When do Labs shed? A big concern for a potential new pet owner is shedding. After all, nobody wants to spend countless hours out of their week trying to vacuum up that pesky pet hair. If you are considering adding a cute Lab to the family, then one topic you are likely wondering about is their shedding habits.
So, when do Labs shed? Labradors are notorious for shedding year-round. However, at the beginning of spring and fall, you will have around 3 weeks of heavy shedding. This is because the Labrador will shed his bulky winter coat in spring to prepare for the warmer months, and ditch the summer coat at the beginning of fall in preparation for the chilly weather.
If shedding is a major concern for you then you need to know all of the facts. We are going to discuss why your Labrador sheds so much and when to expect the most shedding. We will also be sharing how you can reduce the amount of hair that’s found all over your couches, floors, and car seats.
When Does a Lab Shed?
The short-haired Labrador is known for shedding fairly regularly throughout the year. You shouldn’t be too surprised to find yourself vacuuming the home at least once a week, paying extra attention to the ‘high-risk’ areas such as the couch seats, the corners of the room, and the interior of your car.
Regularly shedding is normal from a Lab, but it isn’t too overbearing. The only times when shedding becomes particularly prominent is when spring has just begun, or when summer has ended and fall is quickly approaching. This is known as ‘shedding season’ and you should expect to bust out that handy vacuum cleaner a lot during this timeframe.
You can expect a shedding season to occur for roughly 3 weeks. During this time, your Labrador is simply preparing for the weather ahead:
- When warm weather is approaching, your Labrador will naturally shed his bulky, warm coat and replace it for a much lighter one.
- On the other hand, when the cold winter months start to appear, your Lab will ditch his lightweight summer coat and replace it with a thicker mane to keep him cozy.
This process is entirely critical to the health and well-being of your Labrador and you shouldn’t even consider trying to get in the way of that. During summer, a bulkier coat can easily lead to overheating while a lack of thickness during the winter will leave your Labrador shivering.
While it may be a bit of a hassle for 6 weeks out of the year, it’s a natural process for your Labrador and it will keep his temperature regulated. Just make sure you have a good vacuum cleaner nearby to help you during these hairy times.
Why do Labs Shed so Much?
A lot of people pair a short coat with less shedding. This is just one of many reasons why someone may choose a Labrador as a pet. But does shorter hair always equate to less of a hairy mess in your home? Not always, and that certainly isn’t the case when it comes to a Labrador Retriever.
Labradors are fairly heavy shedders throughout the year, with a shedding season that produces mass amounts of hair all over the carpet.
But why? Labradors have a double coat.
The topcoat is very sleek and waterproof, while the undercoat is fluffy to provide warmth and comfort to the Lab.
Thanks to their double coat, Labradors can handle a wide range of temperatures and don’t have a problem spending time out in the rain. This makes them a wonderful choice for potential pet owners in all types of areas and climates.
Managing Lab Shedding
There is no way to completely stop your Labrador from shedding. However, there are certain things you, as a pet owner, can do to help minimize and manage the amount of shedding that takes place.
Here are some of our top tips for Labrador owners who want to cut down on the weekly vacuuming session:
1. Brush Your Labrador Regularly
When it comes to dealing with heavy shedding, one way to help reduce the amount that ends up on the floor is to brush your dog regularly. And while some dogs can get away with being brushed once a week, your goal should be to brush your Lab at least once a day.
Brushing your Lab will ensure that any dead hairs end up in the brush or comb, rather than sprawled all over the floor. Brushing also helps to produce healthier skin, which is always going to be beneficial to your Labrador.
2. Give Him Regular Baths
One of the best things about a short-haired dog is they can stay fairly clean unless of course, you have a mud-loving dog who can’t seem to stay out of the ick. If you have a messier dog who tarnishes his short coat regularly, then you should give him a bath right away.
If you have a fairly clean dog, though, you still shouldn’t skimp on baths. You just won’t need to do it as often. For the cleaner Labrador, you may want to consider a bath once a month. This will help to reduce the amount of dead hair and cells that are collecting in his coat. Always make sure you use dog-specific shampoo.
3. Get a Good Vacuum
At the end of the day, you know your Lab is going to shed a lot, especially during shedding season. Even if you are brushing him and bathing him regularly you’re likely to still see piles of hair around the home and car. That being said, the biggest tip is to purchase a good vacuum that can handle the job.
There are many vacuums on the market that are designed specifically for pet hair. Buying one of these will be immensely helpful when you add a Labrador to the family and find yourself needing to vacuum multiple times throughout the week. Yes, it’s a bit of a hassle, but it’s well worth it to have a playful, loving, caring, and overall smart and loyal canine.
Related Questions
Yes. You might think that choosing a different type of Labrador other than the ‘typical’ Lab will amount to less shedding. But the fact of the matter is there is no escaping the Labrador shed. All Labrador Retrievers will shed regardless of the color of their coat. Prepare to deal with shedding throughout the year when it comes to this breed.
Yes, it is very bad to shave a Labrador Retriever. This is due to the simple fact that the Lab needs his coat during the year. His undercoat provides much-needed insulation that keeps him regulated and protected from sunburns during the summer while remaining comfortable and warm during the winter months.
That being said, messing with your Labradors coat and shaving it can cause some seriously harmful effects. And aside from health and safety reasons, trying to shave your Labrador will never get rid of the pesky shedding mess in the first place. It’s an all-around bad idea that should be avoided. If you don’t want to deal with ample shedding, consider a different breed.
