Understanding your Lab shedding: Why do they shed, how often and how to manage the shedding
Meta description: If you are a new Labrador keeper, the shedding might have surprised you. Labs shed to adapt to the different seasons, particularly summer and winter. Some Labs shed more than others.
Labs shed their hair, and it’s absolutely normal. So don’t be shocked if you find some amount of hair gathering on your carpet, at the sofas, on your car seats, or even at the corners of your rooms. The appearance of the beautiful short-haired dogs doesn’t come from nowhere. It’s undoubtedly attributed to the shedding.
If you are still reading this you are probably searching for answers to, why exactly is my dog shedding? How often should the shedding occur? Are there abnormal shedding? How to manage the shedding? Well, you’re not alone. Most people who own a Labrador always have concerns over the shedding, which is totally fine. Understanding the shedding is what is most important, otherwise you may get frustrated to the point of selling it off or donating it. So, let’s get started.
Why do Labradors shed?
There is a process called molting that wild animals like wolfs and foxes go through twice a year. The process involves changing coats to adapt to the changing seasons.
Typically, this occurs as spring is about to start when the temperatures are beginning to rise. During this time, these animals will shed off their thick winter coats in preparation for summer, as thin coats will help them stay cool. The process is then seen again just before winter in preparation for the cold weather.
Labs have been seen to practice this behavior as well. They shed throughout the year, which is the difference. Some labs shed more than others. (It is not easy to quantifier the amount, but it is evident some shed more than others).
The labs have a double coat made up of a sleek outer layer of hair and a topcoat. This double coat is what helps the dog adapt to the different weathers. During the cold season i.e., in the winter, the outer layer grows thick, therefore keeps the dog warm. During the hot season i.e., in the summer, this coat grows thin, keeping the dog cool.
The outer coat or the topcoat is waterproof, and its work is to protect the dog from getting wet and cold when in water. It also protects the skin from getting dry.
So, why do Labradors shed? They do so to adapt to the different weathers with the help of their double coat.
How often do Lab shed?
Shedding is one thing you will have to face if you are a human lab parent. Labs shed small amounts throughout the year. However, the shedding increases twice a year during the molting season.
In spring, for two to three weeks, expect your canine friend to shed off the winter hair in preparation for summer. Again, in autumn, your buddy will do the same. He will shed the summer hairs for thick ones to keep warm during winter.
Do Labs shed a lot?
It is not easy to quantify the shedding. But, if you are used to other breeds like Poodle, which shed very little coat, then you may feel that the amount of coat that a Lab shed is a lot.
Labradors shed a lot regardless of their color. However, you’ll notice some shed more or less than others.
If your Lab sheds small amounts of hair during the year and then increases the shedding in spring and fall, then your Lab is shedding as normal.
How to deal with lab shedding
Probably, you are thinking of how you are going to live with all that shedding now that you know it’s normal. Well, two solutions for you:
- Set some limits
Keep your dog away from the bed, furniture, carpet, and even away from the kitchen. As much as you would like to have your dog with you and your dog would love to be with you most of the time, setting limits will help you manage the shedding.
Keep your dog in the yard or in an ideal spot that is easy to clean.
- Consider grooming your Lab.
You can do this by brushing your Lab regularly, especially during the molting season. (At least once a day during the shedding season and a couple of times per week in the normal calendar). Do not allow the dead hair to fall everywhere in your house; just brush that dog!
There are tools in the market that can help you through this process.
Remember to be gentle with the dog not to damage the coat or hurt the skin, which could leave your canine friend vulnerable to sunburn.
The tummy area and the lower legs have less hair; therefore, consider to more careful at these points.
One advantaged of grooming is that your Lab gets used to being handled. Also, it helps to reduce the amount of hair falling all around your house.
What is considered excessive Lab shedding?
Lab shedding can, at times, be considered excessive. If you think the shedding is a lot, then consider consulting a vet.
Again, note there is fur loss, and there is shedding. The two are different. Fur loss is due to illness and is characterized by loss of hair in certain parts of the dog’s body.
If you fed your dog with more healthy foods, it would show on the outside. Adding healthy fat to the diet through a supplement or whole food can be a better way to deal with excessive shedding.
Causes of excessive shedding
Excess shedding may be a sign of a health problem. If your Lab in shedding a lot, then these may be the causes:
An allergic reaction from food can be the problem. It can even be a single ingredient. It can be a pest bite, medicine, or a new washing item.
The best way to deal with allergy problems is to diagnose an allergic response. Do away with everything you suspect may be causing the allergy then keenly introduce items one after the other. This will help you to get at the core of the problem.
- Hormones
Hormone imbalance can cause your Lab to shed more than usual. You can treat this with medication.
- Stress
Just like humans, dogs too can experience stress. Considering the dog emotion is essential. Conflicts, loss of a loved one, or even change of homes are some of the issues that maybe causing your lab unusual hair fall. You can add a few supplements to the diet to support hair growth.
Is shaving a Labrador be good idea?
Lab shedding can be frustrating, especially during the summer, when the molting is at its worst. Imagine waking up in the morning, and the dead hairs are everywhere. You start cleaning, but you still know the dog will again do the same tomorrow, later in the day or in a couple of hours. It is really, really annoying. You will surely be tempted to shave your canine friend and do away with the hair. But is it really a good idea.
No! It is not a good idea. The process of shaving can hurt the dog’s skin, making it vulnerable to sunburn and environmental problems. Again, shaving will interfere with the dog’s temperature regulation. Let your dog have its double coat in peace.
However, you can slow down the shedding. Yes, that is possible. How?
- Fed the Lab with a well-balanced diet. Consider adding supplements.
- Give the Lab a weekly bath with de-shedding shampoo and conditioner-this is only during the shedding season.
- Brush the Lab with a de-brushing brush every single day.
How to clean dog hair in your house?
You cannot stop the dog from shedding. And training it to stay off the furniture can be difficult; also, cleaning the set limited space is not that easy.
However, if you vacuum the house regularly, targeting the carpet and drapes can help. Wash and sanitize the house surfaces. Most of the dead hairs will fall on the floor, so focus there as well as on the furniture.
Getting yourself a high-quality vacuum will save you a lot in the cleaning process. For those who do not have enough time to clean the house, getting a robot vacuum can be a good move.
Takeaway
Yes, labs shed! Don’t let anyone lie to you. Some shed more than others. The shedding is a major concern when it comes to this breed. Maybe if they didn’t have the shedding, everyone would be lab keeper. However, understanding your lab shedding is essential. You get to learn why they do so, how they do it, and what do as a pet keeper.