Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and it's no surprise why. They are friendly, affectionate, and intelligent dogs that make great family pets. However, with their thick fur, they can require a lot of grooming. In this guide, we'll provide you with everything you need to know about Labrador grooming, including tips and tricks to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Breed Peculiarities of Labradors
Dog's coat
Labradors boast a double-layered coat of fur that provides warmth and protection. The top coat is made up of wiry, coarse hairs to the touch while beneath lies an undercoat composed of downy soft hair strands placed close to their skin.
Labradors are one of the most shedding dog breeds, so you need to opt for Shedding shampoo to help lab owners to decrease the shedding of their pets.
The structure of dog's coat and shedding factor means that they require more frequent grooming than some other breeds.
Labrador dog's skin
Labradors have sensitive skin that's prone to allergies and infection, so it is important to groom them regularly to keep their skin healthy. Grooming can help uncover any lumps or bumps on their skin that may need attention, as well as flaking or dandruff which could be an indication of a more serious problem like an allergy.
Before you start grooming a gorgeous Labrador check with the owner if their dog showed any signs of sensitive, dry and itchy skin or allergies. If the answer is "yes", select milder shampoo formulas, e.g. The Sensitive One
Labrador Grooming Guide for Professionals
1. Brushing Labrador
Before you start grooming your Lab client, brush thoroughly first. Brushing Labrador is an essential part of their grooming routine. Not only does it help to remove dead fur and keep their coat looking healthy and shiny, but it also helps to distribute natural oils throughout their fur to keep it soft and moisturized.
When brushing Labrador, it's important to use the right tools. A slicker brush is a great option for removing dead fur, and a comb can be used to help detangle any knots. Start at the head and work way down the body, brushing in the direction of the fur growth. Be gentle, as pulling too hard can be painful for a dog.
You can recommend dog owners brush their Labrador at least once a week, but you can increase the frequency if their dog is shedding heavily.
2. Bathing Labrador
Labradors have a thick double coat that can trap dirt and odors, so it's important to clean them thoroughly during the bath.
When bathing Labrador, be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo that is gentle on their skin. We recommend using either The Shedderor The Sensitive One
Wet their fur completely, and then lather the shampoo into their fur, being careful to avoid their eyes, ears, and nose.
To reach out for deeper coat levels you may consider using The Bath Brush, that helps to clean the coat and stimulate circulation.
After lathering, rinse the shampoo completely out of their fur with lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
Next, apply conditioner to your dog’s coat and massage it in just like you did with the shampoo. Allow the conditioner to sit on their fur for a few minutes before
Rinse the conditioner thoroughly and then dry dog with a towel or blow dryer set on low heat.
3. Trimming Labrador's Fur
In addition to regular brushing and bathing, you may also need to trim Labrador's hair. This is especially important for Labradors with longer hair, as it can become matted and uncomfortable for dogs. Trimming can also help to keep their fur from getting tangled and prevent any skin irritations.
When trimming Labrador's fur, it's important to use the right tools. Scissors and clippers can both be used, but it's important to be careful not to trim too much fur at once, as this can be painful for dogs.
4. Nail Trimming
If dogs' nails are too long, they can cause discomfort and even injury, so it's important to keep them trimmed regularly.
When trimming a dog's nails, be sure to use a sharp, high-quality nail clipper. Trim the tips of the nails, being careful not to cut too much, as this can cause bleeding. If you do accidentally cut the quick, apply a small amount of styptic powder to the area to help stop the bleeding.
5. Cleaning Labrador's Ears
Labradors have floppy ears that can trap dirt and bacteria, so do not forget to clean their ears too. This can help prevent ear infections and keep dogs' ears healthy and odor-free.
Essential Grooming Products for Labrador Retrievers
1. Coat-specific Shampoo:
Keep Labrador's double coat shiny, fluffy, and hygienic with a specially-formulated dog shampoo.
2. Nail Clippers:
Go for professional nail clippers, that are sharp enough and do not require you to put a lot of pressure on dog's paw or Lab's nails.
3. Curry Comb - The Bath Brush:
This rubber or plastic comb is useful for loosening a Labrador's undercoat and removing debris and loose hair.
4. Undercoat Rake:
When shedding excessively, an undercoat rake can penetrate Labrador's coat and effectively remove a substantial amount of shedding fur.
5. Brushes:
For Labradors, you would need Wire Slicker Brush & Bristle brush. The first one will help to eliminate tangles, particles, and dead hair with this handy brush, while the second one will leep Labrador's coat smooth and radiant by using a bristle brush to distribute natural oils evenly. It is gentle in delicate areas, such as the stomach.
You can save up by ordering just 1 Only Brush, which has 2 sides and combines those 2 types of brushes
6. Towels:
After a bath, use towels to dry Labrador to prevent bacteria and microbes from thriving in their damp undercoat.
Look for microfiber towels, they are very lightweight and highly absorbant. Our Towel has even pockets for better grip!
Here are some tips to keep Labrador Retriever safe:
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Keep your environment free of litter, fur and food, as they can be dangerous if ingested by pets. Labrador Retrievers have delicate skin, so it's important to keep them protected.
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Remove sharp objects that the dog could come into contact with, such as sharp edges or corners. This will prevent injury and discomfort
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Install child-proof locks on cabinets and drawers containing chemicals like bleach. Labrador Retrievers are smart dogs and can quickly figure out how to unlock cabinets, so it's important to keep them secure.
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Hide electrical cables, as Labrador Retrievers are known for their chewing habit. This will prevent any electrical hazards.
Dog groomers universally adore Labradors, ranking them as one of their favorite canine clients, but they are not easy ones. We hope our quick guide on labrador grooming needs was helpful for you!
WHO IS PRIDE+GROOM?
The very first clean beauty brand…for dogs!
PRIDE+GROOM is a female and minority owned all-natural pet grooming company born and bred in New York City. We designed our coat-specific dog shampoos with a light, fresh signature scent that says goodbye to the overwhelming fragrances currently in the dog grooming market. Our packaging and branding humanizes our pet products making them attractive and user friendly.
Our company is rooted in our love for dogs and cats, and we’ve put all our energy into creating products that let us care for them, their coats and their skin in a way that is natural, nurturing, and specific. Our formulas are a unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world. Each ingredient has a purpose. Like Marshmallow Root Oil, in our Non-Shedder, helps detangle and nourish those dogs, like doodles, with hair that grows and is prone to matting.
PRIDE+GROOM is deeply committed to giving back to the community. We developed our ONE FUR ALL conditioning shampoo that we have donated to over 1000 shelters around the country. This amounts to over 50,000 needy rescue dogs getting the PRIDE+GROOM treatment before heading to their forever homes for adoption.
