7 Labrador Retriever Skin Problems and Treatments
13 min read
Reviewed & Fact-Checked by Our Experts
Labrador Retriever skin problems are highly prevalent in the breed. Dermatological disorders can account for as high as 16% of all veterinary cases in Labs, making skin conditions among the most common health concerns veterinarians treat. These skin problems stem from the breed’s dense double coat, active lifestyle, and genetic predispositions, but most are manageable at home with proper care, consistent grooming, and targeted nutrition.
This guide covers the 7 most common skin conditions in Labs, what causes each one, how to treat them, and the science-backed nutritional approach that addresses the root cause of most Labrador skin issues.
Have You’ve Been Up at Night Listening to Your Lab Scratch?
If your Lab is scratching, biting, and losing sleep, you’re losing sleep too. What’s really going on with their skin? What does veterinary science say? And is there one nutritional shift that could actually change everything?
You know the sound. That rhythmic scratch-scratch-scratch in the middle of the night. Then the licking. Then the biting. You turn on the light and find your Labrador gnawing at the same red, raw patch of skin again.
You’ve probably already tried a few things. Switched their food. Gave them oatmeal baths. Bought the expensive shampoo. Took them to the vet and got a short-term fix that didn’t last. And through all of it, there’s this nagging guilt that your dog is counting on you and you should be able to figure this out.
If that sounds familiar, take a breath. You’re not alone, and you’re not failing your dog.
Research published in Scientific Reports found that skin conditions are among the most common health issues in Labrador Retrievers. The breed shows a significant predisposition to dermatological problems compared to other breeds.
Most Labrador retriever skin issues follow predictable patterns and respond to consistent care. Many of these conditions may be supported by adequate omega-3 fatty acids, which play a role in skin barrier function and coat health—a nutritional factor some pet parents may not be aware of.
Quick Reference
| Condition | Key Symptoms | Primary Cause | First-Line Treatment |
| Hot Spots | Red, moist patches; obsessive licking | Trapped moisture in coat | Clip fur, keep dry, omega-3s |
| Oily/Flaky Skin | Greasy or dry coat, dandruff | Oil production imbalance | Gentle shampoo, omega-3 supplementation |
| Sensitive Skin | Redness, bumps, hair loss | Environmental irritants | Hypoallergenic products, barrier support |
| Clogged Pores | Small bumps, thinning fur | Follicle blockage | Regular brushing, natural grooming products |
| Parasite Irritation | Intense itching, restlessness | Fleas, mites, allergens | Coat checks, clean environment |
| Yeast Issues | Musty odor, greasy skin | Moisture in ears/folds | Regular cleaning, keep areas dry |
| Dry Skin/Dandruff | White flakes, dull coat | Low humidity, nutritional gaps | Moisturize, omega-3 supplementation |
1. Hot Spots: Red Patches Appearing Overnight
What you’ll notice: Red, moist, painful patches often appear around the head, neck, or hips. Your dog may lick or scratch the area obsessively. The spot can grow from small irritation to large sore within hours.
Why it happens: Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) develop when moisture gets trapped in your Lab’s thick double coat, especially after swimming or during warm weather. Trapped moisture creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Once your dog starts licking, the cycle accelerates.
What to do: Gently clip fur around the affected area for airflow. Keep your Lab’s coat thoroughly dry after baths or swims with a towel first, then blow dryer on cool. Regular grooming is your best defense.
The omega-3 connection: Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) support the skin’s natural barrier function. This may help reduce the inflammatory response that causes hot spots to flare.
2. Oily, Flaky Skin: When Your Lab’s Coat Looks Wrong
What you’ll notice: Greasy patches on the coat, or dry dandruff-like flakes on your furniture. Their once-lustrous coat looks dull. You may feel an oily residue when petting them.
Why it happens: An imbalance in natural skin oils can cause either overproduction (greasy) or underproduction (flaky). Both signal the skin’s lipid barrier isn’t functioning optimally.
What to do: Use gentle shampoo for sensitive skin. Consistent brushing distributes natural oils. Bathe every 4 to 6 weeks to avoid stripping essential oils.
The omega-3 connection: This is one of the most responsive skin conditions in Labs to omega-3 supplementation. Marine-sourced omega-3s regulate oil production from the inside out. They support balanced hydration that addresses both oiliness and dryness. Many pet parents notice visible coat improvement within weeks.
3. Sensitive Skin: When Every Walk Causes Redness
What you’ll notice: Bumps, redness, and hair loss patches appear, especially behind ears, between toes, or along the belly. Your Lab may pull away when you pet certain areas.
Why it happens: Environmental factors such as pollen, dust, grass, or even laundry detergent can trigger reactions. Their dense coat traps irritants against the skin.
What to do: Regular brushing and gentle baths with hypoallergenic shampoos help remove irritants. Wash bedding in fragrance-free detergent, vacuum frequently, and wipe paws after outdoor play.
The omega-3 connection: Omega-3s support the skin’s natural barrier, which is the first line of defense against environmental irritants. A stronger barrier means fewer irritants penetrate, reducing frequency and severity of reactions.
4. Clogged Pores: The Hidden Problem Under That Thick Coat
What you’ll notice: Small raised bumps or patches where fur looks thinner. You might feel them when running your hands through the coat.
Why it happens: Dead skin cells, excess oil, and debris block individual follicles. This is especially common in thick-coated breeds like Labs.
What to do: Regular brushing is the single best prevention. Use natural grooming products and hypoallergenic shampoos that won’t contribute to buildup.
The omega-3 connection: Omega-3s support healthy sebum production, keeping follicles naturally lubricated without the oily buildup that leads to clogging.
5. Skin Irritation and Parasites: When Itching Won’t Stop
What you’ll notice: Intense, persistent itching beyond normal scratching. Redness and hair thinning around ears and paws. Your Lab may seem restless and unable to settle.
