Labrador Retriever grooming: brushing, bathing and shedding
A practical grooming routine for the Labrador Retriever: coat care, baths, nails and ears.
Brush once or twice a week with a rubber curry or slicker, then daily during the spring and autumn moults, when an undercoat rake shifts loose fluff far faster than a brush alone. Bathe only when your dog is genuinely dirty, around every 2 to 3 months; frequent shampooing strips the natural oils that make the coat waterproof. A quick rinse with plain water after sea swims is enough to remove salt.
Floppy ears trap moisture, so wipe them out after swimming and check weekly for redness or a sour smell. Nails usually need a trim every 3 to 4 weeks unless your dog walks a lot on pavement. If the ears smell strongly, look swollen, or your dog keeps shaking its head or scratching one side, have a vet examine them rather than trying to clean them out yourself.
Labrador Retriever grooming in numbers
This is an illustrative schedule based on our editorial grooming score, not a breed-specific care protocol. Coat condition, skin problems and professional advice may call for a different routine.
| Task | Planning example |
|---|---|
| Brushing | Once a week |
| Bathing | Every 2 to 3 months, or when dirty |
| Shedding | Heavy, with seasonal blowouts |
| Nail trim | Every 3 to 4 weeks |
| Ear check | Every 2 weeks |
| Teeth | Daily brushing; introduce gently and ask your vet if the mouth seems painful |
Coat
Short, dense and slightly oily on top, with a soft insulating undercoat that sheds water like a wetsuit.
Grooming needs
Shedding
Drooling