Akitas are among the hardiest dogs when it comes to their cold tolerance. The breed originated in the harsh conditions of Japanese mountains, so these generations of these pups thrived in a cold climate. On the other hand, Akitas have been pets all over the world, so some of these dogs are more acclimated to milder habitats.
So, do Akitas get cold? How cold is too cold for an Akita?
Generally, healthy adult Akitas do well with spending some time outside even when it is colder than 32°F/ 0°C. An active Akita can tolerate a walk on a day as cold as 0 °F/ -18 °C. However, even such hardy dogs are vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia in freezing weather. Puppies and dogs who are old, deconditioned, or in poor health are at a higher risk of getting too cold.
AKITA’S ADAPTATIONS TO COLD WEATHER
Thick Double Coat
The Akita’s fur is an excellent adaptation that allowed these dogs to survive and thrive in the harsh mountain climate.
The undercoat consists of short thick wooly hairs. It insulates the dog, protecting him or her from the cold and the heat. The upper layer is made of long rough hairs. It repels moisture, as well as insects.
Other Features That Help Dogs Survive In Winter:
- The dog’s paws are cushioned with subcutaneous fat and connective tissue, which are supported by a net of blood vessels. Good blood supply to the paws is one of the ways the body keeps them warm. Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, so blood supply becomes more limited and the paws become vulnerable to frostbite.
- Dogs get goosebumps. Their hairs stand up and create a pocket of air between hair shafts, which prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from getting close to the skin.
- Animals slow down their metabolism in cold weather, so they give less energy to the environment around them.
- Dogs shiver to generate heat. Shivering is common when the dog is mildly hypothermic but may stop as hypothermia progresses.
Individual Risk Factors
Some individual characteristics make any dog, regardless of the breed, more vulnerable to developing hypothermia:
- Lack of acclimatization: exposure and being used to cold weather allows an animal to adapt over time
- Dogs that are not fit and generally inactive are typically less tolerant of weather extremes
- Any physical health problem – chronic or acute – puts a dog at risk
- Geriatric dogs are at high risk for hypothermia and frostbite due to impaired physiologic responses
- Puppies are also less hardy and have poor stamina, in general
- Wet fur is a risk factor even for young and healthy dogs
How Cold Is Too Cold?
Above 45 °F/ 7°C: most dogs, and stoic Akitas moreover, are hardy enough to have no issues with this temperature range.
Below 45 °F/ 7°C: adult healthy Akita should do well as long as needed. Dogs of less cold-tolerant breeds can become uncomfortable in such chilly weather.
Colder than 32°F / 0°C: healthy adult Akitas do well with going on walks in temperatures below the freezing point. However, you should monitor your dog for any signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Below – 4°F / -20°C: Akitas can spend some time outside when it is as cold as – 4°F / -20°C. Sleeping outside overnight in such low temperatures is not safe for any dog, and the dog should be supervised for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Snow and wind compromise the insulating quality of the double coat, so the dog is more vulnerable in damp, windy weather.
Signs Of Hypothermia
As large dogs, Akitas have a normal body temperature in the range of 101.5-102.5°F / 38.5-39.2°C. If the dog’s temperature drops to 90-95°F / 32-35 °C, she is considered mildly hypothermic. Anything below 84°F / 28°C is severe hypothermia.
Some of the common signs of mild and moderate hypothermia include the following:
- Behavioral changes, for example, nervousness, pacing, refusing to walk
- Picking up and holding up a paw
- Hunched back, curled tail
- Vocalizing in a way that communicates distress
- Pale skin
- Shivering
Some of the signs of progressing and dangerous hypothermia include the following:
- Weakness and lethargy
- Stiffness of paws and possibly the torso
- Slow breathing
If your dog has any of these signs or appears very cold or unwell to you, take him or her to a veterinarian. Dogs often need medical interventions when they become very cold.
FROSTBITE
If a dog stays outside for too long when the air is colder than his body, the organism prioritizes the brain and the torso to supply blood and conserve warmth. While it increases the chances of survival, it leaves the paws, tail, and ears particularly vulnerable to frostbite. Other parts of the body could become affected, too.
