Labradors are one of the most popular pets in the USA. They are loved for their brilliance and their friendly and loyal nature. They are great for both families and singles as their temperament makes them friendly with children and other dogs. They are also very cuddly.
As much as we love them, their shedding can drive any owner insane. The hair gets on everything. It doesn’t matter the color of your labrador; you will still find loose hair all over your furniture, clothes, and even on your bed.
The best brushes for Labradors can deal with their hair; it will help control their shedding rate and deal with a lot of mud. You might look at your labrador and feel like its coat shouldn’t cost you much to maintain, but you’ll be wrong. The hair might look short and close, but it is actually a lot.
Labradors have a double-layer coat. The upper layer is made from coarse hair that is water and dirt repellant; they are called guard hairs. The second layer is softer and used for insulation to keep your dog safe from extreme temperatures. Both layers tend to shed out periodically or even all year; how much your Labradors sheds is up to their shedding pattern.
Maintaining your dog’s coat to look neat and tidy can be difficult, but one thing that can make it easier is a good dog brush. You might be tempted to run to your local pet shop to choose any brush, but you’ll most likely be wasting your money. There are various types of dog brushes because each dog breed has its own brush style. A Labrador’s double coat means that some brushes will work better than others when it concerns removing hair and mud, especially if you have a dog that loves playing in the mud.
That is why it is vital to get the right dog brush for your labrador. A good Labrador brush should be able to remove dead hair and loose fur while giving your dog’s coat a beautiful sparkle while also looking after his or her skin.
LABRADOR’S SKIN
Labradors are prone to certain genetic skin disorders as well as other environmental skin allergies. Some of the skin issues they could develop include atopic dermatitis, which has been known to affect about 10 percent of Labradors.
This skin condition leads to itching, irritation, raw skin, and redness that may lead to infection. It doesn’t matter if your labrador is affected by any skin condition; you’ll have to be careful when grooming your labrador. Use your shedding brush to get rid of all the dead hair without causing damage to the skin.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BRUSH YOUR DOG?
The reason why you need to brush your dog regularly is to help them look neat and nice. It also helps the circulation of the natural oils they produce while still removing dirt and debris. All this keeps their coat and skin healthy.
Labradors are active dogs, and they love getting wet and muddy, so you need to take care of their fur so that small insects won’t be able to make homes in their fur while they play outside. However, this is mostly an issue for dogs with longer hair, but it takes a short time for tiny insects to cause skin irritations for your dog, so you need to keep a close eye on them.
Another great habit to cultivate while grooming your dog is getting used to their “normal.” Knowing what is normal for them will let you know when something new is different; grooming them provides you with the opportunity to notice any bumps, lumps, or changes in skin color, so you’ll be able to call the vet if you notice any changes.
Routine is another reason to groom your dog. If your dog is used to being groomed from an early age, then they would most likely be more comfortable going to the vet later on in their life. Plus, Labradors enjoy having their owner’s attention for a few minutes every day.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DOG BRUSHES?
There are different types of dog brushes, and they include;
Slicker Brush
They are made up of wire pin rows that help to remove any tangles. The pins are made to bend at the ends so that they can gather and collect loose hair to be removed. They are ideal for getting rid of dead undercoats on Labradors. You can choose to go for soft or hard pins depending on your dog’s needs. They also come in a variety of sizes.
Pin Brush
These brushes are mainly used to remove tangles in long-haired dogs. However, these types of brushes cant deal with dead undercoats. This type of brush is a popular option for dog owners of various breeds, but it isn’t the best type for Labradors.
Undercoat Rake
These types of brushes are designed to remove undercoat hair during shedding season; they are also good at getting rid of tangles from the fur of your pet. This brush comes with longer teeth than most of the other types of brushes, and this makes it helpful in reaching deeper loose hair. This brush style comes with a wide range of choices, including the size, widths, and length of the teeth.
Bristle Brush
This type of brush is used to shake and remove dirt and debris from the coat of your dog. It doesn’t come with any metal pins; instead, it comes with bristles that are either natural or man-made; what you get depends on what brand you purchase. These brushes are great for everyday use; they are suitable for quick brushing after a visit to the countryside and are also great fr promoting a shiny coat which is the final goal of grooming your dog.
Shedding Blades
These types of blades are used mainly by professionals groomers to get rid of the shedding of dead hair, but you have to know that using this brush in the wrong way can cause serious problems for your dog. It can be quite easy to hurt or ruin your dog’s coat with this brush, so it would be best if you left this brush to the professionals.
HOW DO I BRUSH MY LABRADOR?
Dealing with labrador fur can be quite tricky; that is why it is important that you purchase the best dog brush for your labrador. They tend to shed a lot, and because of the thickness of their fur, they tend to develop mats out of nowhere. If you ignore the mats and do not deal with them straight away, they will continue to grow until your dog has a large patch of stuck hair.
When it gets to that point, your only choice would be to shave it off. As a good dog parent, you shouldn’t allow your dog’s coat get to this stage where you’ll have to shave it off. If you ensure that their hygiene is a top priority, then maintenance would be easier but know that it would be harder if your labrador has longer hair.
To prevent your dog’s coat from forming mats, you’ll have to brush your dog coat weekly. Ensure you pay close attention to how you’re brushing your dog and stick to a particular technique that you’ll be using.
Even if you have never been a dog parent before, you’ll know that you do not brush your dog’s coat in the opposite direction, but there is more to it than you think.
STEPS ON HOW TO BRUSH YOUR DOG’S COAT
The first thing you need to do is gather your supplies; you’re going to need two dog brushes. The first brush will be the main brush used for detangling and deep grooming; you’ll most likely have to use a pin brush, rake brush, or a slicker brush, depending on what you prefer or what works best for your dog. The second brush you’ll be using will either be a soft bristle brush or a comb, and it will be used for making your dog’s coat shiny.
If you have the chance, it will be best if you take your dog outside when grooming, but if you must stay indoors, ensure you do it over a towel or in a bathtub. Even after doing all this, you may still have to vacuum the surrounding areas for stray hairballs.
Now to start grooming your dog, use the pin brush or the brush you chose as the first brush to work through your dog fur that is closest to the tail—Pull out hair mats and tangles with short strokes. Ensure you do not use the brush to press too hard as it may injure the skin underneath the fur.
If your dog’s coat is in terrible condition, continue using the short strokes to get rid of the mats until you reach the base of their neck. If the coat isn’t in serious condition, you can simply use long continuous strokes from the neck to the back, down to the base of their tail to clear up any mats. Continue using this brush until you’re certain that you have gotten rid of all the knots.
After getting rid of all the knots, use the softer brush to finish up. Use the softer brush to brush the head, tail, legs, back, and belly. While you’re doing this, you’ll notice that your dog’s fur is getting shiny and smooth. However, you should keep in mind that their hair won’t stay like that forever, so you’ll have to keep brushing their coat at least once every week. If you maintain this routine, their coat will become easier to groom, and there will be less shedding.
WHAT IS THE BEST BRUSH FOR ME AND MY LABRADOR?
A good brush for Labradors should be able to deal with lots of shed hair. A Labrador sheds up to 70 pounds of dog hair annually, and that’s on average. So it would be best if you choose a brush that is comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver. If the brush fits your hand size, then you wouldn’t have to work too hard to groom your dog. It is also best if you go for a durable and well-made brush that will still be useful even after long periods of frequent use.
The different types of brushes have different uses, and this means that there is no best dog brush meant for just Labradors. That is why you need to go through the list of popular dog brushes that we have provided below; they make up a set of recommended brushes that will meet the requirements of any Labradors owner. Let’s take a look at the list.
The Best Dog Brush For Labradors And Other High Shedding Breeds Are Reviewed Below
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We conducted our research, and we have provided you with a list of the best dog brushes for Labradors available on the market. Below, you’ll get a detailed review of each of the products along with their specifications, key features, pros, and cons. Knowing all of this will allow you to make an informed choice when it comes to choosing the best dog brush for Labradors and other high shedding breeds.
