How to reduce Shedding in Labrador Retrievers?
If you are the proud owner of a Labrador Retriever, congratulations: now you know what it’s like to find dog hair everywhere.
Because of their double-coated coat, Labradors shed more during two seasons, when the weather changes drastically, such as spring and fall. However, Labradors also shed a lot during the shoulder months, which means that when it comes to your Labrador’s coat, you may feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle.
The good news is that you’re not alone. With a bit of work and a few different methods, you can learn how to keep Labradors from shedding so much hair throughout the year.
Why do dogs shed so much?
Just like humans, dogs shed throughout the day. And, like many other animals, your dog’s coat is vital to survival: a healthy coat can help regulate the body’s climate control system while protecting the skin.
Shedding is the body’s way of shedding old or damaged hair to keep the skin healthy and clean. The amount of hair shed depends on the breed, climate, health of the dog, and many other factors.
Ultimately, shedding is a natural phenomenon that all dogs experience, but it is essential to know when your dog’s coat is shedding too much.
Is shedding a sign of a health issue?
Whether in humans, cats, or dogs, hair loss is usually a common and healthy occurrence. Hair loss in dogs is the body’s way of removing old, unwanted hair from the undercoat. Since Labradors have a double coat, hair loss is average, but when do you need to start worrying?
Unfortunately, many different things can affect how your puppy molts, making it difficult to determine precisely when something is wrong. That’s why it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your pet’s shedding habits so you can spot abnormalities more easily.
There are several reasons why your dog may be shedding excessively:
An unbalanced diet
Using the wrong shampoo
Stress in the home
Skin parasites
Hormonal imbalance
Underlying diseases
The most important thing to do if your pet is experiencing excessive shedding, scratching, or behavioral changes is to consult your veterinarian to help determine the cause and treatment.
How much do Labradors shed?
Several breeds are more prone to shedding than others, and Labradors top the list.
Because of their unique double coat, Labradors shed a lot throughout the year, significantly as the seasons change. Labradors shed a lot in spring to try to shed their winter coat and prepare for summer. In the fall, they regain their coat to prepare for winter.
What is a double coat?
A double coat is an undercoat and top coat of a dog’s coat. Only a few breeds have a double coat, such as Labradors, German and Australian Shepherds, Pomeranians, Siberian Huskies, etc.
Labradors developed their faithful double coats centuries ago when they were bred as fishing dogs in Newfoundland. To be excellent water dogs, Labradors had to have a waterproof coat and another coat to help them regulate their body temperature in cold water, hence the double coat.
The first coat, the undercoat, is short and dense. It is designed to keep your dog’s body warm, even when swimming or playing in cold weather. The second layer, the top coat, is long and silky. It facilitates maintaining the coat free from dust and water.
What months do Labs shed the most?
When your Labrador molts in the spring, his body is trying to shed its thick, dense winter coat.
This means you should expect excessive shedding between March and May each year.
Later in the year, Labradors lose that same summer coat and begin to bulk up for the winter months as fall begins. This means you can expect excessive shedding between October and December each year.
Think of it this way: when the temperatures drop, you put away the summer clothes and start unpacking the suitcase with the winter stuff. Then, when it gets warmer, you remove the winter coats and bring out the summer clothes again. The identical may be stated for Labradors.
How to reduce shedding in Labradors?
Labradors shed a lot, and if you have one, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: how can I get my dog to stop shedding so much?
You can’t eliminate shedding completely, but there’s good news: with these three helpful tips, you can learn how to reduce your dog’s shedding to the point where everyone notices less fur.
1. The first thing dog owners will think about is using a pet brush. But unfortunately, a Labrador retriever’s double coat is usually extra thick and hard to rack through. So it would help if you used a top-notch de-shedding tool. However, it would help if you always were especially careful when brushing the tummy area and lower legs, as the hair is thinner and less dense at these points, with the skin more exposed.
2. Investing in an intelligent Vacuum is the best way to keep your surroundings clean to avoid spending all day collecting fur balls in all the corners of your home. And with technological evolution, vacuums you can control with your phone even if you are out of your house are now available.
3. Baths are necessary for any pet. Not only is it a part of basic hygiene, but it can also help miraculously reduce shedding. They can help, through the warm water, to remove fur that’s ready to be shed but has not yet come off. In addition, you should also provide your Labrador with enough water so they can stay hydrated.
Conclusion
it would help if you understood that shedding is normal. Even if the amount varies, you will never see a Labrador that never sheds. With this advice, you can expect way less dog hair around your home:
Brush regularly and use a detangler during the heavy shedding months of spring and fall
Incorporate more baths into your Labrador schedule, as the lukewarm water will help remove excess hair and debris
Invest in an innovative vacuum, which you can turn on even when you’re not home
Increase your Lab’s water intake by giving him clean, fresh water regularly throughout the day to keep his skin hydrated and healthy.
