Are Labradors hypoallergenic? Do they shed a lot and cause allergies?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

While no dogs are completely hypoallergenic there are some that have less dander than others. The most common of these breeds include the poodle, the Bichon Frise, and the Maltese. I have attached a link to a list of dogs considered hypoallergenic here: http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/hypoallergenic-dogs/ for your review.

Labrador Retrievers tend to be a mostly quiet breed, although they will bark when they are alarmed, or at unusual people or noises. For more facts and characteristics about Labradors, visit PetCoach's breed page: www.petcoach.co/breed/labrador-retriever

There is no such thing as a true hypoallergenic dog. They all shed and have dander, some just do it less than others. You can try a thing the puppy once a week as that can decrease the amount of shedding and keeping her groomed regularly

I completely feel your pain! I have a Basset Hound that sheds like crazy as well. It can be normal, but it can also be the result of allergies, hormones, diet, stress, or a skin condition. I would have Cash Morgan seen by a vet to rule out the causes I mentioned above, and once they are, I would recommend brushing him daily to cut down on the shedding.

Shedding large amounts of hair at one time in a puppy at any age between 4-8 months is going to be normal. There are estimates to when a pet should shed, but again you have to take into account that there is a bell curve with any estimate, so some dogs fall to the left or right of this. Dogs can also shed at multiple intervals, because the entire shedding process can be broken up into phases. You know you are dealing with an actual skin issue when you see patches of bald areas on the skin. As long as she doesn't have alopecia areas then this is considered to be a normal shedding process. Good luck with your new pup!

Labrador Retrievers were breed to be water retrieving dogs. Their coats are somewhat naturally "oily," and repel water. They also have big, webbed paws, and a thick, powerful tail to aid them in the water, and they are excellent swimmers. You might say a love of water is programmed into their DNA. To learn more about Labradors, visit PetCoach's breed page: www.petcoach.co/breed/labrador-retriever