This breed isn’t for everyone. Only the most experienced dog owners should consider an Akita as an addition to their fur fam. This breed needs extra attention for training and socialization. If you can handle one, you’ll be rewarded with their love, loyalty, strength, and boldness.
If you’re considering adopting, we’ll give you the rundown on Akitas to see if they’re the right fit. We’ll cover breed characteristics, personality, cost, common illnesses, and references to pop-culture. Scroll down to find the freshest pup influencers that’ll brighten up your Insta feed! If you want more than cute dog content, we’ll help you get the best pet health insurance for your Akita.
But, as we all know, having a dog isn’t always as easy as scrolling through your feed. So before giving the run down on Akitas, we’re going to tell you how to protect your pooch, and explain how dog pet insurance could help take the bite out of vet bills.
Getting pet insurance for your Akita
Pet insurance helps cover the costs of your vet bills. You pay a monthly premium and in exchange, you can provide care for your canine or feline fur fam without stressing as much about the costs. With Lemonade pet insurance, pet parents can customize their policy to get the coverage their furry friend needs.
For starters, a basic Lemonade pet health insurance policy includes accident and illness coverage. This will help cover the costs of tests, treatments, and medication if your dog or cat has an unexpected accident or illness.
A basic policy is great for the unexpected things in your fur fam’s future, but Lemonade also offers affordable preventative care, designed to keep your pet healthy, and helps cover expenses you’re probably already paying for. By adding a preventive care package to a Lemonade policy you’ll also get access to live medical chat and be covered for all types of routine care—like your annual wellness exam, checkups, blood tests, several vaccinations, and other routine health care for your pet. Get a quote for the best pet insurance plan for your furry friend.
But, as we all know, having a dog isn’t always as easy as scrolling through your feed. So before giving the run down on Akitas, we’re going to tell you how to protect your pooch, and explain how pet insurance could help take the bite out of vet bills.
Wondering if pet insurance is worth it? Check out how much pet parents of dogs and cats, including Akitas, have saved on vet bills by signing their fur baby up for pet insurance.
We ask an Akita about a day in their life…
“Let’s see if you can handle me for a day. My mornings start with a nice bowl of kibble and an occasional side of meat or vegetables. Food is my fuel for the day. As a big, active dog, I like to stay busy. My purpose is to serve you, but it might take a while to train me. I’m really really stubborn. To be honest, first time pet parents shouldn’t volunteer to adopt me. I can be a handful.
For pet owners who are experts in patient training, I’m a blessing. My unwavering loyalty and determination to make you happy is life long. I could follow you around all day to make sure you don’t get lonely. If I get bored, hand me something to carry around in my mouth during the day.
As a puppy, it’s important to socialize with strangers and pets. Sometimes, I can get wary of others. With regular play dates, I can befriend most breeds: German Shepherds, Chow Chows, Dobermans, Malamutes, and more. Side note, I shed… a lot. So you don’t get confused in the future, I’d rather be transparent. I’ll make up for some of my pitfalls in love and loyalty! You can’t get annoyed at a devoted member of your fur fam.”
How much does an Akita cost?
Owning a puppy is on the expensive side, initially costing between $600-$2,000.
When it comes to buying an Akita dog, be very careful. Only buy from a reputable breeder. Sadly, some breeders take advantage of the dog breeds popularity while neglecting important health and temperament issues.
Since we recommend buying from a reputable breeder, it may be hard to find trustworthy adoption options. Rescue Me is a great resource for all potential pet parents.
Be prepared: During the first year, you’ll spend near $4,500 to get your new friend vaccinations, groomer appointments, and an insurance policy. This price drops to around $2,000 for each year following.
On average, Akitas cost owners around $26,000 over their lifetime. But if you plan on spaying/neutering your dog, hiring a dog walker, and boarding your pup once a year, expect to pay anywhere from $64,000 to $135,000 over their lifetime.
