Although Labrador retrievers are a type of dog that sheds and thus don’t need much grooming, there are some things that you will need to do for your dog. In some cases, you can complete these grooming tasks; in others, you may need to take your dog to a professional for grooming. Whether you do it on your own or hire a professional, keeping up with Labrador grooming is essential for your dog.
Ears
Because Labrador retrievers have large, floppy ears, they are more likely to develop ear problems. Therefore, as part of the grooming process, it is important to check your dog’s ears on a regular basis. Clean out his ears if you notice an excessive buildup of wax and keep the hair around the ears trimmed. Keeping your dog’s ears clean will help to prevent issues, such as ear infections.
Nails
Labrador dog grooming also includes keeping your dog’s nails trimmed. If your dog spends a lot of time outside on concrete or another hard surface, you may not need to cut its nails as often. This is because they naturally wear down when walking on these surfaces. However, you may still need to trim your dog’s nails. If you do it yourself, make sure you have the right kind of clippers dogs and watch for the quick, which is the blood vessel that runs in the nail. This can be difficult or impossible to see in dogs with black nails. If you cut too close, make sure you have a product on hand to stop the bleeding.
Fur
Because Labrador retrievers shed, their fur is low maintenance. However, you may still need to trim some areas, such as around the toes. Their hair is typically short, though, and won’t require cutting at all. Be sure to brush your Labrador on a regular basis, such as every few days, to help remove the loose hair from its coat and reduce the amount of shedding that occurs. This will keep your dog’s coat looking nice and reduce the cleanup for you later on.
Knowing how to care for Labrador retriever dogs is important to ensure your pet’s health and well-being. This includes knowing what types of Labrador grooming are required for the care of your dog. Much of the grooming care your Labrador requires can be done in the comfort of your own home. However, if your dog has dark nails or you are nervous about cutting the nails, you may wish to seek the assistance of a professional.
