The Retriever Expert Expert Care Tips For Your Retriever
Did you know that Labradors are one of the most famous dogs in the world? They are known for their great personality, loyal nature, and sophisticated-looking hair. That’s why it’s surprising to see a Labrador with no fur or with thinning fur on its body. This may be because of an underlying medical condition that has led to continuous hair loss problems in these dogs.
In this article, we will discuss some common causes of hair loss that can affect your Labrador. You’ll also learn how to prevent this problem from occurring to your Labrador!
So without further ado, let’s dive in.
Is It Normal For Labradors To Have Hairloss Or Hairfall?
Hair loss and hair fall are some of the most common issues that all kinds of dogs face. It is perfectly normal for your Labrador Retriever to shed some of its coat in the spring and summer months, especially if you live in a warm climate. It is a normal process for Labradors to lose their hair, but if it happens too early, then it could be an indication of an underlying problem.
If you notice any bald patches on your Lab’s coat or if they seem to be losing too much fur, then you should keep reading this article to know how to deal with it.
Major Reasons Why A Labrador Dog Is Losing Hair
We all love our dogs, and it can be very upsetting when they are not feeling well. You might notice your Labrador has lost some hair on the lower legs or belly. This is not unusual in dogs and there could be many reasons why it is happening. It is important to find out what is causing the problem so you can make sure it is treated correctly.
🟩 Dermatitis (skin infection)
Skin infections are very common in dogs, and a Labrador’s allergy to fleas is one of the most common causes.
Some other causes include allergies to food or environmental allergens like pollen, mites, and dust mites. Cancerous tumors that grow on or in the skin and cause lumps or bumps under your dog’s fur are also a reason. These are not just benign growths. They’re malignant and very dangerous for dogs with compromised immune systems such as those who have heartworm disease.
Treatment involves antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian along with regular grooming of your dog’s coat to keep it clean and free of debris that could lead to infection. Your vet may also recommend an anti-itch shampoo that contains steroids if the itching becomes severe enough for your Labrador not only to feel bad but also to sleep poorly due to all those scratches!
🟩 Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes hair loss. It’s not a worm, but rather a fungus that enters your Labrador’s skin through the foot pads and causes irritation. The irritation leads to hair loss around the infected area of the skin, which may look like small red dots or patches on the body. It’s important to note that ringworm is not contagious and can be treated with medication prescribed by a vet.
🟩 Fleas and ticks
Fleas and ticks are parasites that can cause hair loss in Labradors. Both fleas and ticks can be treated with medication, but it’s important to know how to recognize them first.
Fleas are small insects that live on the blood of other animals, including humans. Ticks are arachnids that feed on the blood of your Labrador by attaching themselves to your dog’s skin through their mouthparts. So imagine what your Labrador can feel with these ticks and fleas!
🟩 Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common causes of hair loss in Labradors, and they can be treated with medication. If a vet diagnoses your Labrador with an allergy, you’ll need to administer the prescribed treatment for it regularly until the symptoms are gone.
Most often, allergens trigger skin irritations that lead to itching and scratching and losing clumps of fur as a result. The skin will be red or inflamed as well as itchy from exposure to allergens like dust mites or pollen from trees or grasses. Other common triggers include insect bites (mosquitoes), foods that cause an allergic reaction (such as beef), medications containing sulfa drugs (antibiotics), fleas, and ticks carrying diseases such as Lyme disease. All these situations may lead to hair loss if not treated properly right away!
🟩 Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. When this occurs, your Labrador’s metabolism slows down and they lose weight, become lethargic, and start to shed hair.
Unfortunately, many Labradors are misdiagnosed with hypothyroidism when they actually have another health problem that causes similar symptoms. For example, some Labs may be suffering from Cushing’s disease or diabetes mellitus instead of having an underactive thyroid gland. A blood test can help determine whether or not your pet has an underactive thyroid gland by measuring the number of hormones produced by its body. However, other lab tests might be necessary before diagnosing one way or another.
If you suspect that your Lab has hypothyroidism because of its appearance (hair loss), behavior (weight gain), or lethargy then it is important to visit a veterinarian who can run tests on them so they can receive proper treatment as soon as possible.
🟩 Injury or trauma
If you think your Labrador has been injured, it is important to find out what happened and if there have been any changes in behavior. For example, if your Lab is suddenly afraid of going outside or walking on hard floors, this could be a sign that they have hurt themselves. It may be a good idea to take the dog to see the vet (especially if they’re not acting like themselves) as the vet will be able to assess the injury and provide advice on how best to treat it.
🟩 Vitamin deficiency
Hair loss on the lower legs normally indicates a vitamin deficiency. A poor diet, illness, or stress can all lead to this problem. If your Labrador has been exposed to toxins in its environment (such as pesticides), it may lose some fur as well.
This type of hair loss is different from what’s caused by fleas. It’s patchy and thinning rather than clumps of fur coming out at once (though you might also see this if you have fleas). It also affects only a few areas on the body, such as around the ankles or paws, the same places where dogs sweat most heavily. And this won’t spread over their entire bodies like flea-infested dogs tend to experience.
How To Prevent A Labrador From Hair Loss?
A Labrador is famous for its shiny bouncing hair. But how can your Labrador gain this fame if it’s suffering from hair loss? That will be a nightmare for you and your pet! So to prevent this from happening, read this section to know what to do.
