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Why is My Akita So Itchy? (With Solutions)

Akitas are large breed dogs that have some excellent characteristics. Akitas are so loyal and affectionate that they are well-known as house dogs. Every dog has some issues that you must notice as an owner.

Akitas are generally substantial with good immunity. But sometimes, Akitas face some health and skin issues. Your Akita might be itchy, and you might be confused about the reason behind it. This article will tell you about your Akita’s itchiness and its causes.

Why is my Akita so itchy?

The main reason for Akitas’ itchiness is their skin problem. Generally, Akitas are prone to skin allergies. Even they can grow a type of allergy called “Atopy” in them. Skin infection can also make their skin itchy. Some temporary reasons, like dry skin, stress, etc., can also be responsible.

Akitas are prone to skin allergies and infections. Sometimes, their allergies and infections attack only in specific areas. For example, folds of the skins, ears, paws, etc., are itchy. Some other reasons can also be responsible for the itchiness.

Akitas can have dry skin or nutritional problems that can make their skin itchy. Every dog has different issues with itchy skins. But there are some common reasons for every breed’s itchy skin. Akitas are also similar to them.

6 reasons why my Akita has an itching problem

Akitas’ itching problems are common in dogs. But they are prone to a particular type of allergies. So, Akita has some reasons behind the itching problems. Let’s see the reasons why your Akita has an itching problem.

Allergies:

Akitas are sensitive to allergies. They can get the ‘Atopy’ type allergy. Atopy allergy can cause the Akita’s paw, fold of the skin, eats, etc., itchy. Akitas show their allergic signs at a very early age.

Some foods might cause an allergic reaction to the Akita. You have to notice which food is causing the akita itching problem. You should avoid the foods that cause an allergic reaction to your Akita.

Infection:

Skin infections are common in Akitas. They can get various types of infections that make the Akita’s skin itchy. For example, yeast infection, impetigo, etc.

Dry skin:

Akitas can face dry skin problems for various reasons. For example, nutritional imbalance, dehydration, etc. A low humidity environment also leads the Akita to dry skin. If your Akita has dry skin, he might scratch or lick his skin when you touch him.

Stress:

Stress causes itching problems in Akitas like the other dogs. They scratch their skin for relaxing. Akitas show this common behavior when they are stressed or anxious about something.

Hormonal imbalance:

Akitas have health issues that might cause an itching problem. For example, the hormonal problem might cause itching with other symptoms in Akitas. They can also have discolored skin with itchiness when suffering from hormonal imbalance.

Genetic problem:

Some Akitas might have itchy skin from their genetic disorder. Though genetic problems are uncontrollable, you have to consult a veterinarian for the Akita’s itching problem.

What to do if my Akita has excessive itching?

Akita’s itching problems can be severe sometimes. If you don’t take steps when you notice your Akita’s excessive itching, your Akita might face severe health issues. So, you have to solve your Akita’s itching problems immediately.

You can either take your Akita to a veterinarian or give him some natural home remedies. Let’s see what you can do when your Akita has excessive itching.

  • Take to vet: You have to take your Akita to the veterinarian and give the Akita prescribed medicine.
  • Avoid foods with an allergic reaction: You can avoid the foods that cause an allergic reaction to your Akita.
  • Allergy removing medicine: Give your Akita allergy and infection removing medicine.
  • Bath: You can bathe your Akita with a moisturizing shampoo.
  • Clean pay and belly: You can clean your Akita’s paws and belly after returning from a walk.
  • Add omega 3: Add omega-3 fatty acids to your Akitas diet to prevent itching.
  • Oatmeal bath: You can use oatmeal in your Akitas bathing water or use an oatmeal shampoo.
  • Natural oils: You can use other allergy-preventing ingredients, like coconut oil, plain yogurt, apple cider vinegar, green tea, aloe vera, etc.
  • Balanced diet: Last, of all, follow a healthy and balanced diet for your Akita to prevent future skin problems.

What can I put on my Akita to relieve itching?

Akita can face excessive itching problems that can hamper their comfort. Moreover, if you don’t treat your Akita’s skin problem, this might cause severe health issue in future. So, you can follow some home remedies to put on your Akita to relieve itching. Let’s see the remedies.

Chamomile and green tea:

Chamomile and green tea have the quality to cool and soothe your Akita’s skin. These soothing properties work the best when the Akitas skin is hot and red patches.