1
FURminator Slicker Brush for Dogs
This brush is a slicker brush type. It comes with a long flat surface that allows it to brush through large areas of fur at a quicker rate. One side of the brush has bent or curved bristles, while the opposite side has straight bristles. The curves side is used for detangling, while the other side is used to give dogs with longer hair some extra shine.
Key Features:
- Removes knots and tangles without causing damage to your dog’s fur
- Suitable for medium, long and curly fur
- Provides your dog’s fur with a natural shine
- Features two different bristles
- Its dual-flex flexible brush head allows you to follow the natural contour of your dog’s body
- Provides you with optimal brush positioning
Specification:
- Brand: FURminator
- Model: FURminator Slicker Brush
- Weight: 2.12 Ounces
- Dimensions: 2.76 * 6.3 * 9.84 inches
- Color: Green and Black
Pros
- It quickly gets rid of tangles
- It provides your dog’s fur with a natural shine
- Dogs tend to like the feel of the brush
Cons
- It can be hard to clean
- The pad may come out sometimes
2
Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Large Dogs
FURminators come in different types. This type of FURminatior works great for dogs that shed a lot. It might not get deep into the fur, but it removes any loose hair found on the top layer. It helps to reduce the amount of fur you find lying around your home.
Key Features:
- Ideal for dogs with long hair
- Gets rid of loose hair
- Removes loose undercoat hair without damaging the skin or topcoat
- Features a FURejector button for removing stuck hair
- Ergonomic handle
Specification:
- Brand: Furminator
- Model: Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool
- Weight: 9.6 Ounces
- Dimensions: 6.75 * 5.5 * 2.5 inches
- Color: Dark Green and Black
Pros
- It gets rid of loose hair much quicker than other brushes
- It is easy to clean
- It prevents fur from getting all-around your home
Cons
- None
3
MIU COLOR Pet Grooming Brush, Deshedding Tool for Dogs
If your dog is shedding a lot, then you should think about getting this dog brush. The MIU COLOR is a popular dog brush that claims to reduce shedding by 90 percent. Its handle is made from rubber which provides the user with a good grip. It is suitable for long and short-haired dogs.
Key Features:
- Reduces shedding by 95 percent
- Made from 4-inch quality stainless steel
- Uniformly distributed teeth
- Detachable comb head
- Eco-friendly
- Non-toxic
- Ergonomic non-slip handle
Specification:
- Brand: MIU COLOR
- Model: MIU COLOR Pet Grooming Brush
- Weight: 4.73 Ounces
- Dimensions: 4.92 * 1.57 * 7.87 inches
- Color: Blue and Black
Pros
- It is effective in removing knots and loose hair
- It is easy to clean
- It reduces the amount of shed hair on your furniture and carpets
- It can be used on both short-haired and long-haired dogs
Cons
- If too much force is applied to the brush, it might hurt your dog’s skin
4
Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
The Hertzko dog brush helps you get rid of loose fur on your dog’s coat, and it is easy to clean thanks to its retractable bristles. After you’re done grooming your dog, press the button located at the top of the brush, and the bristles will retract themselves into the base of the brush, which allows you to pull out the loose fur that the brush has gathered.
Key Features:
- Gently removes loose hair
- Removes tangles, dirt, and dander
- Suitable for all hair types
- Retractable bristiles
- Ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip
Specification:
- Brand: Hertzko
- Model: Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
- Weight: 3.2 Ounces
- Dimensions: 5.8 * 3 * 10 inches
- Color: Purple and Black
Pros
- It is durable
- It features retractable bristles, which makes it easy to clean
- It promotes blood stimulation which leads to a shiny coat
- It is gets rid of loose hair while being comfortable on your dog
Cons
- Some users have had issues with the button getting stuck after years of use
5
GoPets Dematting Comb and Grooming Rake for Dogs
GoPets make this comb, and it can be used as an undercoat comb, a de-matting brush, or a de-shedding rake. It comes with two sides where one side has teeth that are wide apart more than the other side. This arrangement allows you to use it for both normal grooming and deep detangling.
