What to Do for Oily Fur on a Labrador Retriever

Although the top layer of fur on a Labrador retriever is naturally coarse and slightly oily (to deter dirt and shed water easily), excess oil in either the rough topcoat or in the soft undercoat may be a sign of skin problems, infections, poor diet and, in some cases, poor genetics. Not addressing the problem can lead to chronic physical problems for the dog in the future, so a Lab's owner needs to take action when the problem arises.

  1. Consider the Lab's Diet

    • The Lab's diet may be the culprit for the over-oily fur. Many commercial dog foods contain byproducts, which are the left-overs after the meat is removed. Labs need protein to keep their coats healthy and, since ¼ of his diet should be protein, it should eat Super-Premium dog food brands that offer high-quality food for good balance of nutrition. Many owners feed their Labs fresh meat, fish, milk, potatoes, corn, rice and other vegetables, cereals and fruit in lieu of off-the-shelf dog foods.

    Inspect the Coat

    • Oily fur and flaky skin or dandruff may indicate Canine Seborrhea, which may be hereditary. It may also be an indicator of other diseases including hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism, or nutritional disorders such as malnutrition or pancreatic diseases. Check for parasites such as fleas and ticks and lice, as they can also be the cause. If you find any, get rid of them immediately and buy collars or sprays to protect your animal from further infestations. Spray the dog's bedding, too. Look for seeping skin injuries that may cause an oily-looking coat. Use dog first-aid treatment, including antibiotics, to fix the wounds.

    Bathe the Dog

    • Bathing a Lab is usually unnecessary unless there is an odor. Using oat shampoo does not remove too much of the oil needed to maintain the fur. Most of the time, a wet towel removes the dirt and a dry towel dries the fur. However, if seborrhea is causing the overly-oily fur, specially-medicated coat conditioners and shampoos must be used. In extreme cases, shaving or clipping the fur is necessary for the shampoo to actually reach the skin.

    Groom the Dog Regularly

    • For most of the year, Labs should be brushed once every week and, in some cases, two or three times depending on the amount of dirt, oil and hair matting. However, more grooming is required during the spring and fall, the two times a year the Lab loses its coat.

    Take the Dog to the Veterinarian

    • If all else fails, take your Lab to the veterinarian; before you go, jot down any other problems you observed about your dog's condition. Include how long the fur has been oily. The vet may suggest the problem stems from allergies. In which case, your dog requires routine shots.