Labrador Retriever Grooming: Shedding and Bathing Tips
Labradors are cheerful, muddy and constantly shedding. Their coat is practical and easy to care for, but it needs regular attention to keep homes and dogs comfortable. See also the Labrador Retriever breed profile.
The Lab coat
A Lab coat has a short, dense, slightly oily outer layer and a thick, soft undercoat that insulates and repels water. Hairs are short and stiff, so they weave into fabrics. Labs shed throughout the year and blow coat in spring and autumn. See double-coat grooming.
Brushing
- Weekly, with a rubber curry brush or a deshedding tool.
- During shedding, several times a week with an undercoat rake. See how to use an undercoat rake.
- Finish with a bristle brush for shine.
Brushing outdoors keeps the hair out of your house. See best deshedding tools for dogs and how to brush a dog properly.
Bathing
Bathe every six to eight weeks, or after rolling in something unpleasant. Use a gentle shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Dry completely, because a damp undercoat causes odor and hot spots. See how to bathe a dog at home and how to dry a dog after a bath.
Swimming
Most Labs are water lovers. Rinse after swims, dry the coat and ears and watch for skin problems. See how to groom a dog after swimming.
Ears
Labradors have drop ears that trap moisture. Check weekly and dry after swims. See grooming routine for floppy-eared dogs.
Skin
Labs are prone to allergies and hot spots. Part the coat while brushing and check for redness, flakes and sores. See dog hot spots and dog skin allergies.
Nails and paws
Trim nails every few weeks and check pads. See how to trim dog nails safely and dog paw pad care guide.
Teeth
Brush regularly to protect gum health. See how to brush a dog's teeth.
Do not shave
A Lab's coat protects against heat and sun. See should you shave a double-coated dog.
Weight and grooming
Labs gain weight easily, and obesity makes grooming harder and shortens life. Feel for ribs and talk to your vet about diet. See how to read a dog food label.
Managing shedding at home
See how to reduce dog shedding at home.
A weekly Lab routine
- Weekly: rubber curry brush all over, a wipe of the face and a check of the ears.
- After muddy or wet walks: towel dry, wipe feet, check ears.
- Every four to six weeks: nail trim.
- Every six to eight weeks: bath and thorough drying.
- Daily: brush teeth if you can.
Lab coat quirks
The Lab's oily outer coat repels water, which is why they smell when wet. Frequent washing strips these oils and can cause itching, so bathe only when needed. Some Labs have thinner coats and feel the cold more, and a coat for winter walks can help. Coat color does not change the care, though black and yellow coats show different types of debris.
The takeaway
Brush weekly, bathe occasionally, dry well and keep ears and skin healthy. Labs are easy to groom with a regular routine.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush a Lab?
Once or twice a week, and daily during heavy shedding.
Why does my Lab smell like a wet dog?
The coat holds moisture and oils, so dry thoroughly and bathe when needed.
Do Labs need haircuts?
No. Trimming around the feet and tidying the tail is enough.
Is shedding worse in some seasons?
Yes, in spring and autumn.