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How Much Does a Labrador Retriever Shed?
Labradors boast a unique, dense, water-resistant coat that is sure to keep them cozy. It has a soft downy undercoat and a protective, coarse topcoat. Double coats insulate the dog and protect it from the elements.
The downside is that it sheds a significant amount of dog’s fur. Labrador Retrievers shed a lot of excess hair.
While not as much as some other breeds, Labrador Retriever shedding is something every new owner should be ready to deal with.
Note that all dogs shed; there is no such thing as a completely shed-free, hypoallergenic breed. Some breeds shed less than others.
If you are sensitive to pet dander, it is important to manage your dog’s shedding.
Many people believe that some hypoallergenic breeds never shed. The truth is, all dogs will leave behind some fur, with Labradors on the medium-high end.
What Causes Shedding in Labradors?
Like we said, shedding in Labradors is largely a function of hormonal changes and the seasons.
As the weather warms, Labrador’s bodies produce less melatonin; this causes the dog’s coat to start shedding.
The colder weather in the fall causes the exact opposite. Your Labrador produces more melatonin and grows thicker double coats of fur for the winter coat.
Changes in a dog’s diet or environment can also impact excessive shedding.
Coat color is not a factor in how much Labs shed. Darker coats may make the loose hairs more obvious, increasing how much fur is visible.
When Do Labradors Shed the Most?
Labrador shedding season will vary based on the individual dog and their genes, but most Labradors shed heavily twice per year, often called “shedding season.” Another term is “blowing their coat.”
Spring is one such Labrador shedding season. As days become longer and warmer in the spring, Labradors swap their thick winter coat for a lighter summer coat, resulting in all that lovely dog’s fur strewn about your home.
The other season to watch out for is fall. Think of it as the reverse of the spring shedding season.
Labradors blow their spring coats to pave the way for their warm winter fur.
These shedding seasons aside, Labradors shed more heavily when they are under stress or experiencing hormonal changes. This is often seen in pregnant dogs or ones that have recently given birth.
What Months Do Labs Shed the Most?
Labradors shed the most in the spring and summer months. Keep an eye out for signs of your Labrador blowing their double coat in March, April, November, and December.
Do Labradors Ever Stop Shedding?
We’re sorry to say this, but not really. Labradors do not stop shedding. The shedding of your beloved Labrador may not always be consistent; you can count on the fact they never stop.
With our advice and some consistent care, shedding levels will stay manageable season after season.
Top Tips for Managing Labrador Shedding
Labrador Retrievers are renowned for their beautiful coats, but excessive shedding can become a challenge if left unmanaged.
Once the shed problem gets out of control, it can be hard to live amongst the dead hair or even embarrassing to have people over to see how much your yellow lab sheds.
No need to worry, though– with the right strategies, you can keep your home feeling pet-free yet still enjoy all of your Lab’s fur and companionship. Let us show you how easy it is to manage Labrador shedding with just a few simple steps!
Brush Your Dog’s Coat Regularly
One of the most tried and true best Labrador shedding solutions is to brush your dog regularly. It’ll help keep all that flying excess fur under control and even prevent tangles while you’re at it.
For Labradors, we recommend brushing them at least once a week and more frequently during the high shedding seasons.
What is the Best Deshedding Brush for Labradors and Other Dog Breeds?
If you’re looking for the perfect dog brush to groom your Labrador Retriever, we highly recommend our go-to choice, which we’ve mentioned several times before.
With its proven effectiveness, it’s sure to make a difference in keeping your Lab well-groomed and happy at home.
The deep-penetrating FURminator brush will help you take that shedding under control. Brushing your Lab’s coat at least once a week is an easy way to reduce the amount of fur left on your furniture and dark clothes.
The specially designed metal bristles go deeper than regular dog brushes, removing excess loose dog hair from the lower layer before it has a chance to get loose and spread around your home.
Any good dog brush can work as a de-shedding tool for Lab shedding.
Try Using a Shedding Blade on Your Labrador Retriever
A shedding blade is a special type of comb designed to remove loose fur from your Labrador’s double coat. They look like toothed loops of sheet metal, similar to a slicker brush.
They can be particularly effective as a de-shedding tool for Labrador Retrievers since their thick, double coat holds a lot of loose fur.
To use a shedding blade, stroke through your Labrador’s fur in the direction of hair growth. Start from the head and work your way down to the tail in short swipes.
The shape of the blade will collect the fur as you go, making it easy to collect and discard when you’re finished.
We don’t use shedding blades ourselves, but this option from Coastal is popular and affordable.
How to Bathe Your Labrador to Reduce Shedding
Keeping your Labrador Retriever shedding levels down and coat clean is vital for their health and overall well-being, but it’s important to know that overbathing can make things worse.
