1. Seasonal shedding: When summer arrives, the Akita also needs to take off its winter coat. To adapt to the warmer weather, the dog naturally sheds hair across the whole body. This is the most common reason for heavy coat loss.
2. Nutritional shedding: If an Akita lacks important vitamins or minerals such as vitamin A, B vitamins, zinc, iron, sulfur, iodine, or fatty acids, generalized shedding may appear. The coat often becomes dry and the dog may lose weight. This is one reason why a balanced professional dog food is important, because it helps cover the nutritional needs of each growth stage and reduces the chance of nutrition related hair loss.
3. Hormonal imbalance: This type of shedding can be a sign of disease. If your Akita has been eating proper dog food and is not in a normal coat change season but is still losing large amounts of hair, endocrine disease may be involved. Conditions such as adrenal overactivity, hypothyroidism, excessive androgen secretion, or ovarian cysts can all produce symmetrical generalized hair loss. In that case, the dog should be taken to an animal hospital immediately.
4. Congenital hair loss: This form of shedding is caused by heredity or gene mutation. At first, dandruff often increases gradually. After several years, the dog may lose coat over most of the body, sometimes retaining hair only on the head and limbs. Owners do not need to panic, but they should pay close attention to warmth and skin care.
5. Fungal hair loss: This usually begins as localized hair loss and then gradually expands. Ring shaped patches of dandruff and loss of hair around the lower limbs, ear tips, or tail tip are common. Good personal hygiene and a clean home environment are very important for reducing fungal growth and preventing infection.
6. Parasite related hair loss: Demodex mites can live in the sebaceous glands, lymphatic tissue, or hair follicles and may cause very stubborn skin disease. Once severe, it can be difficult to cure completely. As with fungal disease, hygiene is extremely important, and limiting risky outdoor exposure may also help.
Important note: Apart from normal seasonal shedding, all other causes of hair loss should be checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible.