Labrador Retriever Grooming Guide: How to
Labrador Retrievers are Scotland’s go-to family companions—friendly, energetic, and up for any outdoor adventure. Their short, dense double coats keep them warm and water-resistant, but also mean heavy seasonal shedding. At Kinga’s Dog Grooming in Edinburgh, we’ve honed our Labrador care to tackle moults, manage moisture, and keep your home hair-free. Follow our detailed guide to master brushing, bathing, and trimming—plus the best Amazon UK tools for the job.
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How Often Should You Groom a Labrador?
Brushing: 2–3× per week, ramping up to daily during spring and autumn moults.
Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks (or after water play/mud).
Professional Groom: Every 10–12 weeks for de-shedding treatment and coat tidy-up.
A steady routine reduces loose hair, prevents mats around collars, and keeps the coat healthy year-round.
🪮 Step-by-Step Brushing & De-Shedding Routine
Setup
Choose a well-lit area and lay down a towel or grooming mat.
Keep all tools within easy reach.
Undercoat Rake
Hold fur close to the skin to avoid pulling.
Work in sections—shoulders → back → sides → belly → hindquarters → tail.
FURminator Pass
Glide gently in the direction of hair growth to remove loose undercoat fibres.
Avoid overworking any one spot—5–10 strokes per section.
Slicker Brush Finish
Brush with the grain to catch surface hairs and smooth the coat.
Use short, gentle strokes to avoid irritating the skin.
Comb Check
Run the Safari comb over the collar area and chest to clear any stubborn tangles.
Pay attention under the collar and armpits, where moisture can cling.
Reward
Give your Lab a treat and praise—positive reinforcement makes grooming a breeze!
🛁 Bathing Your Labrador
Frequency: Every 6–8 weeks, or after muddy/wet play.
Shampoo: Wet coat thoroughly, apply Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo, and massage gently into undercoat.
Conditioner: Use sparingly—focus on mid-body to tips; leave 2–3 minutes before rinsing.
Rinse: Ensure all detergent is out to prevent dryness or irritation.
Drying:
Towel-dry first to remove excess water.
Andis dryer on low heat/medium airflow, brushing as you dry to prevent mats.
Scottish Tip: Always finish drying indoors—Labs’ dense coats trap moisture, which can lead to hotspots in chilly, damp weather.
🖌️ Trimming & Maintenance Tasks
Collar Line & Chest: Trim stray hairs that peek under collars to prevent matting (Every 8–10 weeks)
Paws & Between Toes: Clip excess hair for better grip and cleanliness (Every 6–8 weeks)
Sanitary Trim: Trim around rear and belly for hygiene (Every 6–8 weeks)
Nail Care: Trim with guillotine clippers—avoid quick (Every 3–4 weeks)
Home Grooming vs Professional Grooming
Brushing & De-shedding:
DIY Home Care: 2–3× weekly (daily in moult)
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Included in every full groom
Bathing:
DIY Home Care: 6–8 weekly, self-dry
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Premium bath + professional dry
Coat Trims & Fluff-Tuck:
DIY Home Care: Basic trims under collar & paws
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Expert scissor shaping
Nail Trimming:
DIY Home Care: Every 3–4 weeks
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Precise guillotine nail trim
Ear Cleaning:
DIY Home Care: Weekly with Virbac Epi-Otic
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Thorough professional cleaning
Deep Coat Treatments:
DIY Home Care: N/A
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: De-shedding spa treatment
Pro visits every 10–12 weeks, keep your Lab’s coat in top form and home grooming light.
❓ FAQ Section
Q: My Lab sheds nonstop—will brushing help?
A: Yes—consistent weekly de-shedding (with the FURminator) and brushing cuts loose hair by up to 90%.
Q: Is it safe to bathe my Lab often?
A: Over-bathing can strip natural oils. Stick to every 6–8 weeks unless they roll in something unpleasant.
Q: How can I prevent hotspots?
A: Fully dry your Lab after baths or rain, brush moisture out of the undercoat, and monitor for redness.
🏴 Scottish-Specific Grooming Tips
Mud Patrol: Keep grooming wipes by the door for quick clean-ups after frolics in the glens.
Rain-Ready Routine: A light waterproof jacket on wet walks reduces the need for full baths.
Drying Station: Create an indoor “mud room” with towels and your Andis dryer to manage damp coats.
Seasonal Boost: Increase brushing to daily during spring and autumn moults to stay ahead of shedding.
Ready to Book Your Labrador’s Next Groom?
At Kinga’s Dog Grooming in Edinburgh, we specialise in Labrador coat care—from expert de-shedding sessions to precision trims. Keep your Labrador healthy, cosy, and Aussie-free in any Scottish weather.
Book Your Appointment Today and let your Lab stride out fur-free—rain or shine!
