Are you wondering do Labradors need professional grooming or DIY grooming would be enough? This post will answer your question.
Grooming is an essential part of any dog’s life. Depending on the type of coat the dog has, grooming requirements do vary.
Talking about Labradors, what are their grooming requirements? Do they need professional grooming?
Yes, Labradors do need professional grooming. It is advisable to get a Labrador groomed by a professional groomer every 4 to 6 weeks.
Labrador Retrievers are double-coated dogs and they shed all year round. They shed excessively two times a year – spring and fall. To keep their coat clean and healthy, providing regular grooming is essential.
Owners do provide basic grooming needs like brushing and bathing, but that’s not enough. Professional grooming won’t just reduce shedding, it will improve coat health as well.
About Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever is the world’s most popular dog breed (as per AKC Breed Popularity Ranking). The breed holds the number 1 position since 1991.
What makes Labradors so special?
Their temperaments! Labs are fun-loving, affectionate, playful, smart, and athletic. Labs are so energetic. They enjoy outdoor activities like playing games and exercising.
The breed gets along well with families, kids, and other dogs. It can be a great companion for you and your family. A Lab dog would enjoy your company and won’t get bored playing & spending time with you.
Labrador Retriever Coat
Labrador retriever is a double-coated dog breed with a short & dense coat. The top coat is kind of wiry and the undercoat is softer. Both these layers of coats protect labs from UV rays and different weather. These layers of coats keep them warm in colder seasons and cool in summer.
You will find Labradors mainly in three colors – black, yellow, and chocolate. Polar white and fox red are the color variations of yellow.
Due to the short and dense coat of Labs, grooming won’t be difficult (unlike Golden Retriever).
As this is a double-coated dog breed, it sheds throughout the year. Therefore, if you are allergic to shedding and looking for a hypoallergenic breed, Labrador isn’t for you.
Labrador Retriever & Grooming
Labs shed moderately all year round and excessively twice a year (spring and fall). When it comes to grooming, shedding is the main problem you have to deal with.
To deal with excess shedding, you need to buy a good-quality brush. Brushing on a daily basis won’t just minimize shedding, it will improve your canine’s coat and skin health as well.
Other grooming requirements include bathing, brushing teeth, nail trimming, and ear checkups.
As a dog owner, you can fulfill basic grooming needs like brushing, bathing, etc. But for complete grooming, you have to rely on a professional groomer.
What you can do is, you can take your Labrador to a professional groomer every 4 to 6 weeks.
Should You Shave A Labrador Retriever?
The answer is NO! Shaving should not be part of Labrador’s grooming routine. As this is a double-coated dog breed, shaving can result in several serious problems.
Labs have a thick topcoat and soft undercoat. It ensures protection in different weather conditions. Their undercoat works as insulation, meaning it keeps them warm in winter and cool in summer.
Many owners shave their Labs in the summer season, thinking it would help them stay cool. Shaving doesn’t help with cooling. In fact, it results in other concerns like sunburn and irritating skin.
Another misconception among Lab owners (especially new ones) is that shaving would prevent shedding. Shaving won’t prevent or minimize shedding. Your pup will continue to shed short, prickly hair, which can be even more irritating.
If your canine is shedding excessively, the best thing you can do is maintain a proper brushing routine.
Related: How Often Should I Brush My Lab’s Fur?
TRAIN YOUR CANINE! ⬇️
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