Are you planning to become a Labrador parent but want to know, ‘Do Labradors shed?’
Well, Labradors shed a lot more than you think! If you're going to share your house with a Labrador, you'll need to deal with dog hair in your house.
How much do Labradors shed?
Many aspiring dog owners ask, ‘Do Labrador Retrievers shed?’ The answer is “yes.” Labradors have a dense double coat, which consists of a soft undercoat and a wiry and rough topcoat. They are notorious shedders and pretty much shed year-round. They shed heavily when the weather changes, during the Spring and Fall. The heavy Lab shedding season lasts for almost 2 to 4 weeks. This shedding becomes excessive if your Labrador is not groomed regularly.
At what age do Labradors start shedding?
Young Labrador puppies have a single coat that is very soft and short. All Labrador puppies enter a phase of relatively fast transition where the puppy coat sheds off and is replaced by the elegant adult coat.
A Labrador sheds their puppy coat at the age of 4 to 5 months. At this age, Labradors will get rid of the old puppy coat to develop the longer double-layered coat. So, for a short period, their fur may look light and uneven. The adult Labrador has a very dense undercoat and an outer coat of longer guard hairs.
Reasons which affect Labrador shedding
Why do Labs shed so much? Not all Labs shed excessively. Sometimes Labrador heavy shedding becomes a cause of concern. The abnormal heavy shedding in Labradors can be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Let’s have a look at the various reasons which affect Lab Retriever shedding:
Change of season
You may wonder, ‘Does a lab shed more in a particular season?’ Labrador’s natural hair growth cycle adapts to varied seasons. Labradors blow their coats twice a year. This excessive shedding is during weather changes, during fall or spring. This heavy Labrador shedding season in Labradors may last for 2-4 weeks.
Labradors typically shed more between March and May each year as they lose their winter coats in preparation for warmer weather. This seasonal shedding is a natural process triggered by increasing daylight hours and rising temperatures. Pet owners can expect to see more fur around the house during these months, and regular grooming can help manage the excess hair.
Poor nutrition
Poor diet and nutrition is a major culprits when it comes to excessive shedding in Labradors. If Labradors aren't given a healthy diet, their coat appears unhealthy, and they might experience abnormal shedding. Labradors fed on dog foods containing "filler" ingredients, such as cheap grain fillers, may experience increased shedding due to inflammation. A diet lacking essential nutrients can lead to poor coat health, causing the fur to become brittle and fall out more easily. Ensuring your dog receives high-quality food with proper vitamins and minerals can significantly reduce shedding in Labs and improve overall health.
Poor grooming
Labradors are not brush-and-go dogs and need regular grooming to keep their coat healthy. Poor grooming results in excessive shedding. If you are not brushing your Labrador frequently enough or using incorrect brushes, this may damage their coat. Too much or very little bathing can cause Labradors to shed their coats. Using the wrong shampoo or conditioner also contributes to English Lab shedding.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal swings in female Labradors affect how your Labrador sheds, and you might not be able to control it. Hormonal imbalance may happen due to pregnancy, recent spaying or neutering, or a female Labrador going into heat.
Stress
Generally, Labs and shedding go hand in hand, but the shedding should not be out of control. Excessive shedding in Labradors may be a sign of stress. Labradors may get stressed because of loud noises, environmental change, separation anxiety, or when introducing new pets into their home. Other common stress-inducing scenarios include car rides, visits to the vet office, exposure to fireworks or thunderstorms, and changes in routine. Recognizing these triggers and providing a calm, stable environment can help minimize stress-related shedding.
Ticks and fleas
Fleas, ticks, or parasites may also result in Labradors shedding excessively. Fleas and ticks can cause significant discomfort and lead to excessive shedding in Labradors. Flea season typically peaks in the warmer months, with the highest risk in late spring through early fall. Ticks are more prevalent in wooded areas and can be active from early spring to late fall, depending on the region. Regular use of preventative treatments and thorough inspections after outdoor activities can help protect your dog from these pests and reduce shedding caused by their bites.
If you observe that your Labrador’s shedding has become unusually heavy, it is time to take him for a check-up with a vet.
Grooming tools for Labrador Retrievers
Are you wondering how to stop Lab shedding? Unfortunately, there are no set guidelines on how to keep Labs from shedding because your Lab is undoubtedly going to shed. Arming yourself with the right grooming equipment will help you keep your Labrador coat neat and healthy.
