Labrador Retriever Shampoo : 6 Best Dog Shampoos for Labradors

Labrador Retrievers are America’s most popular dog breed.

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This family dog is incredibly loving, outgoing and affectionate. They are known to be masters of fetch and swimming aficionados. Although this breed makes an incredible companion, the Labrador Retriever’s active lifestyle can also lead to a need for frequent bathing.

Labs are prone to skin dryness or irritation, and it’s important that you choose a shampoo that is going to keep your Lab’s coat healthy and looking its best.

What to Look for in a Top-Rated Labrador Retriever Shampoo

Labradors have very thick, double coats. Their coats protect them from seasonal weather, and that requires you to keep your Lab’s fur in tip top shape. They tend to shed like crazy, which means bath time is incredibly important. But don’t over-bathe your Labrador – that can lead to stripping natural, healthy oils from their skin.

  • Since Labrador Retrievers shed, you will want to consider a dog shampoo that is specifically formulated for the deshedding process.
  • If your Lab has sensitive skin, purchasing an aloe or oatmeal shampoo may help them with itchy, irritated skin.
  • Did you just adopt a Labrador puppy?! Congratulations! Start your new bathing routine with a shampoo made for puppies.
  • Your Lab may have allergies, in which case a natural, hypoallergenic dog shampoo will be the best option.
  • If your dog has fleas, you can pick up a dog shampoo that is designed to kill fleas on contact. Keep in mind that these shampoos don’t have lasting effects like a flea and tick treatment.

You may want to have a flea treatment shampoo and a general bathing shampoo on hand. If your dog suffers from “allergy season” they may need a specific shampoo for that time of year. There’s no rule stating you can’t have multiple dog shampoos for your furry friend.

The 6 Best Dog Shampoos for Labrador Retrievers

When choosing a shampoo for your beloved Labrador you’ll want one that is sure to lather deep into their double coat without drying out their skin. A Lab’s coat is water repellant, but that doesn’t mean they are not vulnerable to bacteria, moisture and infection.

FURminator Frequent Use Ultra-Premium Dog Shampoo

Overall Best Labrador Retriever Dog Shampoo: Labradors shed, and they shed a lot. While regular brushing your Lab can help with the constant shedding, you need a shampoo that can help move the process along. The FURminator Frequent Use Ultra-premium shampoo is formulated to offer superior de-shedding assistance. The blend of natural ingredients won’t dry out your Labrador’s fur in the case that they need frequent bathing. Labs love swimming, hiking and playing outdoors, which means you may have a wet, dirty and muddy pup on your hands!

  • Pros: Great for frequent use in case your Labrador prefers an active, dirty lifestyle. The natural formula won’t dry out your dog’s Lab’s skin, which will also reduce airborne allergens. Made in the USA and doesn’t contain any parabens or chemical dyes.
  • Cons: Only for use on adult dogs.

PL360 All-in-One Fresh Pomegranate Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

Best Shampoo for Labradors With Extra Coarse Fur: Labrador Retrievers don a double coat which will keep them nice and warm in the winter. If your Labrador has extra coarse fur, we recommend the PL360 All-in-One Fresh Pomegranate Dog Shampoo. Its plant-based formula cleans and moisturizes your Labs coat down to the undercoat. This dog shampoo is pH balanced and will leave your Labrador smelling like pomegranates rather than wet dog. The natural built-in conditioner will wash deep in your Lab’s coat without any toxins or parabens.

  • Pros: This dog shampoo will not wash away your dog’s topical flea and tick treatment. It’s made in the USA and comes in an eco-friendly biodegradable bottle. The all-in-one PL360 dog shampoo will moisturize and detangle your Lab’s tough, coarse coat.
  • Cons: The pomegranate scent is not known to last very long.

Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo With Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey

Best Shampoo for Labrador Retrievers With Sensitive Skin: If your Labrador suffers from eczema or other skin conditions, Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo with Collodial Oat Flour & Honey is our top pick. The oat flour is meant to deeply condition dry skin while leaving a beautiful shine to your Lab’s coat. Burt’s Bees is pH balanced and gentle for your Lab’s sensitive skin. The honey in the formula will strengthen your Labrador’s hair follicles, and help them regulate plus maintain moisture.

