Best Dog Brushes For Labradors

Dog Brushes June 7, 2024
The 5 Best Dog Brushes & Deshedding Tools For Labradors
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Best Dog Brushes For Labradors

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The 5 Best Dog Brushes & Deshedding Tools For Labradors

The Labrador Retriever, renowned for their retrieving abilities, is the most popular dog in the US. They are often trained as therapy dogs for the blind, people with autism, or law enforcement. As a short-haired breed, Labradors shed more than other breeds, necessitating more brushing.

Failure to maintain their coat can lead to hair on floors and the house. Choosing the right brush is crucial, as there are numerous options available.

Here, we have reviewed the five best brushes for your Labrador based on several features to help you make a more informed decision.

Compare Best Dog Brush For Labradors

OVERALL BEST
Kong ZoomGroom

1. Kong ZoomGroom

BEST DE-SHEDDER
Paws & Pals De-Shedding Tool

2. Paws & Pals De-Shedding Tool

BEST FOR LARGE DOGS
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush

3. Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush

BEST FOR DOUBLE COATS
Pet Republique Slicker Brush

4. Pet Republique Slicker Brush

BEST FOR REMOVING DEBRIS
FURminator Curry Comb

5. FURminator Curry Comb

Lifestage
Puppy, Adult
Lifestage
Adult
Lifestage
Adult
Lifestage
Adult
Lifestage
Adult
Material
Plastic
Material
Plastic
Material
Plastic
Material
Plastic
Material
Plastic

Coat Type

Labradors are usually categorized by these three coat colors: Golden Lab, Chocolate Lab, and Black Lab. They have short double coats that keep them warm and are waterproof.

Labradors do shed, some more than others. blow his soft undercoat annually, at which time you may have more Labrador retriever fur on you than he does. It is important to brush your Labrador once a month or as often as necessary.

Brush Types for Labradors

Slicker Brushes
Slicker brushes have fine, rounded wires that are close together on a flat surface. This type of brush works with all coat types to remove loose fur and help de-tangle.

Pin Brushes
A lot like the slicker brush, this brush’s wire pins are tipped with plastic or rubber. Pin brushes are made for longer, silkier coat types.

Bristle Brushes
This type of brush is best for smooth-coated dogs that shed frequently. The bristle clusters remove debris and loose hair and leave a nice shine.

Rubber Brush
A rubber brush, also known as a curry brush, is a great multi-function tool for all types of coats. The rubber nubs make it especially useful if you have a short-haired dog that sheds a lot. The rubber acts like a magnet, grabbing loose hair while the soft tips massage the skin.

Shedding Rake
This brush is really just a type of comb with small, harmless teeth. It is useful on almost every coat type for removing loose hair.

OVERALL BEST
1.

Kong ZoomGroom

Product Info

  • Lifestage: Puppy, Adult
  • Material: Plastic
Pros
  • Can be used wet or dry
  • Great at reducing shedding
  • Fits in hand comfortably
Cons
  • Dogs mistaken brush for a chew toy
  • Slippery when wet
  • Rubber bristles too big for smaller dogs
The ZoomGroom by Kong is great for grooming and shampooing your Labrador. It removes loose hair and dirt like a magnet, while stimulating natural oil production.

Regular use will work to reduce shedding. ZoomGroom brushes are effective for short coat types and is very comfortable in your hand when using.
BEST DE-SHEDDER
2.

Paws & Pals De-Shedding Tool

Product Info

  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Material: Plastic
Pros
  • Works great on shedding control
  • Helps prevent mats, reduce shedding and odor
  • Very affordable
Cons
  • Best for undercoats only
  • Maybe small for large dogs
The Paws & Pals de-shedding and grooming brush is great for removing the hair your Labrador leaves behind. This tool works great for removing loose hair dirt, and dander, as well as prevent matting.

It reduces shedding by 90% and helps control your Labradors undercoat during shedding season. The comfort grip handle is designed to fit easily in to your hand for maximum control.
BEST FOR LARGE DOGS
3.

Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush

Product Info

  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Material: Plastic
Pros
  • Great for de-shedding, de-tangling
  • Ideal for thick haired dogs
  • Reasonably priced
  • Ergonomic grip handle
Cons
  • Stainless steel tips can come loose on thick coats
  • Bristle side may not get through undercoat
  • Steel tips may hurt some dogs
The Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush is ideal for dogs with double coats like Labradors. One side is fine stainless steel tips that has wide enough spaces to grab hair and remove knots. The bristles on the reverse side help to distribute natural oils that keep your Labradors coat smooth. The handle has a rubber coated ergonomic grip to make brushing all types of coats simple yet effective.
BEST FOR DOUBLE COATS
4.

Pet Republique Slicker Brush

Product Info

  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Material: Plastic
Pros
  • Removes dirt and debris
  • Gentle on skin
  • Self cleaning button
Cons
  • Bristles can bend easily
  • Brush head small for large dogs
This slicker brush is made with fine and flexible wire bristles, and works great on Labradors under coats. It removes dirt, tangles, loose fur and mats. This slicker brush will penetrate without scratching the skin.

The ergonomic, rubber handle and heavy plastic material makes it very durable and easy to use. This brush has a self-cleaning one-push button feature, making clean up easy.
BEST FOR REMOVING DEBRIS
5.

FURminator Curry Comb

Product Info

  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Material: Plastic
Pros
  • For medium coats
  • Comfortable ergonomic design
  • Removes loose hair
Cons
  • Strap is small and tight
  • Doesn’t grip hair well
  • Brush is better for small dogs
The FURminator Curry Comb is ideal for medium coat dogs like Labradors. This brush works to remove dust and loose hair from your dog’s coat with molded rubber teeth that also stimulate the production of natural oils and promote coat health. The handle has a simple ergonomic design for a secure and comfortable grip while you brush.

Grooming Tips for Labradors

Labradors have low-maintenance coats but still need regular grooming and bathing. Although their short coat is easy to manage, Labrador Retrievers tend to shed excessively twice a year, and during that time, regular grooming is necessary. Brushing and occasional baths are needed to keep the Labradors hair under control and out of your house.

Labradors do not need to be bathed often, but you can wash your dog every few months or if he gets really dirty. Frequent bathing can actually dry out your dog’s skin and lead to other issues. Your Labrador’s skin is protected by his coat and should not need any care or attention from you.

Some Labrador owners think that shaving their dog will help keep him cool in the summer, but the undercoat will help insulate the dog and keep him warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Challenges Grooming Labradors

Seborrhea is an incurable but treatable disease caused by overproduction of sebum, resulting in a range of skin problems, including oiliness, flakiness, and dryness in Labradors. The affected areas include the ears, neck, knees, elbows, and hocks.

Atopic dermatitis is an inherited predisposition that causes the immune system to overreact to environmental allergens such as pollen and dust. It causes dryness and flakiness and affects mostly Labradors between 1 and 3 years of age.

A lack of sunlight can cause some Labradors to suffer from localized or general hair loss. Lightly responsive alopecia causes bald patches, usually on your Labrador’s flanks. It is more common in dogs that live in regions with long winters.

Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection that causes crusty lesions to form on your Labrador’s flanks, hips, lower back, and tail. It is usually the result of an underlying condition, such as dermatitis, seborrhea, or any issue that causes itching, such as flea bites, hot spots, or compulsive scratching.

Final Thoughts

Labradors shed a lot, and vacuuming and sweeping will become part of your life. Finding the best brush will do more than remove and control loose hair, it will save you time on cleaning. The right brush and regular grooming sessions will keep your dog happy and his coat healthy.

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Amy Towry is a Certified NAVC Pet Nutritionist and pet lover. She is the proud owner of two rescue cats and a rescue dog and her love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care, nutrition, and product reviews.
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