What are Common Akita Health Issues?
To decide if this breed is for you, we wanted to share some health problems you might run into. We hope you never see your dog go through these. But if you do, it’s always a good idea to be prepared and know the signs.
Before we get into some common health problems your pup might encounter, a quick reminder that Lemonade offers stellar Pet Health insurance that’ll keep your pal happy and healthy. You can get an insurance quote from your favorite company in just a few minutes—it’s quick, simple, and even a little fun…
Skin conditions like Sebaceous adenitis (SA) are relatively common in this breed. SA destroys your dogs sebaceous glands which control the dryness of their skin. Without these glands, your dog can have dry skin, lose hair, unpleasant odor, and other skin infections. While SA is difficult to spot, your vet can treat your dog’s symptoms.
Elbow and hip dysplasia are common in many breeds. If your dog goes untreated, these diseases could cost you $1,500 to $6,000. Since these conditions are inherited, we recommend asking your pups breeder for certifications from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
Von Willebrand’s Disease is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by low levels of blood clotting. If your dog gets injured with this condition, it’ll be difficult to stop the bleeding. Other symptoms are bleeding gums and nose bleeds. While there is no known cure, vets can use medicine to prevent bleeding episodes.
Your four-legged friend might also be prone to a common condition called Hypothyroidism. It’s a disorder referring to an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones. To check for this one, watch out for signs like weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and epilepsy.
Eye problems are common in a few forms. The three main types are progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a hereditary disease that eventually leads to blindness. We suggest you ask your breeder about the parent’s eye history to avoid this condition. Cataracts are a cloudy film that forms over the eye and causes blurry vision. Cloudy corneas can also be a symptom of Glaucoma, a disease that puts pressure on your dogs eye potentially causing loss of vision. Rule of thumb? If you notice your dog is itching a lot or has red eyes, schedule an appointment with your vet.
Along with other deep chested dogs, this breed is at risk of bloat. Usually, it impacts dogs who rapidly eat large meals, chug too much water, or eat after working out. It is an unexpected, lethal condition that can develop rapidly, so it’s important to know the signs. If your dog is excessively salivating, throwing up without vomit, whining when his abdomen is touched and his stomach is distended, get him to the vet immediately.
Like humans, dogs show symptoms in a variety of ways. So you never overlook something serious, we suggest calling your vet if your dog starts acting differently.
Akitas in Pop Culture:
Originating from Japan, the breed has a long history of serving humans. As excellent hunting dogs, they could hunt deer, elk, bears, and boars. After a brief period of dog fighting during the 1600’s, Akitas served as trackers and guard dogs in various wars. They’ve always been loyal, doing whatever it takes to protect their pet parents. Pre World War 2, the Akita was introduced to the United States. Some say, the Japanese government gave Helen Keller the first two Japanese Inus brought to the US.
Instagram-famous Akitas:
Nothing cheers us up like our favorite Instagram Akitas. Add these photogenic pups to your feed!
Brodie loves modeling in front of beautiful sunsets, digging holes, and rolling down his window during a road trip. He’s an American Akita that’ll brighten up your feed.
Calling all outdoorsy peeps! Mason and ManoĂŹ are sibling experts at hiking adventures. They spend their weekends finding the new paths to conquer.
Don’t be fooled. Goemon’s puppy eyes will melt your heart. He knows how to get what he wants! You won’t regret dropping a follow for this Japanese Inu.
Malcolm is an American Akita living in France with his pet mama. If you love travel bloggers, Malcolm is worth a follow. He’s always on a fun trip to the beach, mountains, or woods.
And don’t forget!
Your dog is a bundle of cuteness, and you want to keep that pup happy and healthy—without going bankrupt with vet bills in the process. Enter Lemonade’s Pet Health insurance, which offers an affordable way to make sure your furry friend can live their fullest life. Get your quote in just a few minutes, with a dog insurance plan that Akitas and their pet parents both love!
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
