it, which can cause severe stomach irritation.
Akita Inu: Living conditions
If properly trained, the Akita Inu is a very easy going dog. He is discreet, affectionate, and very close to the members of his family. Note, however, that he is quite wary of strangers, including humans and animals. The living conditions of the Akita Inu are still quite flexible!
Can an Akita Inu live in an apartment?
Although the Akita Inu is a large dog, it is also a relatively calm and discreet pooch. Living in an apartment is not necessarily negative for him and should not be a concern for Akita Inu’s living conditions.
He is indeed very adaptable and does not suffer from loneliness as much as most other dogs. However, be sure to take him out regularly and not just to do his business. Long walks allow him to maintain his muscles and his bones.
Can an Akita Inu live in a house?
The more space you have, the more your dog can thrive. And of course, the house is the ideal place for the living conditions of Akita Inu, especially with a garden. Fear not, he is not of a runaway character like some hunting dogs might be. He can be distant but enjoys the company of his humans.
Note that even if you have land, you need to take your dog outside – it is very stimulating for him and it helps to maintain his intellectual and social capacities.
Akita Inu and children
The Akita Inu is a very affectionate dog who loves the company of children. The presence of toddlers is not an obstacle to the living conditions of Akita Inu. But that only applies to the members of his family, with whom he grew up. When it comes to someone outside of his family circle, he risks simply ignoring it, regardless of his age and intention.
Akita Inu and other animals
With cats:
Although the Akita Inu is a very good hunting dog, it was originally mainly used for hunting big game (bears, deer, and wild boar). He will therefore not systematically chase cats that cross his path.
Cohabitation between dog and cat is, therefore, possible, but it is better to introduce them to each other from an early age. Otherwise, your Akita Inu might be suspicious – he is still a good watchdog! But on paper, there is nothing to fear for Akita Inu’s living conditions.
With dogs:
Akita Inu’s character is not ideal for living with other doggies. Due to his fighting dog origins, he is still very brawling with his fellows today – especially with other males. This could seriously degrade Akita Inu’s living conditions, and yours. It is therefore not recommended to adopt a second dog when your Akita Inu is an adult in particular or to welcome him into a family with other doggies, especially if they are males.
He will have a tendency to want to dominate and he is also a very impressive dog to other dogs, especially with his ears always erect and his tail raised. Whether you have other dogs in the house or not, it is important to train your dog from an early age and make him social. Otherwise, your outings could be difficult.
Akita Inu and other animals:
As with cats, cohabitation between your Akita Inu is not impossible if the two animals have grown up together. The first meetings should not however be done without supervision. Another animal that is a little too playful could also disturb your Akita Inu, who will not hesitate to be respected.
The bottom line
While Akita dogs can live in warm weather without too many difficulties, remember the signs that your dog is too hot and how to help him! If the air is hot (temperature between 20 and 35 ° C), your dog will not stop panting, which causes considerable evaporation; his appetite decreases, his thirst increases, his tissues dry out, in short, he becomes weaker.
How to reduce the effects of heat? By keeping it in the shade, reducing direct sunlight in its niche, saving it from long walks, or avoiding walks during the hottest hours of the day. A hot and humid climate weakens him even more, makes him listless, and may kill his appetite.
If so, offer them appetizing foods and never let them run out of fresh, clean water.
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FAQ on Can Akita dogs live in warm weather?
Can Akitas tolerate heat?
Akitas can tolerate heat, although they do much better in colder climates! Make sure you keep your dog cool during hot summer days.
What temperature can an Akita withstand?
An Akita can withstand up to -30 degrees! When it comes to heat, anything about 25 degrees may be too warm for any dog breed, but especially for Akitas who have such a warm coat.
How do I keep my Akita cool in the summer?
To make sure you keep your Akita cool in the summer, do not leave it in the car (even if it is for a few minutes) without a window open, water to drink, and the air conditioning on. Groom your dog regularly, invest in an inflatable pool for your Akita, and do not take walks during the hottest hours of the day.
Are Akitas good in cold weather?
Akitas feel very good in cold weather, you can easily take them for a hike in the mountains! However, make no mistake, Akita is still an inside dog and needs your company.
References
Thesprucepets.com
Petful.com
Pethelpful.com
