Akita Behavior & Health
Akita Temperament
For those of you considering adopting an Akita or perhaps are just interested in the Akita breed, these articles are invaluable and enlightening to those without breed knowledge. These articles are written by Sherry Wallis, who is well known and respected in Akita circles.
We encourage anyone interested in adopting an Akita, to read these articles and share them with everyone in the household. Though there are always exceptions to the rule, these articles depict an honest and true representation of the breed.
Barbara Bouyet was a founder of ARSA (Akita Rescue Society of America, Inc.), in the mid 70's. ARSA was the first organized Akita Rescue. She has provided an invaluable resource for Akita owners which we highly recommend for everyone interested in the breed.
http://www.akitarescue.com/
BLOAT (a life threatening condition)
Bloat or GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) is a rapidly progressive life-threatening condition for your Akita. As difficult as it is to watch, we highly recommend you watch the video below of an Akita experiencing bloat. Bloat is when a dog's stomach fills with gas, fluid or food making it expand putting pressure on other organs. Often times the stomach will torse or twist. It traps blood in the stomach preventing it from returning to the heart and other areas of the body. This can send your dog into shock. You may literally have only minutes to get your dog to the hospital.
Bloat often comes on quickly.
Some of the symptoms are:
- restlessness
- attempting to defecate
- looking anxious
- drooling
- looking at his stomach
- attempting to vomit but nothing comes up
- pacing
- torso or abdominal area appears distended
- pale gums
If you think your Akita is bloating, it's imperative you get them to an emergency hospital immediately. Even if you are uncertain but you suspect something is wrong or just "off" but can't put your finger on it, don't take chances. Get them to the vet right away.
We recommend being proactive by researching emergency hospitals in your local area BEFORE an emergency occurs. Not all emergency clinics have the staff or capability to treat the condition. Time is of the essence when a dog is bloating and precious minutes driving around in the middle of the night trying to find a clinic, can be the difference between life and death.
Other helpful articles about bloat can be found in the link below.
http://www.kifka.com/Elektrik/Bloat.htm
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Namaste Akita Rescue is a California 501(c)(3) non-profit welfare organization.