Raising dogs, especially providing care for the american akita, is a specialty of people across the globe. Experts speculate that dogs were domesticated sometime between 12,000 and twenty five thousand years ago—and that all canines evolved from the wolf. Since then, human beings have selectively bred more than four hundred breeds, varying in size from four-pound teacup poodles to Irish wolfhounds, whose 3-ft stature has earned them the title of tallest canine. But the most preferred canines are the non-pedigree dogs—the one-of-a-kind dogs known as mutts. The american akita is also a favorite pick among canine owners. Many owners are uninformed, however, of many crucial american akita care tips.
Cost of care for the american akita
The yearly cost of raising the american akita—which includes everything from meals, veterinary care, toys and license—could range between four hundred twenty and seven hundred eighty dollars. This is not even counting capital costs for spay/neuter operations, collar and leash, carrier and dog crate. Note: Make sure you have obtained all your items before bringing your american akita home.
General american akita Care
american akita Feeding Outline
- american akita pups between 8 and twelve weeks need 4 bowls of food every 24 hours.
- american akita pups 3 to 6 months old should be fed 3 meals daily.
- Feed pups six months old to one year old 2 bowls of food every twenty-four hours.
- When your american akita reaches his first birthday, one feeding daily is sufficient.
- Some adult american akitas, however, prefer two smaller bowls. It is your responsibility to adapt to your american akita’s eating tendencies.
Top-quality dry dogfood ensures balanced nutrition to full-grown american akitas and may be mixed with broth, canned food, or water. Your american akita may be fond of cooked eggs, fruits and vegetables, and cottage cheese, but these dishes should not be more than ten pct of his or her daily allowance. american akita pups should probably be fed top-quality, brand-name puppy food. Try to cut down on “people food”, however, since it can result in mineral and vitamin imbalances, bone and teeth concerns, and may create extremely finicky food choices as well as obesity. Give fresh, potable water exclusively, and be certain to wash food and water dishes very often.
american akita Care Tips: Your american akita needs physical activity daily
american akitas need some daily exercise so they can stay in shape, stimulate their brains, and remain in good health. Daily physical activity also really helps american akitas fight boredom, which would often lead to naughty behavior. Getting out and about will curb most of your american akita’s instinctual urges to retrieve, dig, chew, chase and herd. Exercise needs can depend on your american akita’s age and her level of health—but 10 minutes in back of the house and just a walk around the block every day probably isn’t enough. If your american akita is a 6 to 18 month adolescent, his requirements will be relatively more.
american akita Grooming
Regular brushing will help keep your american akita clean and reduce shedding. Inspect for fleas and ticks every day during warm weather. Many american akitas don’t need to be bathed more than a few times per year. Prior to bathing, comb or cut out any and all mats from the american akita’s hair. Rinse all soap out of the coat, or the dirt will stick to soap residue.
How to Handle Your american akita
Pups, as opposed to adults, are clearly easier to manage. To carry your american akita pup, take one of your hands and put it beneath your dog’s chest, either with your forearm or your other hand supporting the hind legs and rear. Never attempt to grab or lift your pup by his forelegs, nape or tail. If you need to lift a larger, full-grown american akita, pick it up from underneath, supporting his chest with one of your arms and rump with the other arm.
Housing the american akita
Your american akita needs a warm peaceful spot to be able to rest away from all the drafts and off the floor. You might wish to think about buying a dog bed, or make one from a wood box. Place a clean comforter, blanket, or pillow inside the bed for cushion. Wash the american akita’s bed covering often. If the american akita will be spending a lot of time outdoors, make certain she has plenty of cool water and shade in hot weather, and a warm, dry, covered shelter when it’s cold.
american akita Licensing and Identification
Your community has licensing rules to follow. You should connect the license to your american akita’s collar. The license, together with an identification tattoo or tag, may help you recover your american akita if he happens to go missing.
american akita Temperament Info
About Training Your american akita
A well-behaved, companion american akita can be a a joy. However, when left untrained, your american akita can easily be trouble. Teaching your american akita the minimums—”Come”, “Down”, “Heel”, “Off”, “Sit”, “Stay”, and “Leave it”—will improve your relationship both with the dog as well as your family. If you have a puppy, start training her on the appropriate behavior as fast as you can! Use food as an incentive and a reward. Pups can join obedience class when they are adequately immunized. Call your local SPCA or humane society for information on obedience class recommendations. It is best to keep your american akita on a leash while in public, even while a pup. Be sure your doggie will come to you whenever you say. An aggressive or disobedient american akita shouldn’t play with others.
About your american akita’s Health
Your american akita should see the veterinarian for a complete check-up, innoculations and a heartworm exam annualy, and promptly if he is injured or ill.
