The 8 Best Shampoos for Labradors!

What to look for in pet shampoos for Labradors?

An excellent dog shampoo should cleanse and moisturize your pet’s skin, inhibit bacterial growth and keep it healthy. It needs to lather well without damaging delicate tissues of the mouth and eyes, be easy to rinse out and free from irritants such as sulfates which can damage the coat, and strip essential oils from the skin. 

You should opt for dog shampoos with ingredients known to be gentle on the skin to minimize any unwanted irritation. Look for shampoos that feature aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal, avocado oil, argan, and coconut oil. Pet shampoos that are heavily scented may be too intense for a dog’s nose.

A dog’s skin and coat are very delicate. That said, it is essential to work with your veterinarian on determining the right frequency of bathing and which type or brands you should use for optimal health benefits! This is most important if your Lab suffers from skin issues like hot spots and scaling.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) bathing tips for Labs

The effectiveness of any pet shampoo hinges on using proper bathing techniques, reminding dog parents not to squirt a product onto a dog’s hair or fur. The correct method will keep Labradors clean, healthy, and smelling fresh. 

The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains that you should comb your Labrador before bathing. “This gets rid of any debris that might cling to the coat and remove any tangles.” 

If you have an indoor Labrador, the AKC recommends bathing every 4 to 6 weeks. Bathing is best done 4 to 5 days before showing if your dog shows. 

The AKC explains that “Labrador Retrievers shed twice a year in handfuls and combing them every day during heavy shedding and bathing in warm water gets rid of the dead hair and saves it from falling all over your floor.”

Finally, they advise opting for a high-quality pet shampoo on your Labrador and always rinse with warm, clean water. If your Lab enjoys the pool, the AKC advises it’s best to bathe your Labrador to remove the chlorine.

How to wash your Labrador?

Prolonged bathing can strip away natural skin oils. The best way to avoid this is to brush down your Lab’s coat before shampooing with a high-quality bristle brush (not a scrubbing brush or wire-bristle brush, both of which can damage the skin). After brushing down your Labrador’s coat:

• Start at the neck and slowly work in circular motions towards the tail. This will help raise dirt and debris to the surface of your pet’s skin before shampoo is applied.
• Apply shampoo around their face using your hands.
• Avoid shampoo in their eyes or ears, as it can be extremely painful for the animal.
• Massage the lower part of your pet’s body to remove all dirt and debris before rinsing it off. 

You should shampoo at least once a month, ideally twice or more, depending on how dirty your pup gets. While most pet shampoos don’t require a prescription, it’s always a good idea to consult with your vet if your furbaby has skin sensitivity.

The Labrador Retriever

We love Labradors, and they are one of the most popular breeds in America, if not the world. They are so friendly and loving toward everyone, which is why families choose them as their companion dog of choice.

Labradors come in 3 different colors; black, chocolate, and yellow. They can adapt to any climate as well. This is why they’re such a popular breed all around the world. The three most important things to look for in a Lab include temperament, coat, & tail. 

The American Kennel Club (AKC) adds that “The short, dense, weather-resistant coat—whether yellow, black or a luscious shade of brown known as chocolate—should be fairly hard to the touch.”

An old-time breed expert wrote, “The smooth or short-haired dog is preferred because in frosty weather, the long-haired kind become encumbered with ice when coming out of the water.” 

With their love of swimming and water play, Labradors need a perfect shampoo that will not dry out their skin or fur too much after being washed. Most importantly, the AKC adds that “Their short, dense, weather-resistant coats should never be clipped or trimmed.”

It’s also essential to keep the skin cleansed and bacteria-free, especially after they’ve been swimming or playing in dirty conditions outside.

When you start looking at different shampoos for Labradors, there are so many options now available on the market, which is why it can be quite overwhelming when trying to make your decision.

This is why we’ve reviewed and created a list of the top 8 shampoos for Labradors that we think you and your Labrador will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best shampoo for Labradors?

While many shampoos are available, not all of them are suitable for your dog. Some shampoos can dry out their skin and irritate. Also, chemicals found in some pet shampoos can be very harmful to pets.

