Tricks for a Shedding Lab

The Labrador's coat is dense, short and straight. Underneath this coat is a soft, protective undercoat. Some Labs shed this undercoat once a year in warmer weather. Others shed twice a year. Some unlucky Lab owners have dogs that shed all year long. It is to their advantage to learn the tricks for keeping their Labs well-groomed and minimize shedding problems.

  1. Brush

    • Regular brushing is an important step in keeping your Lab's shedding under control. Brushing removes loose hair and facilitates new hair growth. It also helps keep a dog's skin free from dander. A "pin brush," which is the type with metal bristles, will remove loose, shedding hair. Your Lab will enjoy how it feels on his skin. You can also get a tool known as a "FURminator," which removes the loose hair from his undercoat.

    Bathe

    • During the summer months, bathe your Labrador often. Once a week is a good rule for bathing frequency. Use a mild dog shampoo. A canine oatmeal soap is a good choice for soothing your dog's skin and keeping his hair shiny and healthy. Make sure that the shampoo you purchase is PH balanced. Some dog shampoos and conditioners contain specially infused vitamins such as Vitamin A and Vitamin E, which are beneficial to a dog's coat.

    High-Quality Food

    • Your Labrador is a reflection of what he eats. Most grocery-store dog foods contain filler and bulking agents in addition to preservatives and colors that do not lend themselves to dog health. A cheaper brand of dog food can cause excessive shedding, dandruff and itchiness. A good dog food should contain chicken, lamb or beef and no meat byproducts. It should not contain soy or corn, as dogs are often allergic to soy and are not able to effectively digest corn.

    Supplements

    • Labradors need to supplement their diet with omega-6 fatty acids. There are canine supplements that contain omega-6 fatty acids derived from soybean and safflower oil. These help to keep your Lab's coat healthy and shiny. Vitamins A, C and E, along with biotin and zinc, are also beneficial for Labrador coat health. Look for a supplement that is a combination of all the coat-health nutrients.