Longevity
Life expectancy
With good living conditions, an appropriate diet and regular veterinary follow-up, the Akita Inu generally lives between 11 and 15 years. Its longevity depends in part on the quality of the selection, orthopedic prevention and maintaining a stable body weight.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Despite certain autoimmune and orthopedic conditions known in the breed, the Akita Inu remains an overall robust dog. Its powerful build and dense undercoat allow it to withstand bad weather well, provided it benefits from a balanced lifestyle.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Vigilance must mainly focus on hereditary conditions known in the breed, notably certain autoimmune diseases, eye disorders and hip dysplasia. Before adoption, it is important to take an interest in the lineage history and the screenings carried out by the breeder.
Sebaceous adenitis: Autoimmune skin disease that can lead to hair loss, scaling, and persistent skin problems.
VKH: Hereditary autoimmune condition that can cause depigmentation and ocular or neurological inflammation.
Hip dysplasia: Abnormal development of the hip that may cause pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis.
Progressive retinal atrophy: Degenerative eye disease that can lead to a gradual decline in vision.
Gastric torsion: Rare but serious digestive emergency, more common in large dogs, requiring immediate care.
Hypothyroidism: Hormonal disorder more rarely reported in the breed, requiring a veterinary diagnosis and appropriate follow-up.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Akita Inu tolerates the cold well thanks to its dense double coat, but it tolerates high heat less well. In summer, walks must be shifted to cooler hours, with water available at all times and access to shade.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Weight management is important to protect the joints and limit strain on the hips. A ration adjusted to its activity, monitoring body condition, and treats given in moderation help avoid any unnecessary weight gain.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Plan regular orthopedic and eye check-ups
- Monitor the skin, coat, and any unusual hair loss
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the joints
- Avoid intense exertion just before and after meals
Vaccination
Akita Inu vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Akita Inu need? Like all dogs, Akita Inus should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Akita Inu vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Akita Inu booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Akita Inu need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Akita Inu
Hip screening and ophthalmological follow-up are particularly relevant in this breed. A veterinarian can also guide the check-ups according to the lineage, the dog's age and the possible appearance of skin, hormonal or autoimmune signs.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
