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You won't be disappointed if you decide to get a Labrador, because they're a popular breed. Many questions may arise, such as how to properly care for them and how to properly groom their stunning coats. You could also wonder if Labradors have a tendency to shed.
Labrador Retrievers shed. Due of their double coat, they are typically heavy shedders and shed all year long. In the fall and spring, clumps of the dense undercoat drop out in accordance with the seasonal fluctuation and difference in temperature, resulting in excessive shedding.
When it comes to double-coated dogs, shedding is common even in short-haired breeds like the Labrador Retriever. It's called "blowing the coat" in the dog world.
As part of your efforts to control your Lab's shedding, you must first understand why he sheds so much. You'll be better equipped to deal with losing if you know what to expect.
Before digging into the specifics, have a look at the introduction to the Labradors community by proud dog parent. When you join the group, you'll get freebies and the most up-to-date information on canines. To join, simply fill out the application at the bottom of this page.
Labrador Shedding is the topic of today's post. Here's what I mean:
- Labradors shed because they are shedding.
- Finding out whether your pet sheds abnormally
- What to expect when shedding season begins and ends.
- Solutions for managing and minimizing shedding are available.
My best recommendations for decreasing shedding in the Labrador will be in the section where we discuss remedies.
Because Labradors shed so much, what is the reason behind this?
Some short-haired dogs shed a surprising amount! Your kitchen drawers and jacket pockets will be full of fur clumps you didn't know you had! It ends up all over the place! To understand better why Lab shed very much, we have to take a closer look at their coat.
Due to their thick double coat, Labradors have a lot of hair to shed. During the summer, the undercoat includes a coating of fine, soft hairs that provides cooling and insulation. Old and damaged fur will molt naturally as it grows out in its usual cycle.
Those that have two coats of fur are known as double-coated. There are two topcoat (guard) hairs on each hair follicle, and a number of undercoat hairs on each follicle. Starting around 3 months old, puppies begin to grow their adult coat, which lasts until they are about a year old.
When it comes to dogs, there is little doubt that wolves are the closest living relative to the domesticated canine. Breeds with only one coat are less likely to shed because their undercoats are less likely to molt in response to seasonal changes due to a gene defect that causes their undercoats to be lacking.
When swimming and retrieving in freezing waters, the Labrador Retriever had to have a thick, woolly overcoat to keep him warm. They have an added layer of protection thanks to their protective coat. Because of their adaptability to a range of climatic conditions, Labradors remain popular as working dogs.
Top Labrador Shedding Prevention Tips:
After reading the previous sections, if you came to this section looking for a solution, here it is:
Brush your Labrador every day, using a de-shedding tool at least twice a week, and even more frequently during particularly high shedding seasons, to help reduce shedding. Omega fatty acids should be included in your dog's food in order to ensure a strong coat and skin. Take care to keep him hydrated, wash him 3-4 times per year, and eliminate fleas and parasites to keep him healthy and happy!
Your Labrador's excessive shedding is best addressed from all sides, according to my perspective. This is why I've put together a list of simple ways to reduce and control your Labrador's shedding, which you can practice right away. So, here's my more detailed answer.
Take use of a Lab De-shedding Tool
Your Labrador should be groomed with the help of an appropriately developed de-shedding tool. In order to remove loose hairs from your Lab's thick undercoat, you'll need to use these tools! When the dog is "blowing his coat," these collars are perfect. During this time, you'll must use this tool once a week.
FURminator undercoat de-shedding product from Amazon is what I use. Your dog's protective coat isn't damaged or cut while it removes all the dead or loose hair that has accumulated over time. The FURminator is the only de-shedding tool I've ever found that works as well as it does.
Invest on a Labrador De-Shadding Brush
Your Lab will shed year round, just like the majority of dogs. Brushing him with a rougher brush on a frequent basis can help prevent his hair from getting all over your furniture and carpeting.
Brushing him every day isn't all that time-consuming either! Depending on your dog, you may only need to bathe him every other or every third day. Slicker brushes for your Labrador's topcoat will eliminate pet dander & keep him looking clean.
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush at Amazon is a good choice for me, because it is easy to clean. It works wonders on knotted hair, and it's a cinch to use. With a button that you press that eliminates all of the fur from brush, it is also very easy to clean (like the FURminator).
Brushing your Labrador's entire hair a few times will significantly reduce the amount of fur he loses, compared to grooming him weekly.
Bathe and Groom Your Lab a Minimum of Three to Four Times Per Year
Accordingly, your Labrador will undergo a seasonal transformation in both the fall and spring of each year. The hair clumps will ultimately fall out, but bathing or brushing him throughout these times will speed up the process.
It's better to remove any remaining undercoat now rather than waiting for it to fall out gradually over the next few weeks. Never over-bathe your Labradors, since this causes their skin to dry up, resulting in even more shedding.
In addition to regular dog shampoos, special de-shedding shampoos are available to help loosen the dog's undercoat. FURminatordeShedding Premium Quality Dog Shampoos from Amazon is enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which can reduce shedding.
Change Your Diet to One That Focuses on Your Dog's Coat and Skin
When it comes to feeding your Labrador, did you know that type of food he eats affects his shedding?
Corn and grain, as well as preservatives and chemicals, are common constituents in low-priced dog food, and they can cause digestive issues in some dogs. A protein rich source should be the principal ingredient in your dog's food. Lack of protein contributes to an untidy and drab coat.
In the absence of sufficient nutrition, your Labrador's muscle mass will be maintained, resulting in a poor coat. If you're interested in learning more about Labrador nutrition, I've put together a comprehensive reference on the right diet for Labradors, which includes information on the many types of diets that your dog may and cannot eat.
It's more expensive, yes, but it'll benefit your Labrador in the long run by keeping him healthy and lowering his daily shedding. You'll be able to keep your Labrador's coat looking wonderful all year long if you feed him a diet that's tailored to meet his specific nutritional requirements.
Maintaining a hydrated lab is essential.
Allowing the Labrador to consume more water on a daily basis can help reduce shedding! This is because dogs who are dehydrated shed more hair.
Your dog's overall health and the quantity of hair that gets up in your house can be improved by providing him one ounce of fluids for every pound of his body weight.
A dog water fountain like the PetsafeDrinkwell on Amazon will help your dog drink more frequently and prevent you from having to continuously change his water supply.. This one has two layers and filtration process to remove unwanted taste and smell from the water, which I find very appealing.
Feed your pet plenty of omega-3 fatty acids.
I've already explained how altering your Labrador's diet might help reduce shedding. Omega fatty acids can still be incorporated into your regular routine to minimize the volume of shedding all year long.
Selecting foods rich in Omega-3 fats can help you achieve this goal. By giving your Labrador a daily supplement containing these nutrients, you can likewise achieve this goal. Get your dog some Omega 3 Alaska fish oil treats at Amazon.com. They come in a variety of flavors, including bacon and chicken.
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