An Akita puppy is fluffy and full of spunk. Don’t let this adorable little fur ball fool you. It won’t stay small forever. At adulthood, an Akita can weigh between 75 and 120 pounds. Good grooming practices should start while your puppy is small and easy to handle. This will make the task of grooming more managable for you when your dog gets stronger. In addition, good grooming practices will minimize fur balls on your carpet and furniture, and keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy.

Grooming the Body

Brush your Akita’s coat every other day with a firm bristle pet brush. Only bathe your pooch when it is necessary. During bath time, use warm water and a mild pet shampoo. Dilute the shampoo with water so that it is easier to apply to your dog’s fur. The easiest way to do this is to fill a milk jug with warm water and mix a little shampoo in it.

Pour the mix over your Akita’s coat and lather. Start with the withers and work your way to the rest of the coat. Rinse all of the shampoo out of your Akita’s fur. Leaving even a small amount of soap in your pet’s coat can cause irritation, rashes, sores and hair loss.

Grooming the Face and Ears

Most puppies don’t like their heads to be drenched with water. Until your Akita gets used to this process, expect some resistance on his part. Use a large cup to soak the top of your puppy’s head with soapy water. Never put the water directly in his face or inside the ears. Use your fingertips to massage the fur on the head, face and ears. Rinse the soap off and towel dry your pup.

Use a veterinarian approved ear solution to clean your puppy’s ears. Wet a cotton ball with the solution and gently wipe the inside of your pet’s ears. Never go deep into the ear canal, you may damage something. If your Akita’s ears need a deep cleaning, get a vet to do it.