Key Features:
- Comfortable and quick
- Deals with all kinds of mats
- Double-sided comb
- Multiple uses
- Non-slip silicone gel-filled handle
- Sharp stainless steel blades
Specification:
- Brand: GoPets
- Model: GoPets Dematting Comb for Dogs
- Weight: 3.52 Ounces
- Dimensions: 8.9 * 2.5 * 1.4 inches
- Color: Orange and Grey
Pros
- It is gentle on your pet’s skin while removing lots of loose hair
- It is a great detangler
- It has a comfortable grip
Cons
- It could be sharper
6
Dog Brush for Shedding and Grooming – Premium Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
This brush from Slicker Pro is very similar to the Hertzko brush that you read about earlier. It also comes with a self-cleaning feature that is easy to use. It helps your dog maintain a clean and shiny coat while reducing the amount of fur found in your home.
Key Features:
- Meant for small to medium sized pets
- Effectively gets rid of mats
- Self-cleaning feature
- Flexible and soft bristles
Specification:
- Brand: The Pet Portal
- Model: (B00XH7HK3I) Dog Slicker Brush
- Weight: 5.6 Ounces
- Dimensions: 9.5 * 4.7 * 1.7 inches
- Color: Black and Green
- Shape: Rectangular
Pros
- It is easy to clean
- It is gentle on your pet’s skin
- It quickly gets rid of mats
Cons
- It’s not recommended for use on large dogs
7
Pat Your Pet Two-Sided Undercoat Rake for Dogs
This dog brush comes with two sides. It can be used on both cats and dogs, but it works better for dogs. It is most suitable for dogs with sensitive skin. It easily removes tangles while gliding smoothly and gently over your dog’s skin. It also gets rid of dandruff with little to no skin irritation.
Key Features:
- Two in one dual head
- 17 teeth sides
- Safe on your pet’s skin
- Soft ergonomic anti-slip handle
- Stainless steel teeth
Specification:
- Brand: Pat Your Pet
- Model: Pat Your Pet Two-Sided Undercoat Rake for Dogs
- Weight: 5.6 Ounces
- Dimensions: 6.8 * 3.6 * 1.1 inches
- Color: Blue and Black
Pros
- It is easy to use
- It gets rid of mats and knots quickly and easily
- It massages your dog, which promotes blood circulation, which leads to a shiny coat
- It is comfortable to hold
- Pets tend to enjoy the massage this rake provides
Cons
- A few users have complained about the teeth snapping off
8
KONG - ZoomGroom Dog Brush for Grooming and Shampooing
This brush from KONG is made out of rubber. It comes with rubbery tips that’s make it easy to catch loose hair. It aids in the removal of dead hair while stimulating healthy hair oil production. It is a great brush for Labradors.
You can also use this effective brush while bathing your dog. Use this brush to groom your dog in circles, then progress from the head to the tail, collecting all the loose fur. If your dog is still a puppy, then you can opt for a smaller KONG brush to get rid of all the excess fur.
Key Features:
- It gets rid of loose hair like a magnet
- It stimulates the capillaries and production of natural oils
- Can be used with shampoo
- Comes in two colors
- Available in two sizes
Specification:
- Brand: KONG
- Model: KONG – ZoomGroom Dog Brush
- Weight: 3.36 Ounces
- Dimensions: 4.75 * 1.63 * 2.9 inches
- Color: Blue
- Material: Rubber
Pros
- It can be used alongside shampoo to bath your dog
- It is durable and washable
- It can be used on both wet and dry fur
- Dogs enjoy being groomed with this brush
Cons
- Some dogs confuse it for a chew toy
- Removing the gathered hair from the brush can be difficult
9
JW Pet Company GripSoft Undercoat Rake
This product has great value. However, that doesn’t mean you should use the brush every day; it is more suitable to be used once or twice weekly. It removes dead hair from your dog’s undercoat with ease.
