Labrador Retriever Hair Cut

The following question was sent in by TJ, owner of a very adorable 19 month old, yellow Labrador Retriever named Nicki.

TJ's writes in regards to cutting his Labrador Retriever's hair. The Labrador Retriever Hair Cut is always a popular one here at All About Labradors as the weather warms up.

Readers Email - TJ Writes:

Thank you for being so generous with all these question. I have a great yellow lab, Nicki, a free gift in front of the local grocery store and love her dearly. She is 19 months old and I have be cutting her hair, pretty much every 4 months since we got her at 6 weeks old, is this totally wrong?

The main reason for cutting her hair is to help in drying her off after swimming, we have a pool and she loves to swim and she’s a spoiled indoor dog (smile), I should also mention, not only the pool but don’t ever leave the door open in the bathroom when filling the bathtub. Keeping the hair short allows her to swim as much as she like and I can quickly dry her off, so she can come back in the house. We are cautious with the sun, she has never sun burned, the backyard is fully shaded. Is cutting the hair really bad for this breed?

Thank you, TJ

All About Labradors Answer:

Hello TJ, thanks for your question and the wonderful photo of Nicki. This is a popular question that we get asked many times and our answer is always NO (unless needed for medical purposes).

Labrador Retrievers owners believe that by cutting or shaving their dog it will keep them from shedding or keep them cooler in the warmer weather. The undercoat that they cut or shave actually helps to keep your Labrador Retriever cool and helps provide insulation from the heat and sun.

What we do believe in is grooming thoroughly. I provided the answers to your question in a previous post on this blog that should provided the answers you seek: Does a Labrador Retriever need a Haircut.

In the "Does a Labrador Retriever need a Haircut" post I refer to a tool called the Furminator. I've posted a review on that tool, which may also be of help: FURminator Dog deShedding Tool.

Last but not least Woodhaven Labradors provides a wonderful article on Grooming Your Labrador Retriever.

I hope this will be of help to you and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Take care of yourself and Nicki.

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate link(s), which may result in compensation for AllAboutLabradors.blogspot.com. For more information about All About Labradors please read our Disclaimer and Disclosure Policies. We've shared this information to inform you of your option to either use our affiliated links or to go directly to the site of interest.

Continue Reading...

Can a Dog have Allergies?

Many dog owners might not realize that there are a wide variety of allergies that dogs can suffer from. Common allergens that affect dogs are things they inhale (molds, dust mites, pollens) or the type of food they're eating, and skin irritants, among others...Achoo! Tips on helping your dog beat allergies

According to the Pet Allergy Worldwide Survey (PAWS) sponsored by Novartis Animal Health, 44 percent of pet owners are unaware that their pet can suffer from chronic seasonal allergies...Does your pet have seasonal allergies?

Dogs can suffer from a wide variety of allergies just like their human companions. These allergies usually manifest themselves as skin conditions. This will cause the immune system of the dog to overreact with a number of different symptoms, most notably a skin irritation...Just like us, dogs suffer from allergies

The much anticipated arrival of spring with the accompanying warm weather brings many blooming and growing things. This means that springtime allergies for pets are going to follow shortly behind. Pets are sensitive to the same grasses and pollens that trigger reactions in people. However, the manifestations of these allergies are quite different...Spring allergies can make pets miserable, too

Some of the most preventable dog skin problems are caused by dog allergies. Dog allergies may be the result of seasonal conditions, environmental factors or symptoms of food allergies. Many dog owners are surprised to learn that food allergies are not always related to a new food or diet. A dog may develop intolerance to foods that they have been eating for years...Dog Allergies - Dog Skin Problems

Atopy is a hereditary disorder that causes an allergic response to environmental allergens. In humans, such an allergic response can cause a runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes. However, airborne allergens can cause different clinical signs in dogs and cats...Just as in people, it’s important to treat allergies in pets to relieve symptoms

Unlike humans, dogs and cats won’t sneeze or cough excessively when they are allergic to pollen. They lick, bite and scratch themselves a lot. That’s because pollen falls on their fur, ears and the pads on their paws. The pollen is then absorbed into the skin through those areas. Allergic dogs and cats try to soothe themselves by licking, chewing and scratching those affected areas. Too much of this can lead to hair loss, scabbing and ear infections...How to Help Your Pet Cope with Pollen Allergies

The absence of Wheat in your Dog's food, can help him in many ways. By eliminating wheat from his diet, helps your best friend from contracting many allergies. These allergies can affect his health in many ways, including but not limited to degestive disorders...One Way To Protect Your Dog From Allergies Is To Delete Wheat From His Dog Food

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate link(s), which may result in compensation for AllAboutLabradors.blogspot.com. For more information about All About Labradors please read our Disclaimer and Disclosure Policies. We've shared this information to inform you of your option to either use our affiliated links or to go directly to the site of interest.

Continue Reading...