How Often Do Golden Retrievers and Labradors Need a Deshed Groom?

Leita Culpeper
Jul 18
3 min read

How Often Do Golden Retrievers and Labradors Need a Deshed Groom?

Golden Retrievers and Labradors are two of Australia’s favourite family dogs – and for good reason! They’re loyal, lovable, always up for a game, and tend to think they're lap dogs… even at 30+ kilos. But as any Retriever or Lab owner knows, they also share one major personality trait: shedding like it’s their full-time job.

If you find yourself constantly vacuuming tumbleweeds of fur or discovering golden threads in your toast, it might be time to talk about the power of the deshed groom – and how often your pup needs one.

Why Do Goldens and Labs Shed So Much?

Golden Retrievers and Labradors are both double-coated breeds, which means they have a soft, insulating undercoat and a tougher, weather-resistant topcoat. This clever coat combo helps them stay warm in winter and cool in summer – but it also means they shed. A lot.

They typically “blow” their undercoat twice a year, in autumn and spring, but let’s be honest – many dogs shed all year round in our Queensland climate. Air-con indoors, sunshine outdoors, a splash in the bay, and suddenly it’s Christmas in Fur-ville.

So, How Often Should They Get a Deshed?

We recommend a deshed grooming treatment every 6–8 weeks for Golden Retrievers and Labradors – and here’s why:

6–8 weeks keeps on top of the undercoat before it mats or clogs.
It helps reduce the massive seasonal shedding explosions.
It allows your groomer to check for any skin issues or hot spots before they become problems.
It keeps your pup’s coat healthy, shiny, and smelling a lot better than “wet dog on couch.”

For pups who spend more time outside, swim often, or have sensitive skin, we might even suggest monthly desheds to prevent matting and skin irritation.

What Actually Happens in a Deshed Groom?

At Doggy Dayspa, our deshed grooming treatment is a fur-busting miracle. Here’s what your floof can expect:

Deep cleanse and conditioning with a deshedding shampoo and conditioner to loosen dead undercoat and moisturise the skin.
High-velocity drying to blast out loose fur – it’s like a doggy leaf blower!
Thorough brushing with specialised tools to remove the bulk of the undercoat (and stop it from ending up on your floors).
Nail trim, ear clean, and hygiene tidy-up, because pampered pups are happy pups.

By the end, your dog will be lighter, cleaner, and look like a shiny new bean.

The Benefits of Regular Deshedding

Besides keeping your lint roller in early retirement, regular deshed grooms offer some serious benefits:

Healthier skin and coat: Removing dead hair and dirt lets the skin breathe and reduces itching, irritation, and hotspots.
Less hair in your home: You’ll finally be able to wear black again without looking like a retriever yourself.
Comfort for your dog: A packed undercoat can be hot, heavy, and itchy. Deshedding lightens the load.
Early detection of issues: Regular grooming helps catch lumps, bumps, fleas, and skin issues early – before they become expensive vet visits.

Your Dog Will Thank You (Eventually)

Sure, your Golden might give you the “betrayal eyes” during the dryer stage, and your Labrador may act like getting brushed is the worst thing that’s ever happened (right after being told "no" to more snacks), but once they’re all clean, fresh, and fluff-free, they’ll strut out of our van like a rock star.

And you? You’ll be able to breathe easy knowing your home (and your sanity) has been spared another shedding storm.

Book Your Deshed Today

At Doggy Dayspa, we come to you – with all the tools, love, and patience your furry friend needs. Whether your dog’s coat is looking like a shaggy carpet or you just want to get ahead of the next furpocalypse, we’re here to help.

Book your deshed appointment today and give your dog the gift of a lighter, healthier coat – and give yourself the gift of fewer fur bunnies under the couch.