Do Labs Shed? 5 Reasons and Solutions

Are you finding your lab’s hair all over your house? Are you wondering do labs shed? I’ll share 5 reasons this happens and 4 tips to help.

Labradors are well known for shedding hair in high amounts. Yes, labs shed so much hair.

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You may feel like you’re always sweeping up hair from your Labrador. It’s everywhere, sofas, coats, cupboards, etc. 

How often do Labradors shed?

It may feel like your lab is shedding like crazy. Yes, Labradors keep shedding all year, but the hair fall is quite evident at some specific times of the year. If you are noticing the hair fall for the first time, don’t panic, Labradors are famous for shedding a lot.

But when hair fall turns into balding, it’s understandable to be worried. Similarly, if your puppy is shedding more than usual, you must consult a vet. 

If shedding is not seasonal, it should not go unnoticed because your pup may be suffering from some health issues.

Labrador Shedding Season

Labradors shed the most in the spring and autumn. The hair loss is evident in two periods of the entire year.

Labradors are more prone to shed their heavy winter coat at the start of the spring for three whole weeks. Labradors shed in autumn to get rid of their summer coat and to carry bulk hair for winter.

Make sure to use your vacuum these two months. Also, using dog brushes, especially for shedding days, will help prevent you from collecting hair from the carpet.

What causes labs to lose hair?

Okay, we as dog parents understand that it is normal for our Labrador to shed, but still, we are curious to know why this happens. Almost all of the Labradors owners need to know what causes labs to lose hair.

Whether it is due to the food they eat or the weather forcing them to fall? Have a look at the major causes due to which labs lose hair

1. Seasonal hair fall

Sometimes, even extreme hair fall can be considered normal shedding in Labradors. Labradors start losing fur when hair gets old or damaged due to the warm weather. Two times in the year, dogs shed their hair, as mentioned above.

Breeds like huskies and Labradors grow thick undercoats during the winter. Then, at the start of spring, they shed the same heavy undercoat to tolerate the weather changes.

Brushing the coat will be an excellent approach when you feel that hair fall is getting out of control. In the case of living in a moderate climate, the shedding will be in a minor amount.

2. Bacterial infection

Bacteria, along with yeast, include the major causes due to which Labradors lose their hair. No doubt, hair fall is quite normal in dogs, but it may grow out of control due to bacteria.

As we know, our dogs love to explore the world, and because of this, they may interact with some bacteria. Bacteria not only cause hair loss but also redness and itching along with foul odor. The pus-filled pimples are the physical evidence of shedding because of bacteria or yeast.

Additionally, dogs may get ringworm which causes irregular and random shedding. Areas of infection, redness, and scaly patches are the indicators that you must consult the vet.

After conducting the complete examination, a vet will recommend testing along with antibiotics. Antifungals are also effective in treating shedding due to bacteria.

3. Other Parasites and Mange

Mange is a term for irritated skin diseases brought about by vermin. Parasites are miniature animals that live on the outside of the skin or in hair follicles. They cause balding and tingling by tunneling or biting on the skin.

Other bugs, such as parasites, aren’t contagious but cause balding and may require treatment.

While fleas are the other causes of hair fall in Labradors, fleas bring the dogs to a point where they start scratching their hair off. Know that both mites and fleas are contagious so Labradors may get them from their training centers.

Tip – if your pup is regularly going to some class, keep using antibiotic shampoos or lotions.

4. Allergies

Unfortunately, dogs can also develop different allergies just like humans, and even symptoms are the same, like redness and itchy skin. Allergies, as a result, become the cause of excessive hair fall in dogs.

Environmental allergies (pollen, dust mites, and pollens) and food allergies are common in dogs. Your vet will recommend flea control medication for suspecting allergies.

Changing food and medicines to reduce redness may also include treatment and prevention.

5. Any medical condition

If a dog loses hair all over his body, the issue may lie in the skin. The skin is, in fact, the biggest organ in the body, and it requires enormous supplements to remain solid.

On the off chance that your dog has a fundamental ailment, his hair and hide are typically quick to endure because the body will move nutrients from the skin toward the interior organs that need assistance.

Hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism and adrenal gland issues cause irregular shedding. Decreases in testosterone levels, and liver and kidney disorders are additional reasons for the hair fall in Labradors.

Therefore, dog parents should not ignore hair fall if it’s an excessive amount. A trip to the vet, even in the seasonal shed, is highly appreciated.

Labrador Shedding Solutions?

Apart from the annual shedding, if you notice extreme hair loss in your dog, you need to look into this issue. Don’t worry; some solutions are available that slow down the overall hair loss process.

1. Quality food

Know that skin and coat health both reflect what you are providing your dog to eat. Lack of quality food is the root of various dog problems. Similarly, food can be the reason your puppy is facing excessive hair loss problems.

Luckily, the hair fall process is easy to reverse just by serving your Labrador with high-quality food. Try to provide food that is rich in fats along with protein and contains less amount of carbohydrates.

The quality food not only provides a healthy and shiny coat but also boosts up the energy level of your Labrador.

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2. Regular brushing of Labrador hair

Brushing three times a week solves more than half of this problem. Make sure to select a proper hairbrush for your Labrador. Brushing its hair in the right direction will spread its body oil all over the skin, which reduces hair loss.

Brushing regularly not just slows down the fur loss but also gives you a comfort level when your dog rolls on the bed.

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3. Coconut oil massage

Massage is not just preferred for humans but also for dogs. Coconut is rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties due to healing wounds. Also, massage helps your lab to calm down and sleep well.

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4. Olive oil in meals

Some oils are suitable for a massage, while others are highly effective to add to food. Similarly, olive oil in meals gives a flawless coat and muscular body to your Labrador. For the dog parents, adding olive oil to the meal is the easiest way to reduce irregular shedding.