Too much bathing will strip the natural oils from a Labrador coat, leading to excessive shedding beyond the normal seasonal stuff.
A good goal for at-home grooming is one bath every five to seven weeks. It should go without saying that Labrador Retrievers need shampoo products formulated especially for dogs.
Avoid human body washes and shampoos; they will dry out your dog’s skin.
We love the American Kennel Club's favorite Pro Pet Works Oatmeal Dog Shampoo.
This American-made product features high-quality organic ingredients like almond oil and oatmeal to soothe and nourish your Labrador’s dense double coat.
Keeping your Labrador spiffy and feeling fancy doesn’t have to be a grueling chore.
With love, patience, and the right tips from knowledgeable dog owners like us, and your dog’s vet, you’ll find a groove of Labrador shedding solutions that feels effortless.
What Can I Give My Dog So They Stop Shedding?
A healthy diet is essential to maintain your dog’s coat and minimize shedding. Poor diet is an overlooked cause of Labrador shedding.
Omega-3 fatty acids play a key part in preserving your Labrador’s fur’s texture and shine. Keep an eye out for foods formulated for large dog breeds that contain these essential nutrients.
What Dog Food Is Good for Shedding and Outer Coat Health?
Quality is key; when choosing foods, confirm that the ingredients are natural and high-quality to ensure your Labrador is getting the nutrition you intend.
Blue Buffalo’s line of foods offers good ingredients and a desirable nutritional profile for your Labrador.
We feed our own dogs the Freedom grain-free version so we can introduce grains ourselves in different homemade treats and supplements.
Blue Buffalo dog food contains omega-3 fatty acids, among other vital nutrients, for every aspect of canine health.
Shop around; there are plenty of stellar brands of dog food.
Adding a teaspoon or two of olive oil or flax seed oil to your dog’s meal a few times a week can supplement the health of their coat.
Proper nutrition is a key factor. One overlooked way to do this is to make sure your Labrador’s diet fits with their size, age, and activity level.
Labs love eating. We do too. But it’s important not to overfeed them– extra weight can cause an increase in shedding.
If you’re not sure about how much or how often to feed your dog, then consult your veterinarian. They’ll be happy to provide a plan for your pup.
Can Supplements Help With Dog Shedding?
There is a wide range of supplements that claim to help with shedding.
Anti-shedding supplements contain nutritional ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and biotin. All of these are involved in a healthy dog coat.
If you’re feeding your dog properly, it’s unclear if pre-formulated supplements are helpful as Labrador shedding solutions.
That being said, always be sure to check with your trusted veterinarian before giving any supplement, as it may not be suitable for most dogs or pose a potential interaction risk with some existing supplements or medications.
Do Not Over-Trim Your Labrador’s Coat
While it may seem like a good idea to have your Labrador’s coat trimmed short to reduce shedding, this can backfire.
Trimming the hair too short can cause accelerated regrowth with thicker strands. This eventually will lead up to more frequent shedding than before!
Let your Lab’s coat grow out naturally as much as possible– only give them a trim when a grooming professional, hygiene, or mats and tangles demand it.
Keep Your Dog Stress-Free
All stressed-out, unhappy dogs shed more. Along with your good diet plan and grooming routine, you need to keep your Labrador stress-free for a long and healthy life.
Keep your Labrador thriving with physical activity, mental stimulation, and frequent socialization.
Not only will it make them, and you, happy, but it will manage their shedding if they were lacking these things. Exercise and contentedness promote a healthy, thick coat along with a good diet.
Check Your Dog for Parasites
Parasites like fleas and ticks can cause irritation, itchiness, and excess shedding outside of Lab shedding season in most dogs.
Does your Labrador shed seem to be more than average hair fall? If this is the case, get them checked out at the vet as soon as possible.
Proper treatment of the parasite infestation with reduce irritation and pave the way for a healthy coat and preventative measures going forward.
How Do You Remove Dog Hair From Your House?
We all know that keeping your home free from Labrador or other dog fur can be a challenge, but with the right tools and planning, it doesn't have to mean chaos and stress.
We can’t eliminate normal shedding in our Labradors, but there are plenty of things we can do to minimize and remove the fur that ends up all over the house.
Using a vacuum with a built-in HEPA filter or powered lint roller bristle brush can help remove the fur from your furniture, clothing, and carpets to keep your home feeling clean.
One little-known tip is to spray a light mist of water over your carpet. This will wet the fur stuck in the fabric and make it easier to pull up.
After misting, use a clean, stiff broom to gather up what loose hair you can before switching to the vacuum. This sounds like way more extra work than it is. Trust us when we say it’s worth it.
