Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breed in America and are known for their love and affection towards their humans and also for being a good working dogs. So it’s no surprise that you jumped in and got one. Their cute little noses and perked up ears would melt anyone’s heart. If you’ve recently gotten a little lab puppy, you may have noticed them getting into some dirt or maybe smelling a little….. strange. When those dirty little paws trot their way through your kitchen stop them before they get on your couch! It’s time for your puppy to have a bath and that’s why we’ve come up with the best puppy shampoo for labs.
How do I Know What the Best Puppy Shampoo for Labs is?
Lucky for you, the Labrador breed is a fairly low maintenance breed, well, at least when it comes to grooming them. Once they grow up, their hair is short, dense, and water will basically fall right off of them. Sure, your Lab is a fluffy little ball of pure puppy goodness right now, but your grooming routine for them won’t change much as they age.
When you pick out a puppy shampoo, make sure you find one that is tear free. You shouldn’t be putting shampoo on your puppy’s face at all since it can get into their eyes, nose, or ears and cause an infection.
But, accidents do happen and sometimes soap or shampoo just finds its way into their eyes. Having a tear free formula means when it does get in their eyes, it isn’t going to hurt them. So you don’t have to worry about frantically washing your puppy’s eyes as they squirm around in the tub splashing you trying to get out.
If your Lab puppy develops allergies or has a skin condition, you’ll want to pay more attention to what ingredients are in the shampoo you’re using on your puppy. The best puppy shampoo for labs with dry skin is one with a moisturizing ingredient, like shea butter. If your puppy has itchy skin, you’ll need to look out for an oatmeal based shampoo to help nullify the itchiness.
If you think your lab puppy has a skin infection go see your vet as soon as possible! Have them diagnose the infection and they’re likely to prescribe you a special anti-bacterial shampoo. Whenever you think your Lab has an infection be sure to take them to the vet right away, before it evolves into something much worse.
When Can you Bathe a Lab Puppy?
You can bathe a Lab puppy at any age, but some think it’s best to wait until the puppy is about 6 months old. Since Lab’s have almost a waterproof coat and were ancestrally used to help fisherman, introducing them to baths and water at an early age won’t hurt them.
You usually won’t have to give your Lab puppy a bath. Their coat is easy to clean and taking a brush to their coat can usually get rid of any dirt, but there are definitely times when you’ll need to run the bath, like:
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When your puppy rolls around in mud
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When they get in the trash
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When they roll in poo…. (yes, this can happen)
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When they’re just stinky
So, without further ado let’s jump in and see what we’ve got in store for you and your puppy.
The Best Puppy Shampoo for Labs
Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo
First up on our list for the Best Puppy Shampoo for Labs is Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo. This shampoo rocks because it’s “ultra-mild” meaning it has a tear free formula and won’t hurt if it gets in your puppy’s eyes. It’s extra gentle formula helps keep your puppy’s pH balance intact and cater to those with sensitive skin and nurture their coat.
If your puppy is one to chew on things that smell yummy, you may want to reconsider getting this shampoo. It has a light cherry scent so if your puppy likes to eat cherries you may see them starting to nibble on their tail (or at least trying to nibble on their tail).
Earthbath’s products are 100% bio-degradable and cruelty free, so no animals were harmed in the making or testing of this product.
OxGord Organic Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, Oxgord Organic Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is the best puppy shampoo for labs or any other puppy breed out there. Oxgord’s products are all natural and organic, respecting the environment and insuring that your lab pup is getting the best possible skin care they can.
It’s organic oatmeal base is perfect for any puppy lab with an itchy skin problem. The oatmeal helps soothe the itching, causing your pup to feel more relief and less scratching. If that’s not enough to convince you it’s the best, then maybe its tear free formula will.
If some of the shampoo happens to get in your lab’s eyes you don’t need to worry. Bath time will always be fun for your pup with this shampoo.
Burt’s Bees Puppy Tearless 2 in 1 Shampoo
You’re probably familiar with Burt’s Bees for their moisturizing products that you’ve probably gotten yourself, but little did you know they also make puppy shampoo! Burt’s Bees puppy shampoo is actually a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, so not only are you cleaning your pups coat, you’re also restoring the essential oils to it.
Burt’s Bees puppy shampoo uses Buttermilk to help soothe and soften your lab pup’s skin and Linseed Oil to condition the skin and coat. It’s specifically formulated to help keep your puppy’s pH balance at the correct level, and is cruelty free, meaning no animals were harmed in the making, or testing, of this product.
Burt’s Bees is the best puppy shampoo for labs who want a nice, silky smooth coat to show off.
Conclusion
Bathing your puppy should be fun for both you and your puppy, and the best way to make that time is by cleaning your lab pup with the best puppy shampoo for labs out there! Tear free formulas ensure that your puppy won’t get hurt and bath time will always be fun. Those yummy scented puppies are going to be the best part of bath time for you.
Remember to only bathe your lab puppy when it’s dirty so you don’t overdo it and dry out your puppy’s skin. Always avoid the nose, mouth, and eyes when shampooing your puppy and don’t forget a towel! You’re front row in the splash zone.