You might be wondering “why does my silver lab shed so much?” Well, there are many reasons that could cause excessive shedding in dogs but one of the most common ones is genetics. Silver Labs tend to have very thick coats which means they need a lot of grooming and care throughout their lives. This isn’t always easy because they may not like being brushed or even held down for too long when getting groomed by humans. But don’t worry – we’ve got some tips below that will make caring for them easier than ever before!
Silver Labs also tend to change their coats throughout the year so it’s important to be patient and understanding. Let’s see other reasons why silver labs shed so much.
1: Silver Lab Coat Thickness
The first reason that your Silver Lab might shed a lot is because of how thick their coat actually is. Silver labs tend to have a thick, straight topcoat and a thicker undercoat. This makes them incredibly resilient from the rain, wind, and snow but also means they tend to shed more than most other dog breeds throughout certain parts of their lives.
2: Change of Season
The cold air can cause your dog to shed excess fur thanks to their natural response to keep warm. This is because dogs have between 80,000-100,000 hairs per square inch of skin that serve as insulation against hot and cold temperatures. However, if you notice them shedding more during spring or summertime, it’s likely they are reacting to the changing temperature around them.
3: Silver Labrador Puberty
Silver Labs don’t go through puberty like humans but they do go through an awkward in-between stage in their young adult years. This is when their hormones are still changing, especially in the spring and fall months, which means shedding is inevitable. Every dog has a different rate of growth and development so it’s important to keep this in mind when an individual pup will be ready to go through puberty.
4: Silver Labrador Health Issues
Silver Labs that are sick may lose a lot of their hair due to stress, illness, or even medications they are taking. This can cause thinning patches on fur and missing clumps of pelts around the body. Silver Labs should not lose a lot of furs unless they are going through a major illness but it’s always best to keep a close eye on them and make sure they are getting the best possible care.
5: Fleas and other skin parasites –
Parasites – more specifically mites can cause your dog to itch constantly which will lead to more hair loss than usual. in addition to mites, your dog may also lose a lot of fur due to the presence of fleas on its body. These parasites will cause them to itch which can lead to excessive hair loss. These pests are often easily treatable at home with some preventative measures and treatment. Silver
Labradors can be highly sensitive to such conditions so it’s important to take care of the problem as soon as possible.
6: Silver Labrador Allergies
Silver Labs are often known for being very healthy dogs but allergies can cause your dog to have itchy skin, leading to hair loss. There are so many different allergies that Silver Labradors can have especially environmental allergies including pollen, dust, and other particles in the air.
7 Silver Lab Hormonal Issues
Silver Labs go through hormonal changes just like humans do. This means they may sometimes experience a major change in their fur coat which can be due to a spurt of growth, a loss of hair or even excessive shedding. Silver Labs should never lose large clumps of their pelt unless it is winter time but if this happens throughout the year, your dog could have something going on internally that you will want to have checked by a veterinarian. Silver Labs should not lose their pelt unless they are going through a major issue.
8. Balding
Dogs who have a high concentration of melanin in their fur often go through phases that cause them to lose some or all of their fur. This can be due to stress, age, and even underlying health problems like Cushing’s disease. If this is the case, you may notice bald patches where fur used to grow.
9. Emotional stress
Stress can cause excess shedding due to shock or even anxiety. If your dog is stressed, it can cause some of their hair to fall out which will grow back in more fully after they have settled down again. Silver Labs are generally even-tempered although there may be times when they will shed more than usual due to emotional distress.
10. Improper grooming
Not all dogs need to be groomed on a regular basis, however, some breeds require it more than others. If you are brushing your dog’s fur too often or in the wrong direction (against their natural growth pattern), they can lose hair more easily. Silver Labs are not known for being particularly high-maintenance dogs but it does pay to take good care of their coat to avoid any shedding problems.
Regular grooming Silver Labradors need regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition and free of mats that can cause them discomfort. It”s important you brush your Silver Labrador at least once
11. Medical conditions
Other medical conditions such as Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, and dermatitis can cause a dog to lose a lot of hair all at once. Silver Labradors are generally healthy dogs but some conditions can cause them to lose more hair than usual. If they are sick, it is important to look for the root of the problem.
12: Heredity
Silver Labradors inherit a lot of their features from their parents and grandparents which can include shedding patterns. There’s nothing you can do about the way your dog sheds other than keep them in good health for them to be happy and healthy. Silver Labs are generally a low-shedding breed, but there are some that shed more than others depending on their genetics.
13: Age
As your dog gets older, they will typically start to lose hair as a regular part of the aging process. This is natural and usually nothing to worry about as long as your dog isn’t in pain or discomfort. Although this can be worrying for your dog’s owner, there is nothing you can do to prevent it so just make sure your dog is happy and healthy.
