Labrador Retriever Grooming: Managing That Amazing Coat

Labrador Retrievers are America’s most popular breed, beloved for their friendly personalities and versatile abilities. Their distinctive double coat requires regular maintenance to stay healthy and manage shedding.

Understanding the Lab Coat

Labs have a unique coat designed for water work:

• Undercoat: Dense, soft, insulating
• Outer coat: Short, straight, water-resistant
• Natural oils: Provide water repellency

This coat sheds year-round with heavy shedding twice yearly.

Why You Should Never Shave a Lab

Shaving a Lab’s coat:

• Removes natural insulation and cooling
• Increases risk of sunburn
• May cause coat to grow back improperly
• Doesn’t actually reduce shedding

Instead, focus on proper maintenance!

Weekly Grooming Routine

Brushing (2-3 times weekly)

1. Use an undercoat rake to remove loose undercoat
2. Follow with a slicker brush
3. Finish with a bristle brush for shine
4. Pay attention to hindquarters and neck

Quick Checks

• Ears (Labs are prone to infections)
• Paws (check between toes)
• Skin (look for hot spots)
• Eyes (clear and bright)

Shedding Season Care

During heavy shedding (spring and fall):

• Brush daily for 10-15 minutes
• Use a deshedding tool
• Consider a professional deshedding treatment
• Bathe with deshedding shampoo

Professional deshedding can remove up to 80% of loose undercoat!

Bathing Your Lab

Frequency

Every 4-6 weeks, or when dirty

Tips

• Use lukewarm water
• Apply shampoo designed for double coats
• Massage down to the undercoat
• Rinse thoroughly (residue causes itching)
• Use a high-velocity dryer if available

Drying

Labs can take a long time to dry completely. Ensure the undercoat is fully dry to prevent hot spots.

Common Lab Grooming Issues

Hot Spots

• Common in Labs due to dense coat
• Keep coat clean and dry
• Address immediately when spotted
• May need veterinary treatment

Ear Infections

• Floppy ears trap moisture
• Clean weekly
• Dry ears thoroughly after swimming
• Watch for redness, odor, or discharge

Allergies

Labs are prone to skin allergies causing:

• Excessive scratching
• Hot spots
• Ear infections
• May require special shampoos

Obesity

Overweight Labs shed more and have skin issues. Maintain a healthy weight!

Exercise and Water Activities

After swimming or outdoor activities:

• Rinse off chlorine, salt, or pond water
• Dry ears thoroughly
• Check for ticks and debris
• Brush to remove tangles

Professional Grooming Benefits

While Labs don’t need haircuts, professional grooming offers:

• Thorough deshedding
• Ear cleaning and nail trimming
• Hot spot checks
• Expert coat assessment
• Anal gland expression

Keep your Lab’s coat healthy and your house fur-free! Book a deshedding session.