If you’re a paw-parent to a Labrador Retriever, you know they love to be the life of the party—so when an unexpected Labrador Retriever health issue pops up, it can feel like a scratch in the record.
While labs are generally a sturdy breed, it’s not unusual for an otherwise healthy and thriving Lab to come down with a skin infection rather suddenly.
While dog skin problems can look alarming, with the right knowledge, you can spot and treat Labrador Retriever skin problems and get your Lab back to 100% in no time.
Why Do Labs Develop Skin Problems?
All dogs can suffer from skin infections and fur ailments, but these issues surface more often in Labs than many other breeds.
Labrador Retrievers have a few risk factors that increase their odds of skin troubles:
- Chemistry – When exposed to an allergen, the body produces a chemical called histamine, which causes allergy symptoms, such as itching and inflammation. Labradors produce a lot of histamine, so they often have more severe dog skin allergies and reactions.1
- Fur galore – Do Labrador Retrievers shed? Labs have thick coats, so rambunctious outdoor play (which Labs can’t get enough of) can cause dirt and moisture to build up beneath their fur. This sets the stage for bacteria to set up shop and cause dog skin problems.
- Genetics – Parents can pass down allergies to their puppies. If you are planning to adopt a Labrador Retriever puppy from a breeder, you may want to ask whether the pup’s parents struggled with allergies and other dog skin conditions.
But don’t let any of these factors deter you from choosing a Labrador Retriever as a life-long companion. On the whole, Labs are known as healthy (and adorable) breeds—and many skin ailments can be swiftly treated, especially when caught early.
Tell Tail Signs of Labrador Skin Problems
Keeping an eye on your pup’s coat for anything unusual is the best way to stay on top of a skin infection or a skin condition. You’ll want to watch for the following2:
- Patchy fur
- Flaky skin
- Red marks
- Unpleasant odors coming from your pup’s fur and/or skin
If you notice your Lab frequently biting their itchy skin or licking the same spot on their coat, it’s time to get them to the vet.
Common Labrador Retriever Skin Problems
When a patch of fur turns troublesome, there are a few likely culprits:
- Food allergies
- Contact allergies
- Dermatitis
- Fleas and ticks
These conditions often look similar, but have different causes. It is important to understand the differences before deciding on a treatment plan alongside your veterinarian.
#1 Food Allergies
Labradors may love their dinner, but that doesn’t mean their dinner always loves them. Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to particular foods, and food allergies can sometimes kickstart a skin problem or even an emergency.
Food allergies can also cause ear infections, fur loss, and bowel irritation, so if these symptoms show up alongside dry skin or skin irritation, there’s a good chance a diet-related allergen is to blame.
#2 Contact Allergies
If red patches or blisters pop up on areas with little fur coverage, such as the paws or muzzle, you may be dealing with a contact allergy.
Contact allergies occur when your dog has a run-in with some sort of irritant in the environment. All sorts of things can spark a reaction3:
- Dyes
- Carpet shampoo
- Plant irritants (such as poison ivy)
- Road salt
- Rubber
Luckily, your Labrador Retriever’s thick coat protects most of their skin from daily external irritants. Just keep in mind that hairless or less-covered areas of your dog’s skin are the most vulnerable.
#3 Flea Bites
Every paw-parent has probably made the acquaintance of these pesky critters. Fleas love to hitch a ride beneath your pet’s fur and chomp away at their skin. Needless to say, this incessant nibbling is no fun for our furry friends!
If fleas have infiltrated your pet’s coat, you will likely notice frequent scratching or biting of the problem area (usually the back or tail).
Over time, constant scratching can cause bites to develop into flaky, infected patches called “hot spots” (which we’ll cover next).
#4 Dermatitis and Hot Spots
Acute moist dermatitis, more commonly known as a “hot spot,” shows up as inflamed lacerations that can become infected. They tend to appear when a small wound remains moist for an extended period.4
Hot spots usually look like wet, oozing scabs (no fun, we know). If they become especially irritated, they may bleed.
Hot spots are painful and are usually:
- Caused by persistent moisture
- Found on the head, legs, and/or hips
- Associated with crusty and matted fur
When dealing with a hot spot, your furry pal probably won’t be able to resist biting and licking the infected area. This makes it tough for a hot spot to heal on its own, so seek treatment and guidance from your veterinarian right away.
Treating Labrador Retriever Skin Problems
Your Lab’s treatment plan will depend on your vet’s diagnosis. While every case is unique, there are a few standard approaches to each skin issue.
