Shedding is an inevitable part of being a Labrador pet parent. But if you’re like me, you adore your furry friend but not the hair they leave behind on your couch, carpet and clothes.
Labradors have a double coat that consists of a soft undercoat and a waterproof topcoat. The undercoat helps them regulate their body temperature and protects their skin from the sun and the cold. The topcoat keeps them dry and prevents dirt and debris from sticking to their fur.
Labradors shed their undercoat twice a year, usually in spring and fall, to prepare for the changing seasons. This is when you might notice more hair on your floor and furniture. However, Labradors also shed a little bit throughout the year, especially if they live indoors where the temperature is more constant.
Shedding is a natural process for dogs, especially for Labradors who have a double coat that needs to be maintained. Thankfully, there are some ways to reduce the amount of hair your Lab sheds and keep your home clean and tidy.
Let’s go through some of the best products and tips for tackling shedding in Labradors, covering brushes, vacuums and diet.
How to tackle Labrador shedding
Brushes
Brushing your Lab regularly is one of the most effective ways to remove loose hair and dirt. It also helps distribute the natural oils in their coat, keeping it healthy and shiny.
There are different types of brushes for different purposes, but I recommend using a slicker brush for daily grooming and a deshedding tool for weekly sessions.
A slicker brush has fine metal bristles that can gently detangle and smooth your Lab’s coat. A deshedding tool (like a Furminator) has a blade that can reach the undercoat and remove the dead hair that causes most of the shedding.
Both of these brushes are easy to use and comfortable for your dog.
Vacuum cleaners
No matter how much you brush your Lab, some hair will inevitably end up on your floors and furniture and clothes. That’s why you need a decent vacuum that can handle pet hair and has strong suction power. You also want a vacuum that has attachments for different surfaces, such as upholstery, stairs and crevices.
Some of the best vacuums for pet hair are the Dyson Animal series, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away and the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser. These vacuums are designed to pick up even the finest hair and have filters that trap allergens and odors.
A robot vacuum cleaner is a smart device that can navigate your home and suck up the dirt and fur on the floor. It can work on different surfaces, such as carpet, hardwood, or tile. It can also avoid obstacles, such as furniture, stairs, or pets. Some models can even empty their own dustbin and recharge themselves automatically.
A robot vacuum cleaner can help you save time and energy by doing the cleaning for you. You can schedule it to run at certain times of the day or week, or control it remotely with an app or voice command. You can also customize its cleaning mode, suction power, and boundary settings.
Diet
Finally, let’s talk about diet. What you feed your Lab can have a big impact on their coat condition and shedding. A balanced diet that provides all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals can help your Lab have a healthy skin and coat. You should avoid foods that contain artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, as they can cause allergies or irritations that can lead to excessive shedding. You should also look for foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil, as they can improve your Lab’s coat quality and reduce inflammation.
Grooming Services
Professional grooming can help you manage your Lab’s shedding by removing loose hair and dead skin cells from their coat. A professional groomer will use specialised tools and techniques to brush, comb, and trim your Lab’s fur, depending on their needs and preferences. They will also check for any signs of skin problems, parasites, or injuries that might affect your Lab’s health and comfort.
Professional grooming can also make your Lab look more neat and tidy by trimming their nails, cleaning their ears, and clipping their hair around their eyes, mouth, feet, and tail. This can prevent infections, injuries, and matting that can cause pain and discomfort for your Lab.
Professional grooming can also benefit you by saving you time and energy. You don’t have to worry about brushing your Lab every day or dealing with hair all over your house. You can enjoy spending time with your Lab without having to clean up after them.
At home grooming
Professional grooming is not a substitute for regular home care, though. You still need to brush your Lab at least once a week to keep their coat healthy and shiny.
You should give them a bath around once a month (or when dirty) with a mild shampoo that moisturizes their skin and coat. You can also use a dryer or a towel to remove excess water and hair after bathing.
Conclusion
If you follow these tips and use these products, you’ll be able to enjoy your Lab’s company without worrying about their shedding. Remember, shedding is normal and natural for Labradors, so don’t stress too much about it. Just give them lots of love and care, and they’ll reward you with their loyalty and affection.