shedding like crazy

Question
I have an american bulldog/akita dog that is about 8 months old. Recently, he has started shedding so bad that i am having to vaccumm 1- inch thick white hair off my couch twice a day. lately, you cannot pet him without a snowfall of white hair behind him. i blamed it on summer shedding, but now his chest/belly area, and is almost bald on the inside of his his hind/front legs. i have tried brushing, but his short hair will not get into the brush. bathtime has resorted to unplugging the drain about 6-7 times in one bath. he has no sores or blisters, he eats Beneful or however it is spelled. any help would be appreciciated. THank you, jen  

Answer
Hi Jennon, normally at that age I would say you just got hit with a double whammy, summer shedding and blowing their puppy coat to get adult coat, but the baldness is something to be concerned about.  Does he have any red irritations anywhere on the legs?  Akitas are known for allergies to foods too.  Also, his coat could be changing to a bulldog coat which is very short.  It is hard to tell what could be the problem since he has not had his adult coat yet.  If there is no irritations, then I would assume his adult coat is becoming that of a bulldog.  I would keep an eye on it, and if the baldness goes to other body parts, or if there are any irritations, then I would have a vet take a look at it.  Hope this helps,

Dawn