In the Akita's native Japan, these dogs are held in high esteem, having been given the status of "National Monument" in the 1930s. Akitas are believed to represent good health and good luck in their Japanese homes Their loyalty is legend. In an effort to answer any questions you may have, we have compiled information on the basics of owning a dog like the Akita. If you take a moment to read through these pages, you will find important information pertaining to the care of your adopted Akita.

If you adopted your Akita from a Rescue , keep in mind some Akitas will spend the first few days or first week sleeping a great deal more than is normal. We believe it is exhaustion from the anxiety of entering a new home. Please be patient and tolerant. When the Akita feels secure, energy levels will return to normal. Since few volunteers have the time or energy to take each of our dog for extended hikes, these dogs are probably not in condition to begin a long hike the moment you get him/her home. Your Akita has received only short periods of daily exercise and will not have the stamina or muscle tone to climb Mt. Fuji, so start off slow and build gradually. Though nearly every Akita we have dealt with has been housebroken, the dog may need to be shown which door will lead him to the outside area assigned for this task. During the first day in a new home, just make certain you watch for signals that the Akita has to "go!"

(For those who have adopted directly from the shelter or a private party, the above information will still be accurate. We encourage you to spay/neuter your Akita after the dog is comfortable in your home (5-10 days) because intact dogs can be more aggressive. If this is your first Akita, study the attached "FACTS ABOUT AKITAS" sheet and do not assume you have one of the gentlest dogs until you have lived with it for a few months.)

COLLARS AND TAG: Few people ever expect their dog to end up in an animal shelter but it can happen. For that reason, a good quality collar and current I.D. tags are essential. Most rescues equip their dogs with I.D. tags, microchips and or tattoos, please keep this tag on the dog at all times. If you lose it, please call to notify the rescue and they will send you another. Do not allow the rescue tag to be the only form of identification on your dog because people move, change numbers and leave rescue work. The numbers on the tag today may not be applicable tomorrow put your name on your dog.

Proper I.D. (a license and name/address tag) will assist shelter personnel in returning your dog to you. All reputable rescues require that you license your dog and they will repossess any of their Akitas found in an animal shelter without proper I.D. The dog will not be returned to you. Before licensing your Akita, you will need to take with you the spay/neuter certificate you are given and an up-to-date Rabies Certificate. Licenses can be obtained from any animal shelter.

(Fill out the name tag form included with your copy of the contract and send in with your check to receive your new personal name tag.)

One of the most important and overlooked precautions to take to keep your Akita safely at home is to put padlocks on your gates. Simply closing a gate is not enough--the gate should be secured so that no one can open it from the outside. If you have a gardener or pool cleaner, make arrangements to keep the Akita in a separate area or in your home on the service days. Too many Akitas have been killed by cars after being released by an unthinking service person.

COLLARS: A choke chain is necessary when walking an Akita on lead unless your Akita is very obedience trained. The rolled collar does not give you any control and the dog could pull out of it. The choke chain, however, allows you to control your dog and the choke automatically releases when the dog stops pulling. A sturdy leash is recommended.

A good rolled collar with a buckle, either leather or nylon is a secure place to attach tags. The collar with tags should be left on the dog at all times. Do not leave a choke chain on an unattended dog. Many dogs have died from strangulation when their choke chain accidentally hooked onto a protruding object. Choke chains are used only for walking your dog on a leash. To make certain you have the proper fit, the collar should be snug but loose enough to allow you to insert two fingers underneath the buckled collar.

TOYS: Yes, even Akitas like to play. If you provide a ball for your dog, make certain the ball cannot be swallowed. Tennis balls can become lodged in the throat. A football, soccer/basketball will provide hours of fun. Squeak toys made from rubber or plastic can be eaten in minutes by an Akita--a hard rubber toy like the giant Kong, is safer. Don't provide an old pair of shoes unless you want all of your shoes to become fair game. The Floss and Toss toys are excellent for Akitas.

HYGIENE: During hot summer months, you can bath your dog but remember, Akitas are a double-coated breed and the undercoat may not dry before the evening. If the temperature drops during the night and your Akita's undercoat is still damp, bring the dog inside your house. Inner ear infections can become serious septic diseases; therefore, regular cleaning of the ear canal is necessary, preventative care. If you notice any odor from the ears or a musky odor emanating from the body, you should seek veterinary attention or call the rescue volunteer for assistance.

In areas with horses or other farm animals nearby you may need to protect the ears of your Akita. Putting fly repellent on the tips of your dog's ears will prevent unsightly fly bites. Some dogs are more attractive to flies than others. If you notice flies bothering your Akita, protect his ears daily. When fleas are a problem, we recommend using a flea spray with pyrethrins or consult with your vet. If you take your Akita to the park, the dog will most definitely attract fleas. Any scratching is an indication that fleas are present.

