Bathing and Grooming Your Labrador

Bathing and grooming your Labrador can sometimes be a daunting task. With the right tools and information, the job can be something both you and your pup look forwards to.

Do Labradors Need Grooming?

All dogs need to be groomed, so the same goes for Labradors. Even though they have a short, dense coat, which is typically easy to manage,  they tend to shed a lot. In order to decrease the amount of hair in your home and to keep your Lab comfortable, they need to be brushed at least once a week.  The earlier you start this routine, the easier it will be down the road. You want to apply firm pressure when brushing to remove any dirt or dust. Brushing will also improve the look and shine of their coat.

Labrador Grooming Tools

A dog brush is the first tool that you need to groom your Lab. There are many different styles to choose from, but you will want to make sure to find one that fits your hand comfortably. You will also want to make sure you find one that gets down into the coat to remove the dead hair. This will reduce the amount of shedding.

Another useful tool to have in your grooming kit is deshedding device. One of the more popular ones is the FURminator. It uses metal teeth to remove the loose, dead undercoat without damaging the topcoat. There is also a Zoomgroom that is made by Kong that is made of rubber and removes loose hair and stimulates natural oil production. Both are great ways to continue to reduce the shedding in your Lab.

How Often Should Labradors Be Groomed?

Labs do not need to be groomed everyday, but the more often that you do it, the more comfortable they are with it. If you add grooming to your daily routine, they will be used to the process and they will benefit from the continued physical contact.

It also cannot hurt to pamper your pup with a trip to a local dog groomer. They can help when you Lab may need some additional attention or has some problem areas. It can also give you a break from the battle of grooming if your dog is not used to it.

How Often Should I Bathe My Labrador?

It can vary from Lab to Lab on how often they should be bathed, but if you want to stick with a routine, once a month is a good schedule to go with. This can change, however, if your pooch gets into something outside or you notice they have a stench. When this happens, you may want to go against the schedule and give them a wash sooner.

When bathing your Labrador, you’ll want to make sure to use a shampoo that is intended for dogs. Using a human shampoo can irritate their skin or sting when it gets in their eyes. There are many dog shampoos to choose from, so you should not have an issue finding one that both you and your furry friend enjoy.

Ways To Bathe Labradors

There are many different paths you can take when bathing your Lab. If your pooch isn’t a fan of the standard bath in the bathtub, you can try one of the others listed below.

• A hose outside when the weather is nice
• Portable pet shower when a tub isn’t available
• If you have a bad back, try a booster bath

Once the bath is complete, you’ll then need to dry your dog. The most efficient way is to use two dog towels. They are specifically made to soak up the water that a dog’s coat produces. Use the first one until it has absorbed as much water as it can, then use the second one. You can then use a dog dryer, if your dog doesn’t mind the blowing air or the noise.

And just like that, you have a well bathed and groomed Lab! If you have the right equipment and stick to a schedule, keeping your pooch in good shape isn’t a difficult task.