The signs of frostbite include:
- pale or gray skin
- coldness of the area
- pain: your dog may be guarding the affected paw
- inflammation of the tissue develops after a few days: redness, swelling, ulcers, blisters
- eventually, the area could become necrotic
- not only does necrosis lead to the loss of affected limbs, but a secondary infection could also develop at the site
- if not treated promptly, the animal could die as a result of frostbite, usually due to an infection
If you suspect that your dog has frostbite, do not wait to take him to a veterinarian. The doctor could recommend antibiotic treatment and amputation, if necessary.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG WARM IN COLD WEATHER
Several interventions improve dogs’ tolerance to cold weather and keep them warm on a cold day.
- Allow your dog to acclimate if he is not used to cold weather. At first, spend short periods in the cold, gradually increasing the length of exposure, as tolerated.
- Make sure your dog has eaten well on the day you are taking him outside. A warm meal and water would be ideal on a cold day, if available.
- It is important to regularly feed your dog good quality food to promote general health and better tolerance to cold weather.
- Let your dog exercise regularly and support graded conditioning.
- Dry your pup’s wet fur as soon as you can.
- Consider a waterproof coat if your dog goes outside in cold weather frequently.
If your dog develops mild hypothermia, take the animal home and bundle him or her with blankets, provide a warm meal and water.
Avoid using hot items, such as heating pads or hot water bottles directly on his skin. They could feel too hot, even though the fur, and could cause further damage.
Prevent Frostbite
Frostbite is a risk even to the hardiest dogs.
To minimize the possibility of frostbite, protect your Akita’s paws. The interventions that keep your dog’s paws warm also help prevent damage from chemicals used to de-ice roads and driveways in winter.
Socks Or Boots
The most reliable way to protect the paws is a physical barrier, such as dog boots or socks.
Most dogs take time to become accustomed to wearing boots. If you would like to give dog booties a try, have your pup wear them ahead of time for a little bit.
Paw Balm
Paw balm, or wax, is the next best option to protect an animal’s paws.
Beeswax and paraffin are the core ingredients of paw butter products. These products are designed to seal off the paw and protect it from ice, cold, and chemicals.
These products are a good way to shield the paws from minor injuries, frostbite, and hot asphalt in summer, too.
Paw balm can be messy when your pet comes back home, so it is important to clean the paws. Some dogs try to lick it off the paws. It is safe for them to ingest but it does not protect them as well if partially gone.
Petroleum Jelly Products
Purified petroleum-based products are safe to use on pet paws and could be a cheaper alternative to paw balm products, with similar protective value.
The most commonly used products are Vaseline and Aquaphor. Aquaphor could be a better option because it creates a barrier and moisturizes the paws at the same time.
DIY Moisturizing Barrier Products
You can use products at home, such as coconut or olive oil, to create a barrier for your pet’s paws.
For best results, you can melt some beeswax and mix it with olive and coconut oils (1 half beeswax to 1 half mixture of other oils:
- Use a small boiler to melt the beeswax and oils on low heat for a minute.
- Mix them well while the beeswax is melting.
- You could use containers of your choice to pour the mixture into to be able to use the product more comfortably.
- When it cools down and hardens, it is ready to use.
Many people prefer to make paw balm to purchasing, and the process of making it is simple and quick, too.
If Your Dog Lives Outside
If your dog lives in a doghouse in your yard, make sure the house is insulated appropriately.
Hay works well for that purpose. A doghouse should have a slanted roof, no drafts, and, ideally, heated bowls for food and water. If the temperature is below the freezing point, bring your Akita indoors for safety, especially overnight. If it is very windy outside, your pup is better off in your home too.
To Conclude
Yes, Akitas are among the most stoic breeds when it comes to tolerating cold weather but don’t lose your vigilance. Your dog may not express her distress despite feeling discomfort.
Adjust the length of your dog’s walks, dry her fur, and clean the paws upon returning home. Those simple steps should allow your pup to resettle at home comfortably after a walk in weather that is more than chilly.