About your american akita’s Dental Health
Although we might simply dislike our american akita’s foul breath, it’s important to be aware of what it may be telling us. Foul breath is a sign that your american akita is in need of a dental check up. Dental plaque brought on by germs results in a foul stench that requires treatment by a professional. After a professional cleaning, his teeth and gums may be maintained by brushing regularly, feeding a special diet focused on dental health, and eliminating table food. Your veterinarian can supply you with more data for reducing oral ailments and stinky breath. You can clean the american akita’s teeth with a doggie paste or a paste made of baking soda and water twice weekly. Use a child’s soft toothbrush, a gauze pad or a piece of nylon pantyhose stretched over your finger. Periodontal disease,which is an infection between the tooth and the gum, often affects american akitas. This painful disease can possibly result in your american akita’s loss of teeth and also cause disease throughout the body. The doctor will usually brush your american akita’s teeth while performing the regular health test.
Halitosis (bad breath) in american akitas
Even though periodontal disease in isolation is not a serious threat if it is caught early, bad breath may also be indicative of serious, chronic causes for concern. Liver or intestinal diseases also cause halitosis, while a pleasant, even sweet smell may be indicative of diabetes. When your american akita’s breath smells of ammonia or urine, kidney disease is a possibility. Set an appointment with a veterinarian whenever your american akita has halitosis along with other signs of disease like excessive urinating or drinking, depression or lethargy, weight loss, nausea, or decreased appetite.
Fleas and Ticks in american akitas
During the warm seasons, it’s important for you to perform daily, regular checks of your american akita for ticks and fleas. Use a flea comb to find fleas. There are numerous new technologies of tick and flea control. Talk with your veterinarian about her or his recommendations.
Heartworm problems in american akitas
Your american akita is at risk of developing heartworms if he is exposed to lots of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes transport the worm from dog to dog. Several american akitas die each year from heartworm infections. It is critical you make sure your american akita has a blood test for worms annually each spring. A once-a-month pill given throughout the course of the warm, wet time of the year will help to protect your american akita. Your american akita should be on heartworm medication throughout a winter trip to a warmer climate. In some more moderate locations, vets advise preventative parasite medication be taken continually.
Medicines and Toxins
If you’re contemplating giving your american akita medication that was not prescribed for him by his vet, don’t even think about it. Did you know that 1 ibuprofen capsule causes ulcers in american akitas? Make sure your american akita is never exposed to rat poison and other rodenticides. Make sure you immediately call your dog’s doctor when you suspect your american akita has been exposed to poison. You can also notify the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for 24 hour help.
american akita Sterilization Operations
It is recommended that male american akitas should be neutered – the removal of the testicles – and females spayed – the removal of the ovaries and uterus – by 6 months of age. You usually will greatly diminish your female american akita’s chance of breast cancer by spaying prior to adulthood. The possibility of a diseased uterus, which is also a serious affliction that impacts more mature females, can also be removed by spaying before six months. Prostate diseases, testicular cancer, certain aggressive behavior and some hernias can be prevented by neutering male american akitas.
american akita Innoculations
- american akita pups should be vaccinated with a combo innoculation (called the “5-in-one”) at two, three and 4 months of age, and again once yearly. This immunization protects your puppy from distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Your american akita must be innoculated for at least the first four months of her life.
- If you have the rare american akita who has not been immunized and is older than four or five months, he must get a set of 2 immunizations given 2 or three weeks apart, followed by a yearly immunization.
- Your american akita pup’s socialization should coincide with her vaccination program. You can bring your american akita puppy to socialization classes as early as 8 to 9 weeks of age, as recommended by many vets. At this age, they should have already received their first vaccinations.
Statutes are so different between different areas, the best thing is to call your neighborhood vet to get rabies vaccination info. For instance, in New York City, the rule requires all pets older than three months must be vaccinated for rabies. After the first immunization, she must have another immunization the following year, and then every 3 years after that. There are a variety of innoculations that could be effective for your american akita. Your vet can tell you about them. You should be aware, if your american akita gets sick because he is not innoculated, the immunization can be administered after your companion animal is back to health.
Roundworms in american akitas
american akitas are often exposed to worms—even in urban areas. Microscopic eggs created by roundworms and hookworms are transmitted through an infected dog’s stool. Most puppies, even from healthy mothers in good homes, carry hookworms or roundworms. The secret to treatment is early diagnosis. This will ensure that the medicine is successful against the worms your american akita has. A dewormer that eliminates hookworms, for example, will not kill tapeworms. Your american akita’s doctor can best determine the culprit—and assign the right medication.
american akita: Miscellaneous Care Tips
american akita Supply Checklist
- Top-quality dog food and treats specifically for american akitas and similarly-sized dogs
- Food bowl
- Water dish
- Toys, toys and more toys, including safe chew toys
- Brush & comb for grooming, including a flea comb
- Collar with ID tag and license
- Quality leash
- Dog carrier (for pups)
- Crate for training
- Dog bed or box with quilt or towel
- Doggie or child’s toothbrush
The no-no list
Do not feed your american akita the following:
- Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor
- Chocolate
- Grapes or raisins
- Moldy or spoiled food of any kind
- Onions, garlic & chives
- Chicken, turkey, or any other poultry bones
- Salt and salty foods
- Tomato leaves, stems & unripe fruit
- Dough
The “Bottom” Line
Unless you are at home, or in a secured, fenced-in area, keep your american akita on a leash at all times. If your american akita goes number two on a neighbor’s yard, her sidewalk or any other public spot, please remove it! Don’t forget to check out these other articles about american akitas
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