Periodically, have your vet check your dog's nails. If they need cutting, you may ask your vet to instruct you in the proper way to cut them or have them done by a professional. Some dogs have more of a problem with fast growing nails than others do.

VACCINATIONS: All rescue and shelter dogs have received some vaccinations, that may include D-H-P and Parvo. plus Rabies. Many no longer give the leptospirosis vaccine due to adverse reactions in some dogs. Some do not give and do not recommend the Coronavirus vaccine since Akitas can have trouble with this one as well. You will be given a list of vaccinations and the dates given. Please note that the Parvo vaccine should be given every six months. The D-H-P is recommended at three-year intervals along with the Rabies vaccine. (Private party adoptions should ask for the dog's health record; shelter dogs receive their vaccinations before leaving the shelter.)

FOOD AND FEEDING: Akitas may be prone to skin conditions if fed the wrong type of food. In their native land of Japan, optimum health was maintained on a fish-rice-seaweed-vegetable diet but that may not be possible in this country. If you supplement with kelp or a seameal combination, which provides the necessary natural iodine, add fish oil caplets and 50mg of zinc daily, you are approximating the Akita's natural food. The Akita needs an all natural, Premium food with high quality, easily digestible protein. Feed stores and pet stores carry dry kibbles, which are suitable for feeding Akitas. Read the ingredient label or look for the following brands: Precise, Innova, Natural Balance Ultra Premium, Nature's Recipe, or Solid Gold. There are many to select from. Since there is quit a lot of controversy over the use of ethoxyquin as a preservative in food, you may wish to avoid it until further carcinogen studies are made available to the public. BHA/BHT are preservatives to be avoided until further carcinogenic studies are completed on these chemicals. Protein content should be at least 24% and fat should be 12% or more. The bag should state: "The Food meets or Exceeds AAFCO Feeding Studies." Generic dog foods do NOT sustain life for very long. A young dog may remain alive but once the dog reaches its prime, its downhill from there. Yes, a premium dog food may cost a few cents more but when measured against a short lifespan or expensive veterinary bills, it makes good sense to feed better foods.

First soak the dry food, then add, one-half can of Mighty Dog, an equal amount of Kal-Kan canned food or Campbell's soup, mixed with at least a half cup of warm water. You can add any vitamins and minerals you may be giving directly to the food. Akitas need digestive enzymes. Unless you are feeding a raw food diet, all-important digestive enzymes have been destroyed during processing. You can use a humane grade enzyme supplement available at health food stores or select from the increasing number of digestive enzyme supplements available at pet stores. (Solid Gold enzymes, Pro-Zyme) It is a good idea to add a multiple vitamin/mineral daily. Pick-up all food after ten minutes. Do not leave food down for the dog to eat later in the day. Later in the day, the food will be covered with flies, bird droppings and can become infested with bacteria.

Akitas originate from a country that is noted for rice and fish as diet staples. Akitas also thoroughly enjoy fish such as canned tuna, jack mackerel, sardines, salmon, etc. Make certain the fish is NOT served raw. Cooked eggs, cottage cheese, and table scraps of well-cooked vegetables and meat are always appreciated. Avoid onions, which can cause anemia in many breeds. We have discovered that any pills, such as vitamins or medications, are easily accepted when you use Cheese Whiz. Just drop the pill into the soft cheese and scoop up a blob,--your Akita will savor and swallow easily, pills and all.

Once your Akita reaches the age of 9 years, or if the Akita appears to be gaining too much weight, we recommend that you switch over to one of the Lite foods but discuss this with your veterinarian. A good way to get the weight off without stressing your Akita is to cut back on regular food by at least one-third and replace the kibble with canned vegetables like green beans or carrots. In this way, the dog is receiving the same amount of food in its bowl but a good deal less calories. Also keep in mind that snacks add to the total daily calorie intake. Obesity in dogs causes many health problems and contributes to arthritis and other crippling conditions as the dog gets older. Obesity can also cause heart disease and kidney failure. A fat dog will have little or no desire to exercise, compounding the problem.

Raw beef bones are okay if the bone is a large knuckle or leg bone, but do not give a bone unless you plan to remain at home to supervise. Occasionally a bone can splinter entering the intestine and requiring medical attention. Chicken bones are very dangerous because of splintering. Rawhide chews are important because all dogs hew. Older dogs may have trouble with the hard rawhide but they enjoy the chopped and reformed chews. One note of caution on rawhide chews--purchase chews manufactured in the United States. There have been cases of poisoning from chews imported from foreign countries, due to inadequate quality control and exposure to toxins.