Eliminating Allergens
Antihistamines and (in some cases) antibiotics can help treat skin reactions that stem from food and contact allergies, but the symptoms will resurface once your pup stops treatment if the offensive chemical or food item is still in their environment.
If your vet suspects a food allergy, you’ll need to identify the trigger by:
- Taking an inventory of your dog’s diet
- Removing the most recent menu addition first
- Inspecting your dog’s skin for any changes
- Repeating this process until symptoms lessen
When it comes to contact allergies, treatment involves exclusion testing, in which a veterinarian will apply small amounts of the potential allergen to your pet’s skin until the offender becomes clear.
It may take some time to identify the source of your pet’s allergy, so patience and close observation are key.
Soothing Flea Bites
Unfortunately, time is the only cure for a flea bite. To speed up the healing process, you’ll want to prevent scratching.
This is easier said than done, as flea bites are extremely itchy.
A few things that can relieve your pup’s discomfort are:
- Cool baths, preferably with a mild scent-free shampoo
- Topical medications (your vet can prescribe these if needed)
- Steroid injections (in extreme cases, and under a doctor’s supervision)
You’ll also want to keep an eye out for fresh bites—these indicate that some unwelcome guests are still hanging around!
Cooling Off a Hot Spot
When a hot spot develops, treatment plans usually include some combination of the following4:
- Fur clipping – Since fur traps moisture, trimming the hair surrounding the wound can help dry out the area and promote healing. It’s often best to leave this to the vet, as you may have trouble keeping your pup calm while cutting.
- Coat cleaning – An antiseptic shampoo, such as Vetericyn FoamCare Medicated Pet Shampoo, can help keep the affected area free of debris and moisture that may contribute to hot spot symptoms.
- Lick prevention – A hot spot will not heal unless it is kept dry. This means no licking—so a protective cone may be necessary. Time in the cone is tough on your pup’s spirit, so you may want to consider applying some soothing Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Hot Spot Spray to lessen the urge to lick or scratch in an attempt to speed up the recovery process.
In severe cases, your vet may need to resort to oral antibiotics.
Most of the time, though, a hot spot will start to heal roughly one week after starting treatment, and your dog’s fur should begin to grow back after about 2 to 3 weeks.5
How to Prevent Labrador Skin Problems
While most skin issues usually respond well to treatment, prevention is the best medicine. Make life easier on your pup and:
- Stay on top of fleas and ticks – Any condition that makes your Lab itchy can lead to hot spots, so keep flea and tick protection up to date. Flea collars are an excellent option to ward off hitchhikers.
- Feed them well – A diet rich in nourishing and unprocessed foods helps give your Lab the strength to fight off infections. Do your research and choose food with high-quality ingredients that meet their nutritional needs.
- Get to the groomer – Thick and tangled fur creates an inviting climate for bacteria and moisture to accumulate. Regular grooming is one of the best ways to guard against skin irritation.
- Dry off after a swim – Most Labs adore splashing around in whatever water they can get their paws in. A swim is no problem (in fact, it’s a great form of exercise for an energetic Labrador!), but make sure to thoroughly dry their fur afterward, especially if they have a thicker coat.
By taking these steps, you can stop labrador skin problems in their tracks—and keep your best bud trotting along in his.
Healthy Skin, with Vetericyn
At Vetericyn, we know that your pet is a member of the family, so their well-being is one of your top concerns. That’s why we’ve crafted a line of premium pet products to protect against skin problems and to support their overall well-being.
Savor the peace of mind that comes from knowing your pet has what they need to thrive.
Explore the Vetericyn collection today.
Reviewed by C. Scott Van Winkle
Scott has been with Innovacyn for the past 11 years and has been working within the Burlingame portfolio of companies for the past 23 years. Scott brings a diverse background to Innovacyn. With an upbringing as the 5th generation on his families cattle ranch, Scott has a passion for animal health and the continuous improvement surrounding agricultural practices. Scott earned marketing and business management degrees from the University of Idaho and holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University.
Sources:
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- PetPlan. Is your Labrador prone to skin allergies?. https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/dog/advice/skin-allergies-in-labradors/
- VetsNow. A guide to dog skin conditions. https://www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/dog-skin-conditions/
- The Labrador Site. Common Allergies in Labrador Retrievers. https://www.thelabradorsite.com/common-allergies-in-labrador-retrievers/
- Small Door Veterinary. Hot Spots on Dogs. https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/what-to-do/hot-spot-in-dogs
- Whole Dog Journal. Dog Hot Spot Healing Stages. https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/dog-hot-spot-healing-stages/