Why it happens: Environmental allergens or parasites trigger reactions. Fleas and mites cause intense inflammatory responses, particularly in dogs with already-sensitive skin.
What to do: Regular coat checks help you catch problems early. Part the fur to inspect skin. Keep living space clean, wash bedding frequently, and use gentle skin-barrier products.
The omega-3 connection: When the skin barrier is compromised, omega-3s may support natural recovery. They promote healthy inflammatory responses, complementing your other treatment efforts.
6. Yeast Issues
What you’ll notice: A distinct musty odor around ears, paws, or skin folds. Greasy, thickened, or darkened skin. Head shaking or excessive paw licking.
Why it happens: Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments, making Labs particularly vulnerable. Yeast overgrowth causes that persistent “doggy smell” that won’t go away with bathing.
What to do: Regular cleaning of ears and skin folds with mild, dog-safe solutions is essential. Dry these areas thoroughly after baths or outdoor play.
The omega-3 connection: A healthy skin barrier is less susceptible to yeast overgrowth. Omega-3s support this barrier, helping the skin maintain natural defenses. Consistent supplementation may reduce frequency of flare-ups.
7. Dandruff and Dry Skin
What you’ll notice: White flakes on coat and furniture. A dull coat that’s lost its shine. Frequent scratching from dry, itchy skin.
Why it happens: Environmental factors (dry indoor air, seasonal changes), over-bathing, or nutritional gaps can all contribute. Lack of essential fatty acids is particularly common.
What to do: Regular grooming removes dead skin and stimulates oil production. Maintain comfortable indoor humidity, ensure hydration, and avoid over-bathing.
The omega-3 connection: This may be the condition most directly improved by supplementation. Essential fatty acids are foundational building blocks of healthy skin cells. When they’re lacking, dry skin and dandruff are the first visible signs. Marine-sourced omega-3s address the root cause rather than managing symptoms on the surface.
Daily Care to Minimize Skin Problems in Labrador Dogs
Managing Labrador Retriever skin problems isn’t about one magic fix. It’s about a consistent routine:
- Nutrition: A balanced diet enriched with omega-3s is the foundation. Marine-sourced omega-3s (such as wild Alaska pollock oil) provide EPA and DHA your dog’s body can readily use.
- Grooming: Brush 2 to 3 times weekly minimum to remove dead hair, distribute oils, and spot early problems.
- Environment: Maintain a clean living space with comfortable humidity. Use fragrance-free detergent for bedding.
- Hydration: Fresh water should always be available. Consider moisture-rich foods during dry seasons.
- Early detection: Make coat checks part of your daily routine. Part the fur, look for redness, bumps, or thinning. The earlier you catch a problem, the easier the fix.
What Changes When You Get the Foundation Right
Most articles about Labrador skin problems don’t tell you this: many of these conditions share the same underlying nutritional gap. Hot spots, dry skin, oily coat, dandruff, and sensitivity may look different, but they often point to the same root issue.
When your Lab’s diet includes adequate omega-3 fatty acids (specifically EPA and DHA from marine sources), it supports barrier function, balanced oil production, and healthy inflammatory responses. That’s not a marketing claim. It’s what veterinary nutrition research consistently shows.
Pet parents who address this nutritional foundation alongside consistent grooming and environmental care often notice changes they weren’t expecting. A shinier coat. Less scratching at night. A calmer demeanor. That spark of energy returning, the one that makes your Lab feel like YOUR Lab again.
PetMade’s Omega-3 Plus Formula was designed for exactly this. Made with Wild Alaska Pollock Oil, Vitamin E, and Biotin, it delivers the essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and B-vitamins that support skin health, coat shine, and joint comfort in a single daily supplement. It’s not a replacement for vet care, but it may be the nutritional foundation your Lab has been missing.
Your Lab Is Counting on You to Look in the Right Place
Caring for your Labrador Retriever’s skin problems is about more than preventing flakes. It’s about giving your best friend the comfort they deserve. It’s about helping them get back to doing what Labs do best: playing, exploring, swimming, and curling up next to you without a care in the world.
By staying proactive with grooming, maintaining a diet rich in omega-3s, and addressing labrador retriever skin issues early, you’re giving your Lab the best foundation for a comfortable life. The fact that you’re here, reading this, trying to find answers? That’s not a sign you’re failing. It’s proof your dog has exactly the kind of owner they need.
Labradors commonly experience hot spots, dandruff, dry or oily skin, clogged hair follicles, yeast issues, and environmental irritations. These concerns often result in itching, redness, or hair thinning, especially around ears, paws, and skin folds. Their thick, water-resistant double coat makes them uniquely vulnerable because it traps moisture and irritants close to the skin.
Prevention starts with three pillars: regular grooming (2–3 times per week brushing), a balanced diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, and keeping your Lab’s coat clean and dry. Routine coat checks help catch issues early, and maintaining a clean environment with fragrance-free products reduces irritant exposure.
Regular brushing removes dead hair and distributes natural oils. Supplement their diet with marine-sourced omega-3s (EPA and DHA from fish oil), ensure proper hydration, and maintain a clean living space. Bathe every 4–6 weeks with gentle, dog-formulated shampoo and always dry thoroughly.
Most pet parents notice improvements in coat shine and reduction in flaking within 4–6 weeks. More significant skin improvements, like reduced itching or fewer hot spot flare-ups, may take 8–12 weeks. Consistency is key — omega-3s support skin health at the cellular level, which takes time to produce visible changes.
See your vet if problems worsen despite home care, if you notice open sores or signs of infection, if itching is severe enough to affect sleep or behavior, or if a new condition appears suddenly. A veterinarian can rule out underlying conditions and recommend targeted treatments.
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