Akitas Inu and American Akitas are not suited for hot weather. Healthy, young Akitas tolerate routine walks in temperatures up to 86°F (30°C). Strenuous exercise for longer than an hour in temperatures above 68°F (20°C) can be challenging for these cold-loving dogs. Very young or old age and health issues make dogs more vulnerable to heat stroke.
The dog’s breed and individual characteristics of each animal impact the dog’s ability to tolerate hot summer weather.
Dogs’ Temperature Regulation
The average body temperature of an Akita and most large breed dogs is 101.5°F (38.5°C).
The ideal range of air temperatures is called the thermoneutral zone (TNZ). Animals do not need to spend additional energy to maintain their normal body temperature when the ambient temperature is in the thermoneutral range.
The thermoneutral zone for most dogs is 68 – 85°F (20 – 30°C), as defined by the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. When it is hot, the dog can cool down to a certain extent. Overheating happens when the dog is no longer able to self-regulate.
Dogs have few physiological mechanisms that allow them to regulate their temperature and cool down on a hot day. They produce minimal sweat, so panting is the only way for dogs to cool down if they stay out in the heat.
Among the factors that determine the dog’s ability to maintain a normal body temperature and stay comfortable on a hot day are the following:
- The size of the dog
- The quality and thickness of the animal’s coat
- The shape of the head and the airways
Akita in Hot Weather
Akitas generally tolerate air as warm as 85-86°F (30°C), depending on their activity level. However, temperatures above 75°F (24°C) make staying active more difficult and, in some cases, unsafe.
Your Akita’s ability to cool down through sweating is insignificant because only the dog’s nose and paws can sweat.
The only way for a dog to cool down somewhat significantly is to pant. That is why Akitas, like most other breeds, can develop heatstroke rapidly.
Individual Risk Factors
Several factors put dogs at risk for overheating regardless of the breed:
- Very young age, less than a year old
- Advanced age
- Health issues, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, in particular
- Being overweight
- Dehydration
- Lack of acclimation: being used to higher temperatures allows the dog to adjust, but only to some extent
Two environmental conditions that increase the risk of heatstroke are the following:
- Poor air circulation indoors
- High air humidity outside
The Double Coat And Thermoregulation
Both Akitas Inu and American Akitas have beautiful, thick double-layer coats.
The undercoat layer is short and thick. It protects the dog from temperature extremes. The upper layer is long and thin. It guards the dog against UV light, water, and insects.
Akitas shed the bottom layer of their coats in spring and summer. The upper layer allows the air to circulate on the skin. It seems counterintuitive but the coat helps your dog maintain a normal body temperature.
Avoid shaving your dog’s coat unless medically necessary. Shaving the coat compromises the animal’s ability to regulate body temperature. The coat also might not grow back of the same quality or take a long time to get restored.
It helps the dog if you brush the coat daily on hot days to promote the shedding of old, loose hairs. That way the coat becomes thinner and more breathable without compromising its integrity.
The Signs of Dehydration
Dehydration is a dangerous condition and a risk factor for overheating. These are the signs of dehydration in dogs:
- Dry, pale nose and mouth
- Fast heart rate
- Sunken eyes
- The dog is not urinating
- Decreased skin elasticity
It is important to correct dehydration promptly. Dehydration progresses quickly in dogs. The animals might become unable to walk and drink water and, in extreme cases, could progress to developing seizures and cardiovascular shock.
The Signs of Overheating
If a dog’s body temperature reaches 104°F (40°C), the pup is at risk of deteriorating quickly. These changes herald an impending heatstroke in dogs:
- Heavy drooling
- Heavy panting
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Disorientation and poor balance
- Purple gums
- The dog feels hot to the touch, elevated body temperature
What To Do If Your Akita Overheated
A thermal stroke could be mild or severe. It is better to be cautious because the dog’s condition can change within minutes. There are steps you should take immediately if you believe your dog is too hot:
- Move the dog to a shaded area
- Offer cool water
- If your dog is unable to drink independently, avoid forcing but try to get your pet’s tongue wet with water, instead
- Avoid giving your dog ice or putting ice on the body
- Put cool wet towels all over your dog, if possible
If possible, have your Akita examined by a veterinarian, especially if your dog is not able to drink water or walk independently. Your pup may need intravenous hydration and nutrition. Those interventions can be promptly initiated at a veterinarian’s office.
How To Keep Your Akita Cool In Summer
Several practical steps could keep your Akita cool and comfortable in summer heat.
Brush Your Dog Regularly
Brush your dog regularly to promote shedding the undercoat during the warm season but avoid shaving the coat. Daily brushing is effective because it helps thin the fur and improves air circulation on the skin. Most dogs also really enjoy it.
Provide Access to Cool Water
Make sure your dog always has access to plenty of cool clean water. Keep several bowls of water in different areas of your home to remind your pet to drink water as needed.
Bring some water for your dog on walks and hikes.
Avoid Walking the Dog on Asphalt Trails
Walk your dog on grass or ground rather than pavement. Pavements get hot in the summer and increase the risk of overheating. The dog’s paws can also get burned by the hot surface of the heated asphalt.
Protect The Dog’s Paws
You could put protective dog boots on your dog’s paws to prevent burns or other injuries. Most dogs need time to get used to wearing boots, some never get used to them.
Dog boots are the best physical barrier but certified organic paw balm, or wax, is the next best option. Beeswax and paraffin are the main ingredients of paw butter products. These products are designed to seal off the paw from damage.
Purified petroleum-based products are also safe for pet paws and are a more frugal alternative to paw balm products, with similar protective value. The most popular products are Vaseline and Aquaphor.
Avoid the Hottest Part of the Day
If possible, walk your pet in the morning or evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. Woods and forests are ideal for walks and hikes in the summer because they stay cool better than open areas.
Provide Rest Periods, Look For Shade
Provide rest periods in the shade when out during the day. Of course, if a shaded trail is available, that would be a safer, preferred option.
Consider Water Activities
If it is an option, swimming in a lake is a fun way to cool down and exercise. Although many Akitas are not fond of water, some acquire a taste for swimming and playing in the water, or at least enjoy staying close to the water on a hot day.
A doggy pool on your patio or balcony is a great alternative to a lake or river. Most dogs enjoy splashing in shallow pools.
Purchase a Cooling Mat
If you don’t have an air conditioner indoors, consider getting a non-toxic cooling mat for your pet if your home gets too warm. Cooling mats are great for cars, too, when your pet joins you on a trip.
Invest In a Good Cooling Vest
A cooling vest could be a good investment if you go hiking with your dog or spend much time outdoors in warm weather with your pet.
It is important to measure your dog’s chest circumference and use the size chart provided by the manufacturer because your dog won’t like a vest with a flawed fit. Your pet should wear the vest at home first to get used to it.
Read Your Dog’s Cues
And, finally, you know your pet better than anyone else and might notice subtle changes in your dog’s behavior, if your dog is struggling.
Dogs often do not show signs of dehydration or exhaustion until they are unwell. It is important to observe pets closely on hot days, encourage them to drink water and rest, and get them away from the sun as needed.
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