Helping Your Maltipoo with Itching Issues

There are many reasons why your Maltipoo may be itching. It could just be a small one-time itch and that is very common, but if they are scratching regularly or just in one spot, it may point to a serious issue. The itching can also vary from being only in the paws to their whole body

What to look for when your dog itches

It’s normal for a dog to scratch here and there and you should only have to worry about it if they are constantly scratching or if it’s always in one spot.

If your dog is itching in one specific spot, you might want to take a look at it and see if there is anything visible that might be causing the itch. You also might want to talk to your vet if the scratching gets worse or continues.

What Causes Itching

Cleanliness

Sometimes itching can simply be a case of cleanliness. Even if you’ve recently given your dog a bath they may have rolled around in dirt or something else while they were outside. Check the area they are scratching for matted fur or other signs of uncleanliness. If you think cleanliness is the issue you can follow these Maltipoo cleaning tips and if the itching continues you should check for other issues.

Seasonal Changes

Seasonal temperature changes can have negative effects on your dogs skin. One cause of itchiness in dogs is dry skin which may happen in colder climates and winter months. If you think this is the cause ere are some tips on protecting your dog in the winter.

Fleas

One of the main reasons for scratching is usually caused by fleas, fleas can be really risky as they can transmit dangerous diseases. One of the best ways to keep fleas away is to use natural prevention, or if you see any fleas on your pup, you can give them a bath with dawn dish soap, it gets rid of the fleas and eggs without hurting your adorable puppy. Just make sure you don’t do it too often as it also strips their natural skin oils that can take 5-7 days to return.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is usually only a problem if you live in a low humidity area. Low humidity could cause puppies to have a lack of moisture in their skin, which leads to it becoming dry and itchy. Another cause for dry skin is the lack of Omega-3 fatty acids. Make sure the food you are giving your dog is high quality and provides all the nutrients they need.

Allergies

Another typical cause for your Maltipoos’ itching issues could be allergies. If you suspect your dog is allergic to something they are eating make sure to avoid the most common food allergies in dogs until you can get them tested by a professional. This website has a list of foods that are the most common allergens for dogs. It could also be an environmental problem, which would come from inside or outside. One thing that would help is to make sure you wipe down your puppy when they are coming back into the house. You can use a grooming wipe and wash off their paws with the outdoor hose or in a sink or tub if it’s too cold out.

You can also apply paw wax, this helps in many ways. It will help keep any of the allergens away plus it will add as a moisturizer. Vet Preferred Paw Balm is a good one, it has natural products and is non-toxic. 

Relieving Itchiness

Provide Fast Relief

There are a few ways to help your dog receive fast relief from its itching issue. You could help your puppy by giving them a cool bath or even just putting something cold onto the itchy area. But if you have access to any spray or anything else, that would also help your Maltipoo’s itching issues a lot.

Provide Long-Term Relief

One of the best things to do for long-term relief is to find the source. If you think it might be allergies, you can take them to the vet and get an allergy test. There are some anti-itch sprays and the website, Doggie Designer, has a list of their top ten favorite anti-itch sprays and they also list the pros and cons of each one. You can also use some home remedies like baking soda, you just mix one part baking soda to one part water, which will create a paste, and you can apply this to any irritated areas and let it dry. Another option is to use apple cider vinegar, again using one part apple cider vinegar and one part water, you’d then put it in a spray bottle and spray that on affected areas, just be sure to be careful of any open cuts and not put a lot there.

What Is Pet Insurance and How Does It Help My Dog?

Years ago, people had few options for insurance. Protection covered things like homes, businesses, cars, and life, but not much more. Today, you can find insurance for almost anything, including your pets. While some people might think of this as a frivolous expense, dedicated owners completely understand the decision to ensure the health and safety of their animals.

A Long History
Interestingly, Claes Virgin of Länsförsäkringar Alliance wrote the first pet insurance policy in 1890. Although his focus was on livestock rather than domesticated animals, that opened the door for new opportunities. Even so, it wasn’t until 57 years later when, in 1947, a company in Britain wrote the first policy for domesticated pets.