You can soak the chamomile and green tea in hot water for a couple of minutes. Let the tea cool down and put it on your Akita’s skin. Let it dry without rinsing with water.

Apple cider vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar is pretty helpful for itchy skin. But never put it on your dog’s skin direct. Mix the apple cider vinegar with 50% water and spray it on the Akita’s skin.

Oatmeal:

Oatmeal is another excellent ingredient for the Akitas skin. It makes the Akitas skin cool and soothes the skin. You can use the oatmeal in different ways on the Akitas skin.

You can put the oatmeal soaked in the bathing water of the Akita. Besides, you can make a paste of oatmeal to put on the Akita’s skin before bath.

Coconut oil:

Coconut oil works as an excellent moisturizer for your Akita’s skin. It makes dry skin soft and prevents allergies and infection. Coconut oil can instantly soothe the skin and give relief to itchy skin.

Moisturizing shampoo:

Bathing your Akita with moisturizing shampoo can help cool down the itchy skin. You can clean your Akita with moisturizing shampoo regularly to prevent skin problems.

Will a bath help my Akita dog stop itching?

A bath can surely help your Akita stop itching. Generally, a dog’s itchiness is a sign of dry and dirty skin. A bath with a moisturizing shampoo can clean the dirt and irritation of the skin.

Cleaning your Akita is a long term process to decrease skin itchiness gradually. Bathing will remove dirt, bacteria, and virus from the Akita’s skin.

But if the problem is from severe health issues, like genetic disorder, hormonal imbalance, or other nutritional facts, bathing won’t help more. To solve these health issues, you have to consult a veterinarian for your Akita.

How do you moisturize a dog’s skin?

Moisturizing your dog’s skin is essential for healthy skin. Dogs are prone to get skin problems like allergies, infections, dry skin, etc. So, you have to moisturize your dog’s skin regularly. Here are some tips that help you understand how you can moisturize your dog’s skin.

  • Coconut oil: You can apply coconut oil to your dog’s skin.
  • Oatmeal bath: You can bathe your dog with oatmeal in the bathing water or using oatmeal paste before bath.
  • Moisturizing shampoo: You can apply moisturizing shampoo to the dog’s skin.
  • Water and apple cider solution: You can spray 1:1 ratio water and apple cider vinegar on your dog’s skin.
  • Commercial dog moisturizer: You can also apply a commercial moisturizer to your dog’s skin.

What food is best for Akita dogs with itchy skin?

Itchy skin can be a sign of an allergic food reaction of your Akita dog. So, choosing suitable foods for the Akita can prevent itchy skin. Some foods are best to relieve your Akita’s itchy skin. Let’s see some foods for Akita dog’s itchy skin.

  • Plain yogurt
  • Omega-3 fatty acids food
  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Shrimp
  • Sweet potato
  • Natural fish oil

What diseases are Akitas prone to?

Generally, Akitas are strong with good immunity. But sometimes, they face some medical issues. Akitas are prone to some diseases that might cause them to gradually. Here are some diseases that the Akitas are prone to get.

  • Hip dysplasia: A hip joint problem that leads to arthritis.  
  • Eczema: Skin inflammation problem. 
  • Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV): Bloating.
  • Eye problems: Progressive Retinal atrophy, glaucoma, entropion, ectropion, VKH (Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada), etc.
  • Sebaceous adenitis: Autoimmune skin disease.
  • Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid problem.
  • Stomach twisting.

Should I take my dog to the vet for itchy skin?

It’s wise to take your dog to the vet for itchy skin. Sometimes, the itchy skin is a sign of simple reasons. For example, dirt and dry skin can make the dog’s skin itchy. A moisturizing bath or moisturizer can help these instant problems.

But sometimes, your dog might face some serious problems, like allergies, infections, skin diseases, etc. You should immediately take your dog to the vet if you notice excessive itchiness of your dog.

Moreover, hormonal imbalance, genetic disorder, etc., can also be responsible for itchiness. For these reasons, give your dog regular treatment.

Akitas are pretty affectionate house dogs. If you have an Akita dog in your home, you might notice your Akita scratching, licking his paws and skin. Itchiness is common in Akitas. Sometimes, the reason is pretty simple, sometimes Akitas have severe skin problems.

So, you have to notice your Akita carefully. First, you can follow some home remedies. If the situation is worse, take your Akita to the veterinarian.

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