The House is Covered in Fur—Now What?
If you're a Labrador parent, then you already know... fur happens. A lot of it.
One day your pup looks sleek and shiny, and the next, it feels like your whole house is wearing a fuzzy Lab coat. The couch, your clothes, the car...nothing is safe during shedding season!
Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and you’re not doomed to live in a tumble-fur storm forever. Let’s break down why it happens, and what you can actually do to manage it.
🌀 Why Does My Lab Shed So Much?
Labrador Retrievers have a double coat:
A soft, insulating undercoat
A dense, protective outer coat
This combo helps regulate their temperature year-round, but it also means Labs go through seasonal coat blowouts, typically in the spring and fall. During those times, your Lab is shedding that undercoat like it’s going out of style. And it will end up everywhere if you're not on top of it!
🧼 What You Can Do at Home
1. Brush Regularly (Like, More Than You Think!)
Aim for 3–5 times a week during peak shedding seasons. Use an undercoat rake or slicker brush to reach through that thick coat and pull out the dead fur before it lands on your floors.
2. Invest in a Deshedding Tool
Tools like the Furminator, Furblock or deshedding blades help lift that undercoat out effectively. Just be careful not to overdo it. Gentle, even strokes are key.
3. Bathe Strategically
A warm bath loosens the undercoat, making it easier to brush out. Try to follow up bath time with a good blowout. A high-velocity dryer helps push out loose fur, reducing shedding around your home.
4. Wash Bedding and Vacuum Often
It’s not glamorous, but washing your dog’s bedding and frequent vacuuming make a big difference. I also recommend lint rollers in every room, thank us later.
💛 What Groomers do for their Lab Clients (So You Don’t Have To)
During grooming sessions, most groomers go all in during shedding season with:
✔️ Full brush-outs using the right tools
✔️ Deshedding treatments tailored for double-coated dogs
✔️ Coat conditioning to reduce dryness and future shedding
✔️ Nail trims and ear cleaning to wrap it all up
Want to DIY some of this in between grooms? We got you—check out Ciara's full list of grooming favorites for Labs here.
🐾 Quick Summary: You Can’t Stop Shedding, But You Can Control It
Regular brushing + deshedding + strategic grooming = less fur in your house and a happy, healthy Lab.
Need help managing the fluff storm? Book a housecall session and Ciara will handle the fur frenzy for you 😊.