Moulting Season: Do Labrador shed a lot?

April 6, 2025
Blog
Manreet Noute

Labrador Retriever has a double coat so sheds a lot. He sheds throughout the year but mainly during Spring and Autumn.

Introduction

Are you bringing your little mischievous land shark to your home? Besides their basic necessities like food, collar and exercise, have you ever thought about their fur shedding. If thought, you might get a picture of your doggo’s fur on all of floor and you are swimming in it. Isn’t that hilarious and frightening? Yes, but need not to worry as I am going to share the reasons along with the solutions for your lab’s shedding. Stop daydreaming and read the article to manage your lab’s shedding like a piece of cake.

Do Labrador shed a lot?
Yes, Labradors shed the lot due to their double coat. They shed throughout the year but mainly during the seasonal changes that is spring and autumn. During spring, they shed their heavy winter coat and develop a lighter coat for summers. And during autumn season, they shed off their lighter coat of summers and develop a heavy coat for winter.

Labrador shedding months

Do you also want a lab but do not know when he sheds? Labs shed more during seasonal changes but that does not mean they do not shed during a particular season. Labs usually shed twice a year, that is in spring and autumn. This period of time when the labs or other animals shed is called “moulting”.
The Labradors shedding cycle is: In Spring (after winters) when the summer season comes, they shed their thick fur coat and replace it with thin and light summer coat. And when the Autumn season (after summers) arrives, the light and thin coat of summer is then replaced by the thick and dense fur coat. So, don’t be worried if your dog sheds more than usual in seasonal changes. Their system is the same as our system. Like we adapt ourselves during seasonal changes, they also adapt.

Why does my Labrador shed so much?

Labradors are one of the most popular dog breed in the world due to their loving and friendly nature, making them ideal for the first time owners. But the most disliked thing about the labradors is their excessive shedding. By understanding the reasons behind shedding, can help you to figure out the issue. Most common reasons are:

Seasonal Changes: As I have mentioned earlier, Labradors shed during seasonal changes to adapt themselves for the new season.
Hormonal changes: Sudden hormonal changes during periods and pregnancy (in females) and hypothyroidism, adrenal gland disorders, testosterone levels and stress in both males and females can directly or indirectly impact shedding.
Stress or anxiety: Not only humans take stress, but labs also take. They shed more when they are in stress or are anxious. This might be due to body’s response to moods changes.
Health issues: Health problems such as cancer, hypothyroidism and adrenal gland disorder can affect shedding.
Nutrition: Poor diet (not giving proper amount of food) or the diet not having enough nutrients can affect the coat health which may lead to thinning of coat and excessive shedding.
Allergy: Labs are generally allergic to dust, pollen, wheat, grains and other foods and environmental factors which lead to excess shedding.
Grooming: Personal grooming can help to maintain the shedding levels but sometimes it can lead to excess shedding due to usage of wrong brush and wrong way. So, make sure you get it done by professionals if you are a first-time owner.
Cancer: This type of health problem in labs can also be a root cause of excess shedding.
Skin conditions: Skin conditions like dermatitis, skin infections or parasites which affects skin can be a major cause of excessive shedding.
Parasitism: Parasites are of different types-the one who affects the overall health of the Labrador and the one who affects only skin. These both type of parasites affects the shedding. If your lab is regularly scratching his skin, then this might be because of parasitism. But regular health checkups can avoid it.
Bacterial and fungal infections: Bacteria are found on the surface of Labrador but if overgrown or gets out of control then it might cause pyoderma and staphylococcal infections. On the other hand, if fungal diseases like ringworm and fungal yeast are caught then it will lead to further hair loss. All these serious fungal and bacterial diseases are related with shedding.

How do you stop a lab from shedding constantly?

We have already discussed various reasons for Labrador shedding. Labradors have double coats that is sometimes hard to be maintained. Being a Labrador Owner, you must be struggling to find the best ways that can stop shedding in Labradors. Now, let us discuss various solutions that will stop Labrador’s shedding:

Regularly brushing
- Regularly brushing can help your lab to lose its loose hair and thus prevents excess shedding during a particular season.
Use best quality shampoo
- Shampoo also affects the shedding of a Labrador. So, you must consider buying the best quality shampoo. Or if your dog is shedding due to bacterial or fungal infections, then you should buy a medicinal shampoo by consulting a veterinarian.
Bathe often
- You should bathe your lab frequently as it also helps in losing its loose hair. In the case of lab, you should bathe him twice a month as it sheds the most.
Consider short hair
- You should consider short hair during hot climate. This will help you to reduce your labs hair from shedding. But you should never cut or shave lab’s hair by yourself as it will damage the inner coat. Get it done by professionals.
Brush hair after drying
- You should consider brushing his hair after drying as in this stage the hair falls very much.
Consult a veterinarian
- If your dog sheds more than usual, consult a vet immediately. He will give your dog its medicines and prevent it from shedding unnecessarily.
Give healthy food
- A diet full of proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fibers is essential to prevent excessive shedding.

Can I shave my lab to stop shedding?

No, it is not a good idea as it can damage your lab’s undercoat which is very essential for your lab to maintain temperature. But you can get your lab’s hair trimmed during summer months by the professional groomers.

Best shedding tools for Labrador

Labs are heavy shedders and there is no doubt. The Slicker brush and FURminator are the best picks that help you to de-shed your Labrador. The slicker brush can help to both detangle and de-shed your Labrador.