When it comes to finding grooming tools that for your Labradors, here is a list that can help:
- Medium-size pin brush
- Slicker brush for use on Labrador puppies and areas of the body with shorter hair
- Grooming rake for removing the shedding hair
- Grooming scissors for tidying up the coat
- Mat comb for removing the mat
- Dog Nail clippers
- Dog toothbrush and toothpaste
- Canine shampoo and conditioner
How Can I Stop My Lab From Shedding?
You cannot stop your Labrador Retriever from shedding entirely. As a Labrador owner, you need to understand that Labrador Retrievers shed. Their coats will need routine maintenance and grooming to ensure the health of Labrador’s fur. Routine maintenance will help to remove loose and dead hair from your Labrador's coat.
Here are a few Labrador shedding solutions to manage the issue:
When you first bring your dog home, you may wonder, ‘Why do Labradors shed so much?’ Unfortunately, stress is a common factor that affects shedding. Properly handling shedding caused by stress is crucial for maintaining your Labrador's coat health. Dogs can become stressed due to various reasons, such as changes in routine, loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms, car rides, visits to the vet, and separation anxiety. To ease your stressed-out dog, create a calming environment by maintaining a consistent daily routine, providing a safe and quiet space, and using calming aids like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps. Regular exercise and mental stimulation through interactive toys or training sessions can also help reduce stress levels.
Shedding can also be exacerbated by fleas and ticks, which can cause discomfort and lead to excessive scratching and hair loss. To keep your Labrador safe from these pests, use a combination of preventative measures such as flea and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Regularly check your dog for signs of fleas and ticks, especially after outdoor activities, and maintain a clean living environment by washing your dog's bedding and vacuuming frequently. Consider using flea and tick repellents for your home and yard to further reduce the risk.
Brushing
Daily brushing is essential to keep a Labrador’s shedding in check. This helps to remove dead hair and prevent tangles and mats. Regular brushing will also make your Labrador coat look shinier and cleaner.
Thoroughly brush your Labrador’s whole coat with the correct brush to remove all the dead hair gathered under the topcoat. You will need to brush your dog from the root of the hair/fur to its tip or end.
Regular baths
Many people believe that regularly bathing your Labrador also helps control heavy shedding. It is recommended to bathe your Labrador no more than twice a month. Over-bathing is not recommended for Labradors.
When your Labrador is blowing his coat and going through the shedding season, you may consider bathing more frequently. Try to always test the temperature of the water before putting your Labrador in. When bathing your Lab, use a good quality pH-balanced canine shampoo and conditioner.
Healthy diet
Labradors should be fed a healthy balanced diet and high-quality dog food. You must ensure that your Labrador gets good nutrition with a balance of Protein and Essential Fatty Acids. It is also important to ensure that this food is appropriate for the Labrador’s weight and age range. This will keep your Labrador’s coat in good condition.
If you observe a dull coat and abnormal shedding, try including fish oil and Omega 3 into your Labrador’s diet. They promote stronger hair follicles and skin elasticity in Labradors.
Annual vet visit
Take your Labrador to the vet regularly to prevent skin diseases and rule out the possibility of any other underlying condition. While all dogs shed, excessive shedding could be a symptom of an allergy or some underlying health issue. Your vet can also guide you on what kind of diet to feed your Labrador that can keep the coat healthy and reduce shedding.
Can I Shave My Labrador?
Shaving a Labrador during hot weather is NEVER recommended. Your Labrador's fur is his natural insulating layer. If you shave your Labrador, you're removing your dog's natural protective, insulating layers, and this can be damaging for your pet. Shaving puts your Labradors at a higher risk for heatstroke, sunburn, and permanent bald patches
Labradors have specific grooming needs. A better alternative to shaving your Labrador is to remove any excess undercoat by regular brushing.
Final Thoughts
Labrador Retrievers are more than just pets. They shower their humans with unconditional love and wonderful companionship.
You are not alone in finding dog hair everywhere. Labradors shed a lot, but you don’t need to go crazy about dog hair flying around the house. Taking some steps to minimize shedding allows you the chance to enjoy the unparalleled companionship of your Labradors.