Those who are fond of large dog breeds and seek to adopt a fun-loving, regal-looking, and protective guard dog, may think of Akitas. This dog breed is a large one and it was used by the royal families who needed protection and guarding.
They are from the region of Japan. Their name is a Japanese word and they have two different strains. One is American and the other is Japanese. Their body is large as they grow up to 70 cm and weighs30 to 39 Kg when gets fully matured.
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Does Akita prefer to stay in a hot region?
As they are quite fluffy and comes with a heavy coat, they cannot sustain the hot weather. They are originated in a cold place and that is why they are more suited to cold or mild weather. So if you bring them to a hot weathered place, it will be a problem for them. Physically they cannot tolerate the hot weather and will act lazily.
The mild weather when the temperature will not rise more than 68 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for the living in Akita. This breed of dog is quite playful and in the cold or temperate climatic zone, they can go trekking or hiking with their owners. But in the hotter climate, they do not feel much lively.
How can you keep Akita in the hot weather zone?
If you are a keeper or owner of Akita and you are staying in a hot climate zone, you should not take your dog too much for outdoor activities. Only the morning time or the dusk is the ideal time for taking your Akita outside, as these two time periods are safe for their outing.
Also, try to keep them in a shaded area and cooler corner of the house. This way they can survive the humid and scorching weather.
Can Akitas tolerate heat?
Yes, Akitas can tolerate heat up to a certain level, but they live a better life when they are brought up in cold regions. If you take them to any place that is hotter than the usual climate that Akitas can bear, make sure to not keep the dog directly under the sun. Also, avoid outside exercises and keep them in cool places.
How Akitas can survive the summer?
When you are staying in a summery zone and have adopted an Akita, you need to know the rules which can keep the dog in good health. As we have already stated that Akitas cannot stand much heat so you need to keep things cooler to make it easy for the dog.
Well-hydrated body:
Keeping the dog well hydrated from the inside is a good way to make the heat bearable. You should not deprive the Akita of its daily dose of water consumption. In fact, you should measure the amount of water and offer the dog frequently.
While buying a water bowl for your Akita, do not choose a plastic bowl, as this is an unhealthy material for the dogs. As the water may stay for a long time in the bowl, only metal options will be suitable for this purpose. Also change the water once in an hour, if you see the residue. The algae often bloom in stagnant water in humid weather. You will not wish your pet dog to drink that contaminated water anyway.
Allow shelter:
The dog should be kept under the shade or any place where the heat does not enter much. Covering the shed dedicated for the dog with thatch or any heavy material is good. But it is better to keep the dog somewhere inside the house during the time of summer.
Make-shift dog pool:
This is a nice way to beat the heat of the summer. If you could arrange for a plastic-made wading pool where your Akita can take a dip, then it will be a fun experience for the dog, as well as it can stay outside for some time yet will not be scorched by the heat. Also, the outdoor activity will keep it fit.
Arrange for ice bottle:
You can make the dog a cool bed by putting some ice bottles or water bottles filled with ice-cold water. These bottles, when kept on the bed of the dog, will keep the bed cool and comfortable. This way it will always be a nice place for the Akita to stay and lie.
Walk-in morning and afternoon:
Only during the sunrise and after sunset, the Akita can be taken for a walk outside. As this dog breed loves to play outside and also likes to spend time doing some activity, indoor life can make them feel suffocated. You can take the dog for such exercising and walking, playing, and trekking session when the sun is not shining bright enough to make the environment hot.
How can you keep the Akita busy while staying inside?
Dogs do not love to laze around in the house, but when it is summer, they would not even love to roam outside. The weather also takes a toll on their health and they do not feel comfortable. So when you keep the Akita indoor for the larger time span of the day, you need to keep it busy with some indoor games.
Give it a ball and play fetch with it. This is a nice and entertaining game for any species of dog and when it will understand the trick of the game, it will keep playing for hours.
Provide a wide area that will be free from any obstacle. As Akita is a large dog it will need a spacious area to play and roam. Also, it can run for some time, and allow that, you have to keep the living space clean. Remove any table, stools, or chairs from that area so the dog does not get hurt or any accident takes place at the time of play.
What you should not do with Akita in summer?
Do not keep the dog in the backyard alone, even if it is a shaded place. This can be harmful as the dog can suddenly feel the heat or get attacked by heatstroke. It will be a serious issue if it stays unattended for hours.
Do not keep the dog without water. Even when it is outside, make it drink water every hour so it does not get dehydrated. Keeping the water level high is one of the prior ways to keep the Akita healthy and safe in the season of summer.
Akitas have their own distinct personality. They prefer to stay aloof but mix with the family when they are brought up from a very young age. They are usually good guard dogs as they tend to be anxious in the presence of strangers. Also, they do not like the touch or proximity of the sudden guests.
Akitas do not like dogs or other breeds and they act rather aggressively. Dog of same-sex is particularly hated by Akitas. If you plan to keep Akita at your house, it is advised not to keep any other dog in the same household.