Pros and cons of shedding

Pros

Natural coat renewal: Labradors shed their double coat to adapt to new season. Shedding also helps to remove the dead fur from the body that promotes the rise of new and healthy hair.
Temperature regulation: When Labradors shared their double coat, they are most likely to regulate their body’s temperature which can further help them to adapt to the upcoming season.
Healthy skin: Their skin gets healthy when they removed dead fur from their body by shedding which traps dirt and oils.
Bonding time: Grooming and managing shedding when the shedding season arrives can be a bonding time between the Labrador and the owner.
Reduced allergens: Proper grooming and managing the shedding can reduce the pet dander which is beneficial for the people that are allergic to it.
Clean appearance: Regular shedding and proper grooming can help to keep the coat shiny, clean, and free from dust and fur balls.
Helps to understand the health: Shedding also helps the owners to understand the overall health of the Labrador. Like if the Labrador is shedding more than usual, it can be a sign of poor nutrition, parasitism, allergies, and more.

Cons

Frequent cleaning: One of the worst points of the Labrador’s shedding is that it requires a lot of cleaning and vacuuming the house. If not vacuumed the house properly, your house will be full of dead fur and pet dander.
Allergens: Labrador’s shedding can be a rise for pet dander, which is dangerous for people that are having allergies with it. But proper grooming and managing the coat well can help reduce the pet dander.
Grooming needs: Labs are mostly considered to be heavy shedders, so be ready to groom them frequently, that is very time-consuming. But sometimes when it comes to trimming their coat, professional grooming is required which sometimes can be very costly.
Hair on both clothing and furniture: If you are ready to bring your little mischievous furry friend to your home, also be ready for his hair on your both clothing and furniture.
Hairballs: If not groomed properly, Labs are most likely to ingest their loose fur that can lead to hairballs in their stomach which requires medicine or surgery to remove out.
Mess during spring and autumn (fall): Labs shed heavily during spring and autumn. Their hair can be a great mess for their owners.
Travel concerns: If you are planning to go on a vacation during seasonal changes (spring and autumn) with your Labrador, this could not be possible due to heavy shedding of Labradors.
Grooming supplies: Managing the shedding requires a good amount of money to buy brushes, de-shedding tools, combs.
Time commitment: Regular brushing, bathing and maintaining the coat can be a time-consuming activity for busy owners.
Unattractive look: If not managed the coat properly, shedding can lead to unattractive look with fur clumps and untidy coat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Do black labs shed a lot?

If you are a fan of black lab then this question might get into your brain, and you must be thinking about it. I would clearly say that black labs shed a lot and the case is same with yellow, chocolate, white and even silver. Shedding is due to the double coat of Labradors. All Labradors regardless of their coat color shed the same.

2. Do Labradors shed more than golden retrievers?

No, they shed at same rate. Even though goldens have more fur on their coat than the labradors. Yep, the truth is shocking and surprising. Labradors shed due to seasonal changes. Sometimes they both can shed high from each other. Dog breeds which shed the most mostly have double coats.

3. Which Labradors shed the least?

There is no exception that Labradors shed the most but if you are thinking about which lab sheds the least, then the answer might be English Labradors. All Labradors including British, English, and American shed at some extent to keep their coat healthy and free from dust and oils.

4. How much time do Labradors shed?

Labradors shed moderately in summers and winters but heavily during spring and autumn season. During these two seasons, i.e., spring and autumn, you can see your Labrador’s fur all over your room and your clothing.

5. Will a Labrador Retriever still shed even after it has been de-shedded?

Labrador’s shedding can’t be stopped but can be reduced. After de-shedding the Labrador, it will shed but less than before. So, there’s no exception that Labradors shed even after they had been de-shedded.

6. Is shedding seasonal?

Yes, shedding is seasonal but that doesn’t mean they don’t shed in a particular season. They shed heavily during seasonal changes and less during summers and winters.

7. Is there something I can feed my Labrador with so that he doesn’t shed that much hair?

Well, there’s no perfect food that can take your Labrador’s shedding from 100% to a big 0% but there are some foods that can actually reduce your lab’s shedding. A bowl full of salmon oil, omega-3, green beans and carrots. Make sure your lab is not allergic to any of these foods or it will lead to heavy shedding. But if you know that your Labrador is allergic to omega-3 (an oil extracted from fish), just give him a proper amount of flaxseed oil.

8. What is the best way to reduce lab shedding?

Regular brushing, bathing, giving proper and healthy meals that are full of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, fibers, and vitamins and using the best or medicinal shampoo recommended to your lab by veterinarian are the best ways to reduce lab’s shedding.

Conclusion

Labs no doubt are considered as moderate to heavy shedders. They shed throughout the year but mainly during seasonal changes (spring and fall). They shed as much as golden retrievers. You can’t stop shedding but can reduce it by giving them proper nutrients, using the best shampoo and regular brushing and bathing can help to reduce shedding. You should not trim your lab hair by yourself. Get it trimmed by professional groomers. But if your lab is suddenly shedding more than usual during summers or winters, I would recommend you consult a veterinarian immediately. Spending more time with your lab would help in preventing depression, anxiety, and stress that are also the main causes for sudden heavy shedding.

Stay tuned for next and such more articles on retrievers. Have a nice day! Bye!