Are Akitas Hypoallergenic

Akitas are a fearless yet affectionate Japanese dog breed that was initially used for hunting and guarding in Feudal Japan. They are actually of two types; Japanese Akitas and American Akitas. The American Akitas are known to have a larger size than Japanese Akitas. The Japanese Akitas usually comes in the shades of brindle, orange, or red while American Akitas comes in a large variety of colors. Akitas make perfect family dogs with utmost loyalty and affection. But, are Akitas safe for people prone to dog allergies?

Are Akitas really hypoallergenic? No. Akitas don’t belong to the list of hypoallergenic dog breeds. They are, in fact, just the opposite and sheds a lot. Although Akitas have a beautiful coat, they shed their hair twice in a year and make a poor choice of breed for people who are allergic to dog hair.

We will discuss more about the breed and their traits in this article. Obviously, this article will help you understand how owning an Akita would be. Towards the end of the article, you can also grab some tips to reduce the chances of allergic reactions while owning an Akita or any other dogs with bad shedding habits.

Why Are Hypoallergenic Dogs Very Popular?

Hypoallergenic dog breeds are one of the most searched terms in search engines. These breeds have gained wide popularity in the United States. Are you wondering what the big deal is about hypoallergenic dogs?

Hypoallergenic is a term used to describe products that reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Likewise, hypoallergenic dog breeds are the breeds that are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Although no breed of dog can be 100% hypoallergenic, few breeds with low shedding habits fall under this category.

Some of the popular hypoallergenic dogs are Poodle, Aussiedoodles, Cavapoos, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Portuguese Water Dog.

Even though allergies from the dogs can occur from their dander, urine, saliva, and feces, most people still live with a superstition that dog hairs are the major culprit for causing allergic reactions. Of course, dog hairs do cause allergic reactions, but it is not the only one.

Hypoallergenic dog breeds are the breeds of dogs with low or no shedding habits. Therefore, these dogs would reduce the chances of allergic reactions caused due to dog hair. Akitas don’t belong to the category of hypoallergenic dogs as they are heavy shedders.

Hypoallergenic dogs are a great blessing to people who are really allergic to dog hair but loves to pet one. Most families are now giving priority to hypoallergenic dogs as they are safe for children.

Hypoallergenic dogs also make your job easier. They don’t leave fur everywhere they go due to their low shedding habits. Therefore, your interiors and sofa sets need not be cleaned every now and then. Hypoallergenic dogs are relatively easier to groom as well.

So, now you know why people are rushing behind hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Are Akitas Hypoallergenic?

No. Akitas are not hypoallergenic.

Hypoallergenic dog breeds are those with a decreased chance of causing allergic reactions. And interestingly, Akita is one of the worst breeds of dogs for people with allergies. Obviously, Akitas are loving, intelligent, and makes perfect family guardians. You would also love to cuddle with fluffballs. But, keep distance if you are a person with dog allergies, Akitas rank high in allergenic characteristics.

Akitas considered allergic mainly for two reasons:

Shedding Habits

Akitas usually leaves hair everywhere they go. They shed their hair severely twice in a year.

Dogs that shed hair quite a much increase the chance of allergies and are not considered hypoallergenic.

Drooling Habits

Akitas are a breed of dog that keeps drooling over everything. You might have to wipe the drool over their faces at times.

You should know that the saliva of the dog also contain allergens. And some people may undergo severe allergic reactions once they become in contact with saliva.

Therefore, don’t forget to have a check upon the drooling habits of the breed if you are buying a hypoallergenic one.

Shedding Habits Of Akitas

Have you ever wondered why dogs shed? Shedding is actually part of their hair growth cycle. Dogs replace their older hairs and replace them with new ones through the process of shedding. They do this to maintain a healthy fur coat. The shedding habits of different breeds of dogs vary greatly.

Akitas have a heavy coat. Their coat is actually double-layered and super-thick. The undercoat of Akitas is heavy and is usually protected by an outer coat comprising of long hairs.

Akitas is a breed of dog that shed hair throughout the year. You literally have to go behind the Akita with a vacuum cleaner all day. The shedding habits of Akitas worsen when they blow out their undercoat and this occurs twice in a year; summer and winter.

The shedding quantity of Akitas is dependent on several factors like climate, diet, health conditions, grooming routines, and many more.

Dramatic climatic changes may lead to a year-long shedding in Akitas, whereas, a consistent climate can reduce the chances for the large blowout of coats. Akitas shed more when they are not fed well and their nutrient requirements are not fulfilled. An unhealthy Akita will shed more throughout the year than healthy Akitas shed. Skin conditions like Dermatitis, Fungal, and Ringworm infections obviously increases the amount of hair dogs shed.

Although managing the shedding habits of Akitas are a bit hard, how can you not fall in love with this adorable and fluffy furball? You really need to make a good investment in vacuum cleaners and grooming tools if you are going to buy an Akita. However, the investment is worth as Akitas make a great family guardian.

How To Keep Your Home Hair-Free?

Here are some tips to keep your home hair-free and thus, reduce the chance for dog allergies.

• Grooming your dog daily will help you reduce the amount of hair they leave everywhere.
• Do not brush the coat of your furball inside your house. Brush off the hair and dander from the exteriors.
• Use throws or slipcovers to cover your furniture, especially when your doggie is inside your home.
• Maintain a carpet or rug at the interiors, especially at the place where your Akita usually lays down or sits.
• Use HEPA vacuum cleaners to get rid of hairs in the interiors of your houses.

How To Control Shedding Habits Of Akitas?

Although it is hard to control the natural shedding habits of Akitas, here are some tips to reduce the excessive hair fall that may occur in Akitas.

• Give a quick flash of water on Akita’s coat before you start grooming.
• Brush out or comb the coat of Akitas daily to remove fallen danders and hairs.
• Don’t over bathe Akitas. Over-washing the coat of Akitas may affect the health and quality of their coats. Also, don’t use harsh shampoos or soaps to wash out their coat.
• Blow drying your Akita’s coat after wash will reduce the amount of hair they shed while drying up it with a towel.
• Moreover, maintain a proper diet plan for Akitas to meet all their nutrient requirements.

Conclusion

Akitas are heavy shedders, but they make good family dogs. You can have control over their shedding habits with proper diet plan and grooming routines. However, they are not a good choice for the first dog owners.

And they are not obviously a hypoallergenic dog breed due to their heavy shedding habits. Akitas are definitely not for people with allergies.