  • Pros: This Burt’s Bees shampoo formula will not dry out your pup’s fur. The green tea extract and other natural ingredients promote healthy hair growth and care. This shampoo is made cruelty-free in the USA!
  • Cons: It is not hypoallergenic or made for puppies.

3 More Top-Rated Dog Shampoos for Labrador Retrievers

TropiClean Lime & Coconut Deshedding Dog Shampoo

If your Labrador’s shedding is becoming a problem, TropiClean makes a fantastic deshedding formula to help. The lime and coconut formula is made from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as oatmeal and coconut to nourish your Lab’s skin. This shampoo removes excess hair without drying out or irritating the skin. TropiClean Lime & Coconut Deshedding Dog Shampoo is soap-free and will keep your Labrador’s coat looking lustrous and healthy.

Vetoquinol Benzoyl-Plus Shampoo for Dogs

Is your Labrador’s fur full of dander? Vetoquinol makes a dog shampoo with benzoyl peroxide, which helps fight bacteria. This veterinary formulated shampoo offers moisture to reach deep into your Lab’s double coat. It can help treat bacterial skin infections and other conditions which cause dander or dry out your Labrador’s fur and skin. If your Lab is constantly itching or biting at their skin, this Vetoquinol shampoo is known to help. Consult your veterinarian to use this shampoo in conjunction with Benzoyl Plus.

Skout’s Honor Probiotic Honeysuckle Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

If you’re looking for a gentle shampoo that can help with shedding, dry spots and itching, Skout’s Honor Probiotic Honeysuckle Dog Shampoo is an effective choice. This formula, made from coconut and avocado oil, is made to combat itching, dryness and hot spots. It will also improve your Labrador’s skin and coat via the paraben-free, pH balanced formula. Omega-3s present in this shampoo will leave your dog’s coat looking silky and smooth.

7 Tips for Bathing a Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers generally don’t mind bath time because they tend to be water dogs. However, your dog may not feel that having a bath is as enjoyable as swimming. The tips below will help ensure a smooth bathing experience.

  1. Positive reinforcement can help train your dog that bath time is a fun occasion, rather than a stressful one. If you bath your Lab in the bath tub, try putting some peanut butter on the shower wall that they can lick while you bath them. The delicious distraction could be the solution for your nervous Nelly.
  2. Use a deshedding tool on your Lab before you bath them. This will rid their coat of excess fur, which will then allow you to bathe them more thoroughly.
  3. Use warm water in the bath. Hot water can potentially burn your dog, and cold water is hardly comfortable.
  4. Put a towel in your dryer to warm it up so your Labrador has a cozy, dry towel to snuggle in after the bath.
  5. Pour a thin line of shampoo down your Labrador’s back. Gently lather it throughout their coat, and don’t forget their neck, face, ears, tail and paws!
  6. Make sure you completely rinse out all of the shampoo. If shampoo isn’t washed out and it dries, that can cause more skin irritation.
  7. Use the warm towel to dry your Labrador after the bath is complete, and allow them to air dry if it’s warm enough to do so.

Fun Facts About Labrador Retrievers

  1. Labrador Retrievers originate from Newfoundland, and were known for being waterdogs and duck retrievers.
  2. The Labrador Retriever has been known as America’s Favorite Dog Breed since 1991.
  3. A Labrador’s tail is often referred to as “an otter tail” because it’s so powerful. It helps the Lab effectively swim, much like a boat rudder.

FAQ regarding Bathing a Labrador:

How often should I bathe my Labrador Retriever? – You should give your Labrador a bath every 4-6 weeks. You can bathe them more often if they are active outdoors, but be careful not to bathe them too frequently. With Labradors it’s important that their thick coat retains its natural oils in order to stay healthy. Too many baths can cause their fur to easily dry out, leading to unfortunate skin conditions.

How can I make my Labrador Retriever smell better? – If your Labrador loves swimming, that “wet dog smell” may be a familiar scent. You can make your Lab smell better by bathing them more often, or using a deodorizing spray between baths. If a different bath routine doesn’t work, try switching their shampoo. If that still doesn’t work, your Lab may need veterinary attention. Infections and skin diseases can cause an unwanted odor, in which case your Labrador will need to see a vet.

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