What Is Pet Insurance?
Just as the name implies, this is an insurance policy specifically written for the animals that people live with. Not only can you buy pet insurance for dogs, but also cats, birds, and other beloved critters. Although a policy like this benefits animals of any age, it’s especially recommended for people with aging or older pets

For instance, say you have a 10-year-old Labrador Retriever. This breed has an average lifespan of 12 years (smaller dogs lifespan such as Maltipoo ranges from 12-16 years). So, by the age of 10, most start to experience health problems associated with age. As a result, their owner anticipates spending more time and money at the vet. After all, they want to provide their dog with the best remaining years of life possible.

Another scenario involves buying a puppy. Around the age of three months, he’s romping around the house and yard. However, he’s also discovered an interest in the street. Obviously, that’s not good. If a car accidentally hit the puppy, its owner would need to rush him to a veterinarian clinic for treatment. Something like that can get expensive.

In both cases, having pet insurance for dogs will cover all or a good portion of vet bills. Depending on the exact plan, some only cover preventative care, while others also include the cost of emergencies. This is why it’s so important to compare different policies for pet insurance before choosing one.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Pet insurance for dogs, cats, birds, and other animals works in much the same way as car and renter’s insurance. You pay a monthly premium for the policy. The price depends on the type and amount of coverage. When working with a reputable insurance provider, you can look at numerous options to find one that’s ideal for your pup.

One big difference with pet insurance for dogs, as well as other critters, is that in most cases, the provider would reimburse you after you pay the vet. Most pet insurance policies cover between 70 and 100 percent of the vet bill. When you get a policy from a reputable provider, you can expect to receive your claim money in about seven to nine days.

Regarding the types of things that pet insurance covers, most policies pay for emergency injuries and illnesses. They also pay for many surgeries, medication, diagnostic procedures, and emergency examinations.

One important note: Seldom will pet insurance cover anything mentioned if it’s related to a preexisting condition. But if you buy pet insurance sooner than later, even if your dog develops a chronic health condition later in life, it could be covered. 

Summing It Up
To avoid paying the full expense to keep your pet healthy and safe, consider pet insurance. If you’re interested in coverage for your pup, make sure you choose pet insurance for dogs with the lowest deductible, highest reimbursements, and fastest claim turnaround.

Be sure your regular vet is part of the network, as well. Otherwise, you would need to take your furry friend to a different clinic. Fortunately, most pet insurance companies have a broad selection of covered veterinarian services.

6 Tips For Keeping Your Maltipoo Fit During Lockdown

A brief list of lockdown-friendly activities for you and your Maltipoo!

As a crossbreed between a Maltese and a Miniature Poodle, Maltipoo are amongst the most affectionate, playful, and intelligent dogs out of all small breeds. Their playful energy requires their parents to keep them engaged and active or otherwise face the risks of boredom-related behavior. 

Let’s face it – keeping your Maltipoo active and fit during the lockdown can be tough. This article explores socially-distant tips and tricks to keep your Maltipoo happy and healthy during the pandemic.

Tip #1: Play with toys

Maltipoo are infamous for keeping their puppy-like playfulness throughout their entire lives. A good way to keep your Maltipoo fit during the lockdown is to toss a toy up and down the hallway for a game of fetch. Thanks to their small size, it’s easy to burn up their energy even in an area as small as a studio apartment. 

Below is a list of toys that are bound to get your furry friend riled up for playtime:

• Balls: Tried and true, balls are a proven favorite with dogs. Whether it’s a soft plush ball or a tennis ball, this toy is perfect for playing fetch. A ball that bounces and rolls seems to trigger a primal instinct and a chase ensues. You’ll need to use a small-sized ball so that your little Maltipoo can pick is up and bring it back.

• Rope Toys: The king of tug-of-war, rope toys are another fan-favorite. When playing tug-of-war, you can be aggressive as you want to be to get your Maltipoo some exercise. Playing aggressively will require your Maltipoo to put more effort into the game, ultimately burning more energy and keeping your pup fit.

• Stuffed Toys: Stuffed toys offer the best of both worlds. You can play fetch or play tug-of-war. Stuffed toys are soft and squishy which provide peace of mind when playing tug-of-war. The toy’s softness will protect your Maltipoo’s teeth and mouth. 