🟩 Take care of your dog’s diet
Feed your dog a healthy diet. It’s important to feed your Labrador a balanced diet, which means it should contain the right amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. One way to ensure that you’re feeding your pet the proper nutrients is by purchasing high-quality dog food from a pet store or veterinarian. You should also avoid feeding too many treats to your canine companion. Too much sugar can lead to diabetes in dogs, so keep an eye on the treats you give them!
Also, avoid feeding table scraps. While it may be tempting, never feed table scraps or human food like pizza crusts and hot dogs because they contain salt and fat that could harm your Labrador’s health over time. This could also put its coat at risk for breakage due to brittle hair shafts caused by too much sodium intake during digestion processes within its organs.
🟩 Keep your dog clean and groomed.
A healthy coat should be glossy and smooth, with no stray hair or bald patches. If you see any of these issues, take your dog to the vet. Groom your Labrador regularly to keep her hair clean, healthy, and free of dander (dead skin cells).
Brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week to prevent tartar buildup that can lead to tooth decay. Also maintain regular dental health by feeding them dental chews or treats formulated specifically for dogs every few days.
Bathing is an important part of grooming as well. Too much bathing can dry out their coats so only wash them when necessary, then use a conditioner afterward to help restore moisture back to their fur.
🟩 Bathe your dog with natural products
Bathing your Labrador with all-natural products is a good way to maintain their skin, prevent allergic reactions, and keep them happy. Natural products are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions than synthetic ones. They are also less likely to irritate the skin of your Labrador retriever and cause them discomfort.
🟩 Protect your Labrador from the rain
You don’t want to let your Labrador out in the rain, but what if it rains while you are away?
You can protect your dog from getting wet by using a doggie umbrella or raincoat. A doggie umbrella is a great way to keep your Lab dry and happy on rainy days. You can also buy special raincoats for dogs that will keep them warm and dry from head to tail. However, these options are more expensive than normal umbrellas or coats for humans so be sure that this is something you want before buying one!
There are other things you should avoid doing when it’s raining. Don’t let him swim in puddles, and don’t let him eat grass or other plants that have been exposed to rain. You must not also leave him outside without shelter (such as a porch). And never ever leave him alone inside an enclosed space like his crate, especially under those circumstances!
🟩 Avoid stress
Stress is one of the main causes of hair loss in Labradors. So, it’s important to make sure you’re not adding to your Labrador’s stress level by being too overprotective. If you notice your dog has begun losing hair, look for any changes in his environment that may be causing him stress. Has there been a move or other change? Did he get into a fight with another pet or even your family? Is there a new pet in the house?
These are all things that can lead to increased anxiety and thus contribute to shorter-than-usual fur length. The best way to deal with this is by making sure everyone knows how much they love their Labradors and giving them plenty of affection every day.
BONUS: How To Take Care Of Labrador’s Hair?
Labrador’s hair is elegant but can get dirty easily. Labradors are great at getting themselves dirty and their hair needs to be taken care of in a timely manner. Here’s how to take care of Labrador hair:
🟩 Make your Lab feel comfortable
In order for your Labrador to be cooperative and enjoy the grooming process, it’s important that you make sure it is comfortable. Some Labs can be skittish about the noises of clippers or brushing, so try to minimize these sounds as much as possible. If your Lab doesn’t like being brushed, try a soothing voice and gentle hand movements instead. You can also purchase calming products such as sprays or lotions made specifically for pets that can help reduce anxiety during grooming time.
When shampooing your Labrador’s coat after giving them a bath (or even before), avoid getting the shampoo into their eyes by rinsing their face first with cool water from a sink sprayer or cup. This will help prevent irritation and redness around their eyes. Additionally, if your Labrador has very sensitive skin or suffers from allergies or dryness in certain areas (such as on their belly), consider using an all-natural conditioner rather than harsh chemical ones since these natural options tend to leave less residue behind after washing out than traditional shampoos do.
🟩 Brushing
Brushing your Lab’s hair is an important part of caring for his coat. You can use a brush or comb, but it’s best to opt for a brush made specifically for Labradors. Whether you choose to brush daily or weekly depends on the type of coat your Labrador has, long-haired Labs may need more frequent brushing than short-haired ones.
🟩 Bathing
When it comes to bathing, you should use a high-quality shampoo that is fragrance-free and enriched with natural oils. Be sure to use warm water, not hot! Always make sure the temperature is comfortable for your Lab before starting the process. Using too much shampoo at once can be drying and cause irritation in your dog’s skin. So only apply as much as necessary for each area of his body.
It’s best if you rub gently but firmly in circular motions over all parts of his coat (including head, tail, and paws) for about five minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Click here to know how often must you bathe a Labrador.
🟩 Shampoos and conditioners
Shampoos and conditioners are important for keeping your Lab’s hair clean and healthy. The shampoos help keep the skin of their face, paws, and belly healthy. They also make the fur shiny. If you don’t wash your Labrador often enough then it can get oily or greasy from dirt or sweat that builds up over time. This can lead to health problems if left untreated so be sure to bathe him at least once per month!
Final Words
The most important thing is to find out what is causing the problem so it can be treated correctly. You should take your Labrador to the vet, who will examine him and run a few tests. If you are concerned that your dog’s hair loss could be due to an allergy or other health condition, don’t wait until it’s too late!
