How to Look After Your Labrador’s Coat

Friendly, fun, eager to please, and low-maintenance, it’s no surprise that the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.

More often than not, Labradors are short-haired, but their double coats mean they need a dedicated grooming routine to stay happy and healthy. Here are my top tips to help you with your Labrador grooming needs.

Equipment Needed

Slicker brush

Slicker brushes have thin bristles and are great for keeping your pet’s coat free of mats and tangles. They come in different types, so make sure to choose one that’s right for your pet’s age or breed. For example, a soft-tipped slicker brush is recommended for puppies because their skin is delicate.

Comb

Another essential grooming tool is the comb. Many pet owners have combs at home, and they’re suitable for all long-haired dogs. After using a slicker brush, combing through a pet’s fur is a great final step to make sure there are no knots or tangles left.

Massage brush

Next up is the massage brush. It’s perfect for short-haired or thin-haired dogs and cats, especially when their fur is damp. The brush not only massages them, stimulating their oil glands, but also helps them relax and get used to grooming.

Grooming Your Labrador at Home

Keeping your Labrador well-groomed and removing any excess hairs will help ensure your dog is neat, tidy, and able to maintain a healthy coat. Compared to other dog breeds, Labradors are relatively easy to take care of at home. Regular brushing is necessary for Labradors, and once-a-day brushing is sometimes required during the times of the year when they shed the most. Labs are inclined to become rather muddy, so they will occasionally require a bath.

Bathing

Although bathing a Lab may seem daunting, know that Labs are no strangers to water. It is not a good idea to shampoo your older Labrador regularly unless you really need to, especially in the winter. This is because the shampoo strips out the natural oils and reduces the waterproofing and cold repellent qualities of his double coat. However,  they’re prone to exploring and love to jump in water and mud at the first opportunity, so they may need an occasional bath between their professional grooming appointments. The M-Pets Natur-Luxe Oatmeal & Green Tea Shampoo is the best overall shampoo you can use on your Lab. It has a gentle formula that includes natural ingredients.

Common Issues with Labrador’s Coat

There is a wide variety of different skin conditions that affect Labs’ shiny coats, but some are more common than others.Labs can develop allergies and skin issues at any age, so it’s always wise to keep an eye out for any symptoms.

• Allergies. Both environmental and edible triggers may be the culprit. Environmental allergies are triggered by contact with the offending substance, such as pollen, mold, dust mites, a tree or bush. Food allergies often manifest in the face, feet, and ears. These allergies may be developed over time. Your vet will likely recommend some sort of elimination diet to suss out the cause.
• Dandruff. Sometimes called “scurff”, dandruff is often a sign of another infection. However, some dogs just have dry skin, particularly in winter. Vets will generally recommend a course of medicated shampoo and omega-3 fish oils. This will help to restore and maintain the skin’s natural moisture.
• Parasites. If you’re not treating your dog regularly with flea and tick medication, it’s time to start. The scratching that parasites’ bites can cause can open up sores if left untreated, leading to all sorts of flakes, sores, and even flea- or tick-borne disease.

Recommended Treatments at our Grooming Studio

We’re here to help you with your dog’s everyday skin and coat care, and offer an extensive menu of treatments to help you find the one that suits your dog pawfectly.