• Chew Toys: It’s natural for your dog to want to chew on things. A chew toy can be thrown for a game of fetch or played with by itself. It’s a great toy to have around the house while you’re at work. Encouraging your dog to chew on a chew toy makes it less likely that your Maltipoo will chew on your sofa or bedpost.

With a small breed like a Maltipoo, playing with toys alone should be enough to keep your dog in shape. It’s recommended that you play with or exercise your dog for 30 minutes to one hour per day to keep them fit. 

Tip #2: Puzzles

There are tons of great puzzle options to keep your Maltipoo active while you’re at work or you’re otherwise too busy to play. Puzzle toys are challenging, stimulating, and require brainpower. Since your dog is part Miniature Poodle, it needs its brain stimulated as much as it needs physical exercise. A puzzle offers a solution to both.

Below is a list of puzzle toys to keep your Maltipoo fit and stimulated while you’re unavailable to play:

• Kong: The Kong is a classic interactive dog toy. Just fill it with peanut butter and watch your Maltipoo go to work. Be sure to use a Kong that is small so that it’s challenging for your little Maltipoo to get at. Make your dog work for its reward!

• Hide-A-Squirrel: Imagine a plush toy log that has little squirrels hidden away within holes on the log. Now imagine your Maltipoo digging through each hole to find a little squirrel with its own squeaker. This is a fun puzzle game that doubles as a stuffed toy.

• Treat-Dispensing Toys: Similar to the Kong, treat-dispensing toys make your pup work for its reward. We recommend finding a treat-dispensing toy in the form of a ball. This way, your pup will be clumsily knocking and chasing a ball around the house for hours as it tries to figure out how to get the treats dispensed!

• Puzzles: Puzzles require your dog to use its nose to identify where a treat is hidden. Once your pup locates the treat, it will have to either slide, slip, or open a trap door to reap the reward. Puzzles are great because they are sold at different difficulty levels, which is perfect to keep your highly intelligent Maltipoo engaged. 

Tip #3: Go for walks

Taking your furry friend on a socially-distanced walk is the best way to keep your dog fit and happy. The benefits of walks stretch beyond just health benefits to social benefits as well. Embarking on just a 15-30 minute walk around the neighborhood once per day will not only keep your dog fit but will help keep you in shape as well.

Health benefits of walking your dog include cardiovascular fitness, lowers blood pressure, builds strong bones, and decreases stress. Regular walks help prevent obesity, which can lead to arthritis, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and more. And guess what – not only does your dog benefit from these health benefits, but you do too.

A regular walking schedule with your dog will help you bond. It gets both of you out of the house and into the fresh air. Let your dog sniff around and explore during your walks. This is a natural behavior that stimulates and keeps your dog happy. A dog’s nose tells a story. After all, their olfactory receptors are 40x stronger than ours.

Tip #4: Build an obstacle course

There was a viral trend circulating social media platforms for a while where pet owners were constructing towers made of plastic solo cups to jump over. Consider doing something similar for your Maltipoo! 

The Miniature Poodle in your dog is intelligent enough to navigate through obstacle courses while the Maltese in your dog is surprisingly nimble and athletic. The combination of the intelligence of the Miniature Poodle and athleticism of the Maltese results in an obstacle-capable Maltipoo. 

Start with just one layer of cups on the ground and bribe your pup to jump over it with a healthy treat. If you’re dog successfully jumps over the first layer of cups, then add a second layer. Repeat this process until your dog can no longer jump over the cups without knocking any down. 

Other obstacle courses can be created with tunnels, tubes, gates, chairs, or whatever furniture you have available in the house. This is a fun way to change up your surroundings and combat the monotony of the lockdown. Old cardboard boxes from Amazon packages make for great obstacles as well!

Tip #5: Healthy eating

Your pet is likely getting less exercise than normal thanks to the lockdown. Less exercise means fewer calories burned and more calories stored. Because of this, you may notice that your Maltipoo is gaining weight despite not eating more than usual. If this is the case, then take a close look at your portion sizes and the quality of the food.

Think of it like this – If you wouldn’t eat low-quality, highly processed fast food every day, then why should your dog? Cheