Akbash Rottie Breed Maintenance
Grooming an Akbash Rottie is relatively straightforward — luckily, it doesn’t require anything too out of the ordinary. With any luck, your grooming routine with your pup can end up being quality time spent together!
The Akbash Rottie typically has a double coat, which requires regular brushing and maintenance to keep it healthy and free from tangles. Brushing your Akbash Rottie a few times a week helps remove dead hair and minimizes shedding.
Bath time with your pup doesn’t actually need to happen every day; instead, it should only be done as needed. Overbathing can strip the coat of its natural oils, leading to dry skin and even potential irritation, which no pet parent really wants to deal with. Using a mild, dog-specific shampoo helps maintain the skin's natural balance. Typically, bathing once every 6-8 weeks is plenty, unless your furry friend gets particularly dirty or starts to smell.
Trimming your dog’s nails regularly is another important part of the grooming routine for the Akbash Rottie. Long nails for dogs can cause discomfort and even pain when walking — trimming their nails every few weeks, or as needed, to keep them at a healthy length is another routine to not forget. If you hear your dog's nails clicking on the floor, it's a sign they need trimming!
Next up: ears and teeth! Check your Akbash Rottie's ears weekly for signs of infection, wax buildup, or dirt. Clean their ears gently using a vet-approved ear cleaner to prevent infections. Be cautious not to insert anything too deep into the ear canal, though, as this can cause damage (this goes for humans, too!).
Dental hygiene is crucial to prevent cavities, gum disease, and more. Brushing your dog's teeth several times a week is ideal, with dog-specific toothpaste and brushes.
Akbash Rottie health
Like many large dog breeds, the Akbash Rottie can encounter several health challenges throughout its life. While generally strong, reliable and healthy, it’s essential for owners to be aware of potential health issues to ensure the well-being of their pets. The main health concerns for Akbash Rotties include:
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common genetic condition among most breeds, where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket. This problem can make it hard for your pup to get around on their own, creating pain, arthritis, and mobility issues as they age.
Some of the most common symptoms to keep an eye out for are a reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and a noticeable limp in your pup. Regular check-ups with the vet are important for early detection and management. Maintaining a healthy weight, providing joint supplements, and ensuring moderate, low-impact exercise can help manage the condition and improve your dog's quality of life.
Elbow dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is, unfortunately, another joint condition that affects many large breeds, including the Akbash Rottie! It involves multiple developmental abnormalities in the elbow joint, leading to arthritis and chronic pain.
Watch out for problems using their front legs and a reluctance to play or exercise. Early diagnosis through vet exams and X-rays is very important in diagnosing and treating elbow dysplasia. Treatment may involve anything from weight management, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in severe cases, surgery to alleviate their pain.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones, affecting your dog’s metabolism. Symptoms can include lethargy, unexplained weight gain, hair loss, and skin issues. Detecting hypothyroidism through blood tests at an early stage can be smart in terms of preventative measures, and treatment usually involves daily hormone replacement medication and regular monitoring to adjust dosage as needed.
Bloat
Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and can twist in on itself. When it’s at its most severe, this condition can require immediate vet attention. Symptoms include a distended abdomen, excessive drooling, restlessness, and vomiting. Preventing bloat altogether involves feeding smaller, more frequent meals, and avoiding intense exercise around mealtimes.
Vaccinations and check-ups are a must for your Akbash Rotties! Every dog has run-ins with some health concerns from time to time - it’s not unusual. So make sure your furry friend is prepared! Sign up for a tailored wellness plan adjusted to the individual needs of your pup and stay ahead of the curve.
What to feed an Akbash Rottie
Figuring out the right diet for your Akbash Rottie can make a big difference in their health and happiness! Given their size and energy, they need a diet that's made for large, active dogs, packed with protein to keep those muscles strong.
When they're puppies, Akbash Rotties need high-quality puppy food. This type of food supports their rapid growth and development, giving them all the essential nutrients they need. It’s always a good idea to chat with your vet to pick the best puppy food for your furry friend.
As they grow into adults, the dietary needs of your Akbash Rottie will shift. They should be on a balanced diet full of high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Keeping an eye on their weight and adjusting their food based on their activity level (or even using a slow feeder bowl) is key to preventing obesity and keeping them in tip-top shape.
Adding supplements to their diet can be really beneficial, especially for their joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are great for joint health. But before you add anything new to their diet, it’s best to check with your vet to make sure it’s a good fit for your dog.
Deciding on what to feed your pup? Check out our partners Dog Food Advisor for help! Their range includes product reviews and ratings of popular dog food brands — find the best Akbash Rottie food for your dog today.
