How To Groom a Labrador at Home, a Step-by-Step Guide 1

The Labrador, usually known as the ‘Lab,’ is a popular dog breed. These dogs are massive, yet they are also loving, simple to teach, lively, and sensitive. If you own a labrador, you are already aware that they have short hair, but this does not prevent them from shedding excessively. The labrador dog breed enjoys water and outdoor play, which means they get muddy and require care.

To make things easier, we’ve included a step-by-step technique for grooming a labrador, as well as the tools required. But first, let’s learn a little bit about the labrador dog breed.

About the Labrador Dog Breed

The Labrador breed enjoys swimming, chasing, playing, and walking with its owner and is up for everything. Labradors are simple to teach since they are intelligent, balanced, and playful.

Most labradors enjoy playing with children, and their appetite is a major incentive for them. As a result, maintaining a healthy weight in a labrador can be more difficult than in other breeds.

Tools needed to groom a labrador

Before we begin grooming a labrador, we will need the following tools:

• Brush
• Nail trimmers or grinders
• Clotting powder
• Ear cleaner
• Cotton balls or gauze
• Washcloth and warm water
• Dog toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Towels

Ensure to plan a grooming session after your lab has exercised to reduce wiggles. Before you begin grooming, make sure your dog is not hungry or thirsty.

Also, a good dry shampoo is worthwhile to use because it will keep your pet clean and happy. A proper shampoo will clean and refresh your pet’s skin and coat while also minimizing inflammation.

Grooming a Labrador at home

Indeed, your labrador requires grooming to look clean and fresh, as well as to get rid of any loose hair. Yet, grooming a lab at home is fairly straightforward. Keeping your labrador well-groomed by eliminating superfluous hairs will keep the dog neat and healthy-looking. Labradors shed a lot and hence need to be groomed frequently. Continue reading to learn how to groom your lab at home.

1. Brushing the fur

The labrador has a robust, waterproof double coat. The dog sheds all year, but they shed more as they lose their soft undercoat. As a result, for the best results, a firm brush that can penetrate their dense coat and remove loose hair is required.

To keep the dog clean, brush it well once a week with a natural brush. Daily brushing, on the other hand, feels excellent for the labrador and maintains them clean. Brushing with a slicker brush or a de-shedding tool can be beneficial. Look for a brush that can quickly clean their hair while collecting a large amount of stray hair at once. Also, brushing stimulates the natural oils in the dog’s skin, which keeps their coat gleaming.

2. Brushing twice a week in shedding season

During the shedding season, the labrador dog’s fur becomes loose and spreads around the house. Brushing at least twice a week is therefore needed to keep loose fur out of the house. Brush your dog on a daily basis to keep their hair under control.

Brush firmly and carefully, however, to avoid hurting the dog’s skin, particularly on places with lighter hair coverage, such as the face and legs. If you do not brush your lab on a regular basis, they may develop mats and tangles during periods of significant shedding.

3. Trimming the Nails

After brushing, check the dog’s nails to make sure they aren’t too long. Labs grow their nails at varied rates depending on how active they are and the surfaces they run and walk on a regular basis.

A dog’s long nail can be heard clicking on the floor and has to be clipped. To clip their nails, they can use a simple nail trimmer or a nail grinder. In addition, some labs develop cysts between their toes, which are treatable with a topical antibiotic ointment. If not, a veterinarian must lance the cyst. Also, keep in mind that if the dog’s nails are clipped too short, they can bleed. Hence keep clotting powder on available in case of emergency.

4. Cleaning the ears

Because the structure of the ears retains dirt and moisture inside, Labradors are the most prone to ear infections. A frequent lab ear cleaning can help to lower the risk of infection. Clean the lab dog’s ears once a week, or as directed by the veterinarian.

Furthermore, if your dog is scratching or shaking her ears a lot and you can’t figure out why, or if you observe redness or a terrible odour, take her to the doctor. Your veterinarian or their staff can give you a quick lesson on how to clean your pet’s ear.

To clean a lab’s ear, however, use an ear-cleaning solution and cotton balls. Also, avoid inserting cotton swabs or anything else too far into your dog’s ear in risk of harm.

5. Brushing the teeth

Proper dental care is essential for keeping your lab’s breath smelling fresh. Dental illness in dogs can cause germs in the mouth to penetrate the circulation and infect other regions of the body.

To clean your pet’s teeth, use a soft toothbrush created specifically for dogs or toddlers, as well as dog toothpaste. Just elevate the dog’s lips and brush the outside of the teeth lightly. Teeth should be cleansed on a daily basis with dog-safe toothpaste. If you can’t schedule it daily, clean your teeth two to three times per week.

6. Wiping the eyes

Check your dog’s eyes on a regular basis for discharge or irritation, and clean them if necessary with a saline-soaked cotton ball.

A healthy labrador’s eyes, on the other hand, don’t require much attention, and a simple wipe with a warm washcloth starting from the inside corner can assist. Also, if you see discoloration around the eyes, it could be from the dog’s tears and can be wiped with a cotton ball dipped in hydrogen peroxide. Nevertheless, before using peroxide, place a drop of mineral oil in each eye.

7. Bathing your Lab

Washing your labrador too frequently is not advised, nor is bathing them if they acquire a skin issue that necessitates medication baths. This is due to the labrador coats’ inherent balance of oils, which keeps them healthy and water resistant. Bathing regularly can also remove the oils from their skin, resulting in dry skin and other issues.

Moreover, try to offer your labrador plenty of opportunities to play outside, as fresh air will help keep their skin wet. Unless they get dirty or go in a swimming pool, bathe your lab once or twice a month. Use only dog-friendly shampoo and avoid getting soap in their eyes. After showering, dry them with towels.

8. Pest control

Never use a pest control product if absolutely essential. Your veterinarian can assist you in determining the best pet products, but remember to select a tick, flea, and worm control product.

Reward your labrador for his or her cooperation during the grooming process. Labradors enjoy food and treats, so give them their favourite.

Signs to Watch Out for during grooming process

While grooming your labrador, you have the best opportunity to look for any indications or symptoms.

For example, if you feel any new lumps or masses when brushing their fur, note their size and position and consult your veterinarian.

Check your dog’s feet for wounds or torn paw pads while clipping the nails. Similarly, seek for fleas and ticks while grooming the dog.

Look for any signs of bleeding gums, damaged or missing teeth, or mouth pain while they brush their teeth. Check for any signs of redness, swelling, or colour discharge in the eyes.

If you see any of the signs and symptoms, contact your veterinarian to have your pet treated.

Conclusion

Grooming a labrador, unlike other dog breeds, is simple. Yet, grooming a lab takes time, especially during shedding periods. Also, keep in mind that grooming isn’t just for appearances; it also allows you to evaluate your dog’s body for symptoms of injury or infection. Grooming is also the finest approach to develop a close relationship with your lab.