HOW TO MANAGE YOUR LABS SHEDDING: Owners of Labradors are well aware of this issue. Labradors shed their silky hair at the beginning of the winter and summer seasons. For most Labrador owners, this is a difficult time as all the shedding can be a real hassle. Here are a few tips on how you can make shedding season easier on yourself and your dog.
Why Do Labradors Molt?
The fur on Labradors, as well as most other animals, serves as protection and camouflage. Even though Labradors do not need camouflage, they use their fur for another reason. During the winter, their fur keeps them warm and during the summer, it keeps them cool. The thick coat of fur helps the dog stay warm and protected from low temperatures during the winter. In the summer, the fur acts as a radiator, allowing the sweat to evaporate from a larger surface area. Dogs remain fresher with this method of cooling down the body.
Reasons for Shedding
When the temperature drops in the winter, the dog sheds its old coat to grow a thicker, warmer one. The thicker coat keeps him warm in cold weather. A similar phenomenon occurs at the start of the summer when the dog needs to lose the thicker coat to provide some relief from the hot temperatures.
It is entirely natural and healthy for your pup, even if it seems like they shed a bit too much. This can be due to some Labrador breeds having a double coat. Due to its double coat, this breed sheds more hair when molting than other breeds.
How To Manage Shedding?
Managing your lab shed is more about making it easier than about stopping it altogether. Let’s face it, this is a natural phenomenon that must happen. Here is what you can do to prevent your dog from making a lot of a mess and leaving hair everywhere.
- Brush Your Dog Daily
To easily remove stuck hair from your dog’s coat during molting season, brush the coat daily with a special brush. Using this method, your dog can molt quicker, and they do not have to rub against surfaces to dislodge the hair.
- Rinse and shower
Rinse your dog thoroughly with shampoo regularly. As a result, the hair is smooth, which makes brushing easier, as well as nourishes the hair follicles for the emerging coat. In addition to getting the convenience of not having hair everywhere, your dog will be clean and comfortable.
- Diet or Nutrition
There may be nutritional deficiencies in your dog’s diet if they shed more than normal and not just during molting season. A nutritionist or vet can determine if your pup needs some additional vitamins or minerals to help its fur grow.
It’s not easy to manage molting and shedding, but there are some simple rules you can follow to make it easier. Please contact your veterinarian if you feel that things are getting out of hand or if you feel something is not right with excessive shedding.
What months do labs shed the most?
Labs shed the most in the winter and in the spring. Labrador Retrievers shed the most during the springtime and wintertime. Labs shed in the winter to produce a new layer of fur to protect against winter elements. They shed in the summer to cool off and not carry such a dense second layer.
Is there a way to reduce dog shedding?
Regular, even daily, brushing is the most effective way to keep your home hair-free. Brushing will also make your dog’s coat softer, cleaner, and less likely to shed. (Keep a small trash barrel nearby to dump the remains).
Should you shave a Labrador?
The main reasons why you shouldn’t shave your Labrador retriever are: Shaving causes permanent damage to your dog’s coat. Shaved Labs can develop sunburns and skin cancer. A growing coat can make your dog itchy and uncomfortable.
Do Labrador Retrievers shed a lot?
They also shed in autumn so they can replace their thin summer coat with a snug winter one. Each shedding season lasts around two to three weeks. During molting season, Labradors shed a lot. You’ll probably be cleaning up after your Lab much more when this happens, perhaps even daily.