Labrador Retrievers first came about in Newfoundland, where cod fishermen used dogs with good retrieving ability and waterproof coats to bring in the lines and nets. Some of these dogs were brought to England in the 1800s. It is thought the name 'Labrador' was given to these dogs because of confusion about the geography of their origin. Labrador Retrievers can be black, yellow, or chocolate brown. Labs are a very low maintenance breed, but individual dogs can have dry skin problems.
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Nutritional Deficiencies
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Your chocolate lab may have dry, flaking, itchy skin because of a lack of nutrients in its diet. The cheapest dog food is not always the best for your dog. The food may be lacking in high quality nutrients that your dog needs for a healthy coat. Consider changing your dog's food to a higher quality food with Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils.
Always change your dog's food very gradually adding the new food to the old in greater amounts over several days to avoid stomach upsets. If there are still dry skin problems after you have changed to a better quality food, consider adding Omega oil supplements which can be purchased at your local pet supermarket.
Parasite Problems
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A poor coat can be caused by parasites such as ticks, fleas or mites which cause mange and dry skin. There are effective medications to eliminate these pests. These conditions are best treated by your veterinarian. You may need to treat the animal several times to fully eliminate the entire life cycle of the pest. You may also need to treat your home to prevent re-infestation. Even internal parasites can cause a dry, lifeless coat. Your vet can test for internal parasites.
Environmental Irritants
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There are many chemicals in your environment that can irritate or dry your chocolate lab's skin. Floor or rug cleaning chemicals can irritate skin. The shampoo you use on your dog can be very harsh and drying. Indoor heating can dry your lab's skin. If your chocolate lab has dry skin, consider all the chemicals you use in your home. You may want to change to more environmentally safe cleaners or gentler shampoos.
Allergies
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Some labs have genetic skin problems related to allergies. These are especially prevalent in southern California. Your veterinarian can best advise you how to how to find out exactly what is causing your lab's allergies and how to treat it. Antibiotic creams or steroid medications may be necessary.
Grooming Issues
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To prevent dry skin, make sure your dog gets groomed regularly. Because a chocolate Lab's coat is so low-maintenance, you might be tempted to skip baths or grooming sessions. Take the time to care for your chocolate lab's coat. You can check for parasites, sores or hair loss and get treatment for a small problem before it becomes a bigger problem.
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