Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever Shedding

Labrador Grooming

Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom. Their fur is short, dense, and waterproof. But these dogs shed like crazy. So, in order to keep them comfortable and your home fur-free, you will need to give them a quick brush down at least once a week. However, individually some of them shed more than others. With appropriate diet, vitamins, regular vet check-up, and grooming your Labs will have a perfect coat, and Labrador shedding will be reduced grammatically.

Labrador Shedding

All Labrador Retrievers tend to shed more than other breeds, because of their dense double coat, which keeps them warm in whatever weather. But if we don’t brush them, things might become quite overwhelming. So coping with their shedding is much easier with the right tools, helping you to make a difference.

5 Labrador Shedding Solutions

Best DeShedding Brush

Furminator Short Hair deShedding Tool
  • Gently removes undercoat hair without damaging topcoat
  • Curved edge comfortably follows pet's natural shape
  • Ergomomic handle, FURejector button helps to release collected hair easily

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Best Deshed Shampoo

FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo
  • No Chemical Dyes or Parabens
  • Enriched with: Omega 3 & 6, Calendula Extract, and Papaya Leaf Extract
  • Removes an almost equal amount of fur undercoat from dogs as what's possible with a brush

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Best DeShed Conditioner

FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Conditioner
  • No Chemical Dyes or Parabens
  • Enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, Chamomile Extract and Aloe Vera
  • For untimate effect after using a shampoo

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Best Bathing Comb

Bodhi Dog Rubber Comb
  • Perfect for bathing
  • Increases the effectiveness of shampoo and massages the skin
  • Removes loose hair, dead skin and dirt from your pet

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Best Vitamins for Coat

Zesty Paws Omega 3 Alaskan Fish Oil Chew Treats for Dogs
  • Delicious chicken (or hemp-chicken)-flavored treats for healthy coat
  • Contain: Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids (with EPA and DHA) from Organic Hemp Seed Oil and Alaskan fish oil
  • Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Biotin soothes dry and itchy skin

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Labrador Shedding Seasons

Labradors regularly shed some amount throughout the year. The hair loss is especially evident in two short periods during the year. Still, we have to worry when the shedding is protracted, with the hair falling out in shreds, and the remaining coat looks lifeless and untidy. Here are some of the things we have to look for:

Shedding caused by body malfunctioning:

  • Lack of vitamins and trace elements
  • Liver disease (hepatitis)
  • Kidneys disease
  • Gastrointestinal system problems
  • Endocrine system problems
  • Parasite infection
  • Immune system disorder

Unexpected hair loss can also be associated with:

  • stress (for example, after separation from the host, moving to another place)
  • if the dog is weakened after delivery, injury, surgery or long-term illness

How To Reduce Labrador Shedding

If your dog suddenly starts shedding in the off-season, the best thing you can do is to bring him to the vet. He must be treated and closely monitored, for this may be caused by one of those, as mentioned above. But if everything is fine, the next best thing to do is to manage and minimize the shedding by brushing your lab frequently to remove the dead hair and speed up the growth of new hair during this period. Among the brands on the market we have tested, one brush surmounts them all. The FURminator is considered the best and most effective for minimizing your Labradors shedding problem.

FURminator Short Hair deShedding Tool
  • Ergonomic handle fits in your hand
  • Gently removes undercoat and loose hair
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How to Keep Labrador from Shedding

A regular grooming routine will usually begin with inspecting by doing a head to toe massage, discovering any lumps, bumps, dry patches, hair loss, or anything else abnormal. Massaging a dog also helps to loosen dead hair and skin so that it can be brushed away. Then followed by a thorough brushing once a week with a natural or nylon bristle brush to stimulate the natural oils in the skin, which will keep its coat glistening. Massaging during bathing will make a double effect to reduce shedding problem. Special deshedding shampoos ans conditioners work really great for Labs. Actually, these dogs don’t need to be bathed too often. Only if they get dirty. Frequent washing may dry out their skin. So, it makes sense for Labs to use a waterless deshedding spray in-between regular washing.  Just apply it on the Lab’s coat, massage a little and brush away loose hairs. This way he will have cleat coat free of dead hair and pleasant light smell.

You may also like: Best Brush for Labrador Review

So, frequent brushing your Labrador fur allows you to spot problems before they get out of hand, especially for unwanted ticks and fleas. Inspect the status of their nails for length, teeth for dental plaque, eyes for discharge and irritation, and to check their ears to avoid inflammations caused by bacteria build up on those floppy ears.

During Summer time some pet parents prefer to bathe a Lab in the backyard. A good dog swimming pool suits best.

Frequently Asked Questions about Labrador Shedding

How Do I Know My Labrador Is Shedding Excessively?

Presence of some of the following conditions like skin irritations, bald spots, open sores, severely thinning coat, dog fur easily separates from his skin by pulling lightly, excessive itching, face rubbing, and licking, also shows the problem

Is DeShedding Shampoo for Dogs Effective?

Yes, since many of these good-quality shampoos and conditioners contain omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids, which are known to reduce excess shedding in dogs

When Does My Labrador Puppy Normally Start to Shed?

Labrador puppies will start to shed their coats at about age 4 to 5 months

Does Labrador Shed (Does Lab Shed)?

Labrador Retrievers are known as crazy shedders all year round. But you can reduce shedding to minimal provided your pup has no health problems and is groomed regularly.

And remember – we are here to help you with your choice. So do not hesitate to ask any questions. We will answer them.

Julia Powell

Julia is a founder of PetsLifeGuide and an author of articles about German Shorhaired Pointers and accessories for them. She is a specialist about this breed since 2002

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