14: Moulting
Moulting is a natural process where fur starts to fall out and regrow in preparation for colder weather. Your dog’s body will typically replace all their hair twice a year which can cause increased shedding in the weeks before it happens. Although this is an entirely normal process, it is important not to brush your dog during this time as it can cause discomfort. This is the only time where brushing your dog too much will actually cause them to lose more fur so enjoy it while you can!
This is an entirely natural process that happens twice a year but there are ways it can be prevented or controlled.
Moulting can be controlled, although simply letting them do it will not make your dog shed less.
If you are concerned about the amount of hair loss, talk to a vet for more information or take a look at this article on how to reduce shedding around your home.
You may have noticed that your silver labrador has been shedding a lot more fur lately. This is perfectly normal and not something to worry about at all. In fact, it’s actually quite common for dogs to shed more in the winter months when they are experiencing seasonal changes or just generally moulting. It can also be due to fluctuating hormones during different stages of their life cycle. Now that you know why your dog is shedding so much, here are some tips on how you can help them with it:
Tips to reduce shedding at home
- Brush frequently to help remove any dead hair – Make sure your dog has enough food which can help with their energy levels, mood, and fur quality – Feed them healthy food to keep them in good health – Brush your dog regularly, especially before they start to moulting.
- Bathe your dog at least once every few months which can help remove loose fur that’s stuck to their skin – If your dog is shedding, buy them a new brush for sensitive areas like the belly and face. It’s also important to check with your vet before you do this just in case there’s something more serious going on.
- Make sure your dog spends as much time as possible outside to stay active and help with muscle control which can reduce shedding – Keep your dog in an environment that’s comfortable with the right kind of temperatures, humidity levels and ventilation to limit hair loss – Also make sure your dog is getting enough physical activity. Make sure they’re not bored inside all day by giving them toys they can play with or by taking them for walks.
- Avoid bathing your dog too much which can cause their fur to feel greasier and increase hair loss – Stay away from shampoo’s that dry out your dog’s skin as it’ll only make things worse. If possible, brush your dog after you bath them to help remove dirt and loose fur.
Excessive Shedding – When To Be Concerned
If your silver lab is shedding excessively, there may be something wrong with their health or diet that needs addressing urgently. Check for signs of loose stool on the floor and consult a vet immediately if you see any!
Excessive Shedding – Tips To Reduce Shedding At Home
If your silver lab is shedding profusely but their stool seems normal, there are still many ways you can reduce the amount of hair they lose around the house. Follow these simple steps to keep your carpets and floor free from fur!
1. Feed Your Dog A High-Quality Food
There are several brands of dog food that contain a very high amount of Omega-3 fatty acids. These foods will give your dog’s coat a nice sheen, and the oil from these foods will help to keep your lab’s skin healthy, which can reduce shedding by around 50%. After cooking your silver lab’s meal, let it cool for around 30 minutes before giving it to them.
2. Brush Your Dog Every Day
Brushing your lab every day will help the fur to become less old and loose, reducing shedding by 40%. If you can avoid bathing your dog more than once a month, do so as water also increases overall hair loss. Use a slicker brush or a metal comb to detangle knots gently.
3. Trim Your Dog’s Nails And Ears
Loose hair tends to travel up your dog’s paws and ends up around their ears as mats, as well as causing irritability as it bothers them when they move. Cutting the fur from around your dog’s nails will allow you to see their nails more easily which will help if they have any problems with them. Cleaning your lab’s ears regularly with a damp cloth will also prevent hairs building up inside them!
4. Walk Your Dog In The Rain Frequently
When it rains, silver labs love nothing more than going out for a walk no matter how much mud is puddling on the pavement underfoot. Walk your dog in the rain frequently, but not in heavy downpours, to get them nice and muddy! Mud that dries on their coat will cause hair to become detached from it which reduces shedding by around 10%.
5. Take Your Dog For A Swim 1-2 Times Per Week
If your silver lab loves water as much as mine do, take them swimming once or twice a week to help remove excess fur while they enjoy splashing about! Taking your dog for several short swims consecutively rather than one long one means they’ll be less likely to get cold afterward! You can even improve their skin conditions further by giving them half a tablet of vitamin C daily when not swimming if you want.
6. Brush Their Teeth Daily
Dental hygiene is just as important for our dogs as it is for us. Brushing your dog’s teeth daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride will reduce the amount of plaque and tartar they produce, leading to better dental health and overall breath which can help reduce shedding by around 15%.
7. Trim Your Dog’s Coat Whenever It Becomes Loose Looking
Over time, your lab’s coat will become very soft and loose-looking. You can tell when this happens as you’ll be able to pull out long tufts of fur between your fingers without putting much pressure on them. As soon as you notice their coat has begun to look like this, put them in the bath so you can
