2 year old akita. thin fur. She has a good outer coat but not a good inner coat. Constantly scratches. Shes on a good diet, good flea/worm preventative, fish oil, and good grooming routine.

Common symptoms are lethargy, weight gain and low appetite. They also commonly have a dry dull coat and other skin problems. Often there will also be darkening of the skin on the belly and sides. Most dogs that develop hypothyroidism are older than 2 but it could be possible. Other possibilities, especially with a younger dog, are fleas, flea allergies, food allergy, contact irritants like detergents, or atopy. Atopy is just a term for allergy to something else, like pollen, dust mites, wool, grass, etc. It can be very difficult determining the cause of the itch. Itching is usually caused by multiples of things – like fleas compounded by an allergy to wheat in the food or to dust mites. If you just have exposure to one thing, there may be little itching. But, with things combined, itching can be intolerable. This is a big reason why it is important to keep your dog current on her flea control (Frontline, Advantage, Vectra/FirstShield, Revolution). You will be keeping at least one of the "triggers" under control. If your akita has hypothroidism, that is a relatively easy fix compared with the other causes of itching but I don’t think this will be the case because of her age. Take her to a vet you trust and ask about these things.