Akita health: what owners should know

Akitas are predisposed to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy, and several immune-related conditions of the skin and eyes, including sebaceous adenitis and a disorder that causes loss of pigment around the eyes and nose. Bloat is also a concern. Responsible breeders screen hips and elbows, have eyes examined by a specialist, and check thyroid function in breeding dogs.

Regular weigh-ins, split meals and routine blood tests as your dog ages all help. See a vet promptly if you notice red or cloudy eyes, patchy hair loss with scaly skin, whitening of the nose or eyelids, sudden weight gain with lethargy, or any sign of bloat.