It has a small size, making it easier for your pert to get used to, especially if you’re trying to get your dog used to a regular grooming routine. It is quite easy to clean this brush even though it doesn’t have retractable pins. The pins used in this brush mean that you won’t have any fly-away hair you’ll have to gather later.
Key Features:
- Removes dead hair from the undercoat
- Non-slip ergonomic handle design
- Round tipped teeth
- Suitable for undercoat hair
- Loosens matted part of a coat
Specification:
- Brand: JW Pet Company
- Model: JW Pet Company Undercoat Rake
- Weight: 1 Ounce
- Dimensions: 8.5 * 1 * 5.5 inches
- Color: Black and Yellow
Pros
- It is great for deshedding
- It has an ergonomic handle for comfort
- It causes less damage to the undercoat
Cons
- It creates quite a bot of static
10
Safari by Coastal Pin & Bristle combination Brush
Thus brush has value for money as it is one of the cheapest brush on this list. It is a bristle brush and pin brush all in one. This brush is great for everyday use, especially when you want to give your dog a quick brush after a walk to prevent dirt and mud from being dragged into your home.
This brush not only gets rid of dirt but also helps to evenly distribute the natural oils all over your dog’s fur, thus leaving your dog clean, healthy, and shiny.
Key Features:
- Two brushes in one
- Removes dirt and loose hair
- It helps distribute natural oils all over the coat
Specification:
- Brand: Safari
- Model: Safari by Coastal Pin & Bristle combination Brush
- Weight: 3.21 Ounces
- Dimensions: 2.35 * 4 * 11 inches
- Color: Green
Pros
- It helps to distribute the natural oils all over your dogs coat evenly
- It can be used as an everyday dog brush
- It is affordable
Cons
- Cleaning the brush takes a bit of time
- The bristles get stuck with hair after a short grooming session, so you’ll have to keep removing the gathered hair to keep using the brush
Buying Guide Questions
Below are answers to frequently asked questions.
What type of brush is best for a labrador?
Our top pick is the FURminator Slicker Brush with Hard Bristles for Dogs.
What is the best brush for a shedding dog?
One of the best brushes for a shedding dog is the Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool. It will help you deal with that dog that keeps shedding all year round.
Does brushing a lab help with shedding?
You can reduce the amount of hair your dog sheds by grooming your lab frequently. Remember to brush your lab more often during molting season.
Is the FURminator bad for labs?
The FURminator is a safe choice when it comes to removing dead hair from your lab.
How often should labs be bathed?
You can bath your lab as frequently as every other week but with a mild shampoo, but at a minimum, you should bath your lab once every three months.
Why is the FURminator bad?
Furminators are great brushes, but they don’t do so well with dogs with undercoats, but it also depends on how they are handled.
What do groomers use to deshed dogs?
Groomers mostly use slicker brushes. Slicker brushes are good at removing tangles from dog and cat coats, but they need to be handled with care.
Does the FURminator hurt dogs?
Using FURminator to pull against the grain of your dog can hurt; instead, use long and gentle strokes and ensure you do not apply a lot of pressure.
What is best for shedding dogs?
You can use bristle brushes or wire pin brushes, or slicker brushes but be careful while using any of these brushes.
What color lab is the smartest?
Black Labradors are considered the most intelligent labs; they are also said to be quick learners.
Who sheds more lab or golden?
Labradors and golden retrievers have similar shedding patterns but goldens usually need more grooming.
What color lab sheds least?
Black and chocolate labs are the least shedders in the lab family.
How often should I use the FURminator on my lab?
You can use it as often as you need.
Conclusion
Grooming your dog is an essential part of their lives; it helps maintain their hygiene while reducing the amount of fur on your furniture. Having the right dog brush will allow you efficiently groom your dog without any issues.
Keep in mind that most dog parents opt for more than one type of brush, so if your budget allows you, buying a couple of different products to deal with different occasions will make life easier for you and your dog. When you use brushes in the correct manner, they will save you hours of time spent cleaning around your house.
With the list and buying guide provided above, you should know what to look for when choosing a dog brush for Labradors and the right brush to choose, one that will meet you and your dog’s requirements.
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