How often do Labradors shed?

Adult dogs normally shed hair twice a year, usually during the spring and autumn seasons, around March to May and September to November. During this shedding period, owners need to ensure that their dogs have a balanced diet, preparing foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to promote new hair growth.

Do Labradors shed?

Although Labradors have relatively short hair, they still shed, but the degree of shedding is lighter compared to long-haired breeds like Golden Retrievers and Samoyeds. Generally, dogs will shed their undercoat in spring to cool off. This usually involves the whole body, with no obvious local hair loss or exposed skin.

What to feed a Labrador with severe shedding

To address severe shedding in Labs, owners can supplement their dogs' diets with vitamin B and feed them appropriate amounts of vegetables and fruits. If your dog scratches its skin while shedding, it may be due to parasites or fungal infections. In this case, external deworming according to the dosage is necessary for parasite-induced shedding. For fungal infections, dogs will develop irregular circular spots on their skin, which require professional treatment at a pet hospital.

How to deal with Labrador shedding

If your Labrador is experiencing normal shedding or seasonal molting, you can purchase pet brushes or comb to groom your dog's hair. When shedding is severe, it's best to brush your dog daily for 2-3 times. If the shedding is abnormal, such as being caused by fungal or parasite infections, owners need to take their dogs to the hospital for examination and treatment promptly.