Labradors are active dogs who love long walks and play fetch. They also love swimming which means they need a gentle yet effective shampoo to hydrate their skin and coat without irritating it. The best shampoo for Labradors should be tear-free, hypoallergenic, and soap-free. It should also include ingredients that will moisturize the skin and coat. The shampoo should be gentle enough for everyday use. 

Can I use two different shampoos in my Lab?

Most shampoo needs to be diluted before using on your pet. Salon brands will usually have the dilution ratio on the bottle. If you are unsure, dilute at 1 oz. of shampoo to 8-10 oz. of water before using. Always test a small area first before using it on the entire body.

How often should I wash my Labrador Retriever?

Labradors require regular grooming and bathing to keep their skin and coat clean, shiny, and healthy. Most pet owners bathe their Lab every 3-4 weeks, but how often you wash your Lab depends on the owner’s preference. 

Some owners prefer to bathe their labs twice a month, especially in warm climates. If your dog struggles in the bathtub or gets stressed out quickly, it may be best to stick with washing them every four weeks; if your pup is active or gets covered in mud when outdoors, you’ll need to bathe him right away after brushing him off first.

How do I wash my Labrador Retriever in the tub?

This step-by-step guide will help you bathe your Labrador Retrievers in the bathtub from start to finish, including how to prepare for bath time, bathing and shampooing your dog, what products work best for Labradors, and how to dry your Labrador Retriever.

1. Prepare for bath time. Many pet parents get caught up in the excitement of bathing their dog, only to realize they’re missing a crucial step-preparing the bathroom! Setting up the tub before bringing in your Lab is key to a successful bath. Ensure you have everything you need to bathe your furbaby, including shampoo, towels, and cotton balls.
2. Pick a shampoo. There are many good (and not so good) shampoos out there that will work great on Labradors, but remember, you get what you pay for! Always use high-quality pet products that are specifically formulated for dogs. Some great options to choose from include oatmeal shampoo, tearless shampoo, and natural soap-free shampoo.
3. Fill the tub with water. Turn on the water faucet and adjust it until you have a nice warm temperature for your dog, not hot, but also not cold either! Once you’ve filled up the tub, use the handheld showerhead to wet your dog’s coat.
4. Apply shampoo. Applying shampoo can be done by first pouring a small amount into your hands. We like to dilute many pet shampoos since some may be concentrated. Make sure you rub the shampoo into your dog’s skin and fur so that they’re completely covered with the product. You don’t need to apply too much shampoo, just enough to create a nice lather.
5. Rinse off shampoo. Before your dog’s coat can dry, you’ll need to rinse all the shampoo out of their fur. It may take an extra minute or two for this step since Labradors have thick coats that absorb water quickly! Use warm (not cold) clean water to rinse your Labrador’s coat.
6. Dry their fur. There are a few different ways you can dry Labradors after they’re done bathing-hand towels, bath towels, and blow dryer. Make sure you start helping them dry off before the rinse process is complete so that all the shampoo is rinsed out. You’ll want to dry off their fur in sections with a large bath towel, making sure you’re not rubbing the shampoo back into their coat. You can also use a handheld blow dryer set on low heat (again, make sure it isn’t too hot) to help them dry faster.
7. Give them a treat! Once your Lab is completely dry, it’s time for a little reward. Make sure you give your Lab plenty of doggie treats and praise after their bath!

What is hypoallergenic dog shampoo/conditioner? And why should I use it on my Labrador Retriever?

Hypoallergenic shampoo is specially formulated for sensitive skin or dogs that suffer from skin allergies. It will typically be free of dyes, artificial fragrances, parabens, petroleum-based chemicals, sulfates, phosphates, glycols, and gluten. That said, it’s best to opt for hypoallergenic pet shampoos regardless of whether your Lab has allergies or not.

Labrador Retrievers are not necessarily allergic to any specific ingredient. Still, hypoallergenic shampoos will at the very least contain none of the ingredients that could cause them an issue (though not all dogs with allergies react to all allergens). 

If you think your Lab is having some skin reaction, first try changing their diet, but if you are still having trouble, look for a high-quality hypoallergenic shampoo. Then, as usual, always reach out to your vet for a consult.