Labrador Shedding & Grooming: Managing the Coat

Labradors are low-maintenance to groom but heavy on hair — that short coat hides a dense double coat that sheds year-round. A simple routine keeps the shedding manageable and the coat and skin healthy. Here's how to groom a Labrador.

Do Labradors shed a lot?

Yes — a lot. Labradors have a water-resistant double coat: a softer insulating undercoat beneath a short, dense topcoat. They shed steadily all year and "blow" their undercoat more heavily twice a year, usually spring and autumn. The hair is short, so it's less obvious than a long-coated breed's, but the sheer volume surprises many new owners.

How often to brush

For most of the year, a weekly brush keeps loose hair under control. During the spring and autumn moults, step up to several times a week — this is when staying on top of it makes the biggest difference. A deshedding tool or undercoat rake reaches the dense undercoat that a normal brush misses; our guide to the best deshedding brushes for double coats covers the options. Regular brushing also spreads the coat's natural oils and lets you check the skin.

Bathing

Labradors only need a bath every couple of months or so, or when they're genuinely dirty — and a Lab will find ways to get dirty. Over-bathing strips the natural oils that keep the double coat weatherproof, so don't overdo it. Use a dog shampoo, rinse thoroughly and dry the coat properly.

Ears: a Labrador essential

Because Labs love water and have folded-over ears, they're prone to ear infections. Build a simple weekly habit: check inside each ear for redness, wax or a yeasty smell, and dry the ears thoroughly after every swim or bath. Catching ear trouble early keeps it minor; ask your vet for a suitable cleaner and never poke anything deep into the canal.

Don't forget nails and teeth

Trim the nails every few weeks if they aren't worn down naturally, and brush the teeth regularly — dental disease is common and painful in all breeds. A quick once-over of nails, teeth and ears alongside the weekly brush keeps everything on track.

Managing the hair at home

You'll never stop a Labrador shedding, but you can stay ahead of it: brush little and often (outdoors in moult season), feed a complete balanced diet for good coat condition, and keep a deshedding tool by the door. A healthy, well-brushed Lab actually sheds less loose hair around the house than a neglected one. Our guide on reducing dog shedding has more.

Common grooming mistakes to avoid

A few well-meaning errors crop up with Labradors. Bathing too often strips the coat's protective oils and can dry the skin — stick to every couple of months unless they're filthy. Brushing only the surface misses the dense undercoat where loose and dead hair build up, so always work down to the skin, especially in moult season. Skipping the ears is the big one: a water-loving breed with folded ears needs those ears checked and dried regularly, or infections follow. And don't focus on the coat at the expense of nails and teeth — overgrown nails affect how a dog stands and moves, and dental disease is common and painful. Get those right and grooming a Lab is a quick, easy routine.

*This is general guidance. If the coat or skin changes suddenly, or you see bald patches or persistent scratching, see your vet.*

Sources

• UK Kennel Club — Labrador Retriever breed information (thekennelclub.org.uk).
• PDSA — Labrador care, training and ownership costs (pdsa.org.uk).
• Blue Cross & Dogs Trust — dog training, exercise and grooming (bluecross.org.uk).