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Reducing labs hair loss help please!

19 replies

dArtagnansCrumpet · 21/11/2018 13:42

I'm at a loss! I expected some shedding from my lab, but it's out of hand. It's constantly covering the whole floor in the kitchen, living room, hallway, it's all trodden into the stair carpet and in the kids bedrooms Sad. I hoover much more than I'd like, like up to twice a day and a proper thorough hoover too. Ive just hoovered and 10 minutes later I've gone into the kitchen and the floor is covered again, I have to walk round bare foot because it sticks to socks and gets trampled round. Thing is, I know I sound pathetic but it's really getting me down. I'm embarrassed to have people round and dc friends to play because no matter what I do theres always hair everywhere. I groom with a furminator almost daily, I add fish and oils to his diet, he has an OK quality food (only one that doesn't give him runs, skinners). If anyone has any suggestions that would be great, he's now 2.5years and it's always been like this, he's been checked by a vet and he's fit and healthy. Thanks.

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BiteyShark · 21/11/2018 13:59

Have you taken him to a groomer for any advice? Maybe they could suggest something.

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Whompthatwillow · 21/11/2018 14:01

Do you brush him?

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dArtagnansCrumpet · 21/11/2018 14:16

No I haven't, what could a groomer do? He hates being washed Sad, loves being brushed aslong as you have a biscuit ready!

Yes I furninate almost daily.

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TheFaerieQueene · 21/11/2018 14:19

My lab has two major sheds a year as well as daily shedding. That’s the life with a labrador I’m afraid. I don’t think it is possible to do anything about it 😊

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BiteyShark · 21/11/2018 14:20

As a groomer specialises in that area I figured they may know better methods in managing the shedding.

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TheHodgeoftheHedge · 21/11/2018 14:25

I have to admit one of the reasons I would never have labs is because I can't stand the shedding and people are often surprised that short haired dogs can often be much worse for day to day hair everywhere shedding than long haired dogs. I guess the question is, is the hair loss excessive i.e. is there something wrong with the dog, or is it just dealing with the day to day hairiness (sp?!).
Does he have any bald spots or itching?
How about getting a Roomba or similar robot hoover to constantly be going over the floor to pick up the hair?
I've also found these really good:
www.amazon.co.uk/Grooming-Glove-OMorc-Gentle-Deshedding/dp/B01M25RFWS/ref=sr_1_16?keywords=dog%20hair%20remover&ie=UTF8&qid=1542810296&sr=8-16&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

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GrowThroughWhatYouGoThrough · 21/11/2018 14:29

Take him to the groomers they can professionally strip him I get mine done and it's amazing! There's also jumpers you can buy which can prevent shedding

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Jammiebammie · 21/11/2018 14:33

I could have written this, my lab is ridiculous for shedding, we honestly hoover up the size of a couple of smaller dogs per day.

This time of year, and also getting into the summer is when it’s at its worst.

We use a furminator daily too, but I find going over him wearing a pair of marigolds afterwards helps any stray hairs left behind.

You need to try and bath him too, and keep moisture in his coat, I’ve found this definitely helps ddogs shedding.

You say he has stomach sensitivities, mine does too but he also has problems with his skin and certain foods make it worse too, and often if he is having an allergy to something his hair loss becomes worse. Have you looked into that? Does your dog have patches of skin you can see with the hair loss? We found ‘non stinky stuff’ an absolute god send to help with our labs skin & coat, and we use a carrier so it can be used as a shampoo as well as the ointment.

Labs do shed a hell of a lot though, even in normal circumstances. My mum used to hoover her lab but mine hates the hoover sadly!

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PootLevato · 21/11/2018 14:37

Trainee dog groomer here, a furminator will only remove the top layer of hair. You need an undercoat rake, brush with that, bath after to remove all of the excess and you should notice a massive difference.

Reducing labs hair loss help please!
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dArtagnansCrumpet · 21/11/2018 19:36

Thanks for all your replies! I will contact my local groomer and see what they have to say, his hair is quite wirey on his back and may be able to be stripped but some say its a harsh thing to do?

I heard a furminator got to the undercoat? But will look into that other brush.

He has no bald spots or itchiness, he looks really good but am just so fed up of the hair! I baked a cake the other week and it had a mouthful of dog hair in Envy.

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TheHodgeoftheHedge · 21/11/2018 19:57

Thought you might find this article interesting ;) my Irish wolfhound used to love the furminator!
www.thelabradorsite.com/shedding-labradors-its-the-moulting-season-again/

Btw I have never ever heard of a Labrador being hand stripped. It’s normally done for wiry/rough haired breeds like a Scottie or border terrier. Because of how a labradors coat is made up (see above article), I would not consider this for a Lab.

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Honeyroar · 21/11/2018 22:18

The furminator seems to get loose hair off our labs, both outer and under coats.

Our house is always full of hair, I swear there's another dog somewhere! That's just the way it is with a wonderful lab in the house.

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dArtagnansCrumpet · 22/11/2018 10:52

I forgot to say we have tried the jumper and apart from looking ridiculously funny, it made no difference! He also hates the hoover, snarls at it so I think it's best I don't try to hoover him lol.

The groomer I have contacted said they offer a package for labs which is good for getting rid of dead undercoat Hmm. I'm waiting for a price and what it involves and I'm hoping it involves no bathing, eek!

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MasonJar · 24/11/2018 15:13

The furminator was useless for my lab, it barely went through the very top layer.
The Zoom Groom is much better. Goes right down to the skin if you put a bit of effort in, takes about 30 mins of brushing to get all the loose undercoat out. He gets done 3 times a week and hugely reduces the amount of shedding around the house.
Dog really enjoys his massages Smile.

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BrokenWing · 24/11/2018 17:52

Poot does that Undercoat rake work better that a pin brush? Looks similar.

We use a combination of a pin brush and zoom groom 2-3 times a week on our black lab but still doesnt help much and it seems to get worse as he gets older (5 now).

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TheVanguardSix · 24/11/2018 17:56

I think this is a major shedding time. I always find late summer and around Christmas (now, actually) the hardest. It's like I've had new carpet laid. My dog's a lab X so not even full lab! And he's got very short hair. But when he sheds, he sheds like mad. It's really crazy at the moment. We're covered in his fur. The floors, the furniture, everything!

I don't mind. I've gotten used to it, 3 years on. Grin
I might try this Zoom Groom!

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theboxofdelights · 24/11/2018 18:05

I don't rate the furminator! The amount of hair from my lab is insane.

The best thing I have found is the Dyson brush. Not for every dog I guess but mine loves it!

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ItWasntMeItWasIm · 24/11/2018 18:07

Swimming in cold water seems to help.

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SauvignonBlanche · 24/11/2018 18:10

Mine didn’t mind the Dyson brush, I should sell it now I no longer have my lovely Lab. Sad

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