If your dog is left in the yard during the day, provide more than one large water bowl. Akitas often play with their water bowls and quickly make the water undrinkable. If you leave another large bowl or bucket of fresh water, there will probably be some drinkable water remaining after his paws are cleaned! During hot weather, change the water at least twice a day and provide lots of shady areas.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON A LIFE THREATENING DISEASE:

All large chested breeds can suffer from a condition called bloat or gastric torsion. This is a life threatening illness. Bloat begins with a build-up of gas in the stomach during the early stages, which is not always easy to detect. For some reason, the dog cannot expel the gas and the stomach continues to swell. Symptoms of bloat are restlessness, pacing, salivation, attempted vomiting and a visually swollen stomach. IMMEDIATE veterinary care is essential to save the life of your dog. From bloat the condition quickly progresses to gastric torsion, where the enlarged stomach twists 360 degrees and the dog dies of shock. These conditions are not rare but can occur in all large breeds.

Scientists have been unable to determine the exact cause of bloat but there are some preventative measures recommended by veterinarians:

....Feed two small meals daily rather then one large meal. For the average Akita, 1-1/2 to 2 cups  of 
     dry food daily is adequate.   Obviously, if your dog is getting too fat on this amount, then cut back.

...Do not feed for at least two hours after strenuous exercise.

...Do not allow your dog to exercise for at least 1-2 hours after eating.

...Do not allow the dog to gulp large amounts of water after a strenuous exercise.

...Soak expandable foods in water before feeding to your dog. Nearly all dog foods are expandable. 
    This prevents gas bubbles from being released into the stomach.

...Do not feed gas-producing foods such as soybean products, cabbage, beans, and onions.

OTHER HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS:

Akitas are very prone to lymphocytic hypothyroid disease. Symptoms to watch for include weight changes, either loss of weight or weight gain; skin problems, loss of coat or dull, dry coat, a strong musky odor; appetite changes; hyperactivity or lethargy and any abnormal behavior changes, including sudden onset aggression. Determining the health of your Akita's thyroid gland can be done by a simple blood test. Because of the frequency of this disorder, we recommend an annual blood panel. The condition can be controlled by twice daily hormone tablets which are inexpensive and given in the food. If your Akita is diagnosed with hypothyroid disease and if you need more information or a veterinary referral, contact your rescue representative.

HEARTWORM is a parasite carried by mosquitoes and occurs in many areas of the country, including some counties in California. Discuss heartworm preventatives with your veterinarian because this can be a fatal disease if left untreated.

One last note on the health of your dog. You must remember that like children, dogs are curious and can get into cupboards and cabinets. You must POISON-PROOF your home, garage and yard. Put insecticides, household products and all poisons well out of reach of your Akita. You would be amazed what a dog will eat!

SECOND DOG? If your Akita is going into a home where another dog resides, remember that two dogs will compete. It is a good idea to feed them in separate areas and to remain with them until all food, treats, or snacks have been consumed. Food can be a trigger to start an argument. If you are giving a rawhide treat, either separate them or remain with them until they have finished. Two dogs will consume double the water of one so do leave two large water bowls for them. Be careful of any toys that your first dog may treasure and may not want to share--pick them up before you bring the Akita home. Try to share your attentions EQUALLY to keep the dogs from competing for your affection or becoming jealous. Use common sense--it’s like having a second child when you already have one who is a little spoiled. If you have a cat, take extra precautions and do NOT trust the Akita alone with your cat until you are confident it will not attack. Feed the cat away from the Akita and provide the cat with its own water bowl. Akitas are not happy with sharing their possessions.

CHILDREN IN THE HOME?

A reputable rescue will use extreme caution before placing an Akita in a home with children and then only dogs they are confident will not show aggression, but we must warn you that Akitas can be unpredictable and should be supervised with small children. Akitas do not like to be teased, or roughly handled by children who are untrained with large dogs. The Akita is at eye-level with a small child and therefore can inflict damage if the child is allowed to tease or hurt the dog. When family or neighborhood children visit the home, they should also be carefully supervised with the Akita. Do not allow strange children to be close at hand when feeding a new Akita until you have come to know and trust the dog. A little common sense will go a long way toward preventing growls, bites or injury. Since responsible rescues evaluate the temperament of all Akitas in their care, they can give you a fair idea about the dog's behavior. If you are taking an Akita from a shelter you must be particularly careful while learning about the dog's habits and training. When you adopt through a private party, you can usually get some information from the owner, but as a general rule, all Akitas are very much individuals. For the sake of your children, always adhere to the rule: Children and dogs cannot be left alone without adult supervision.

Enjoy your Akita and if have any questions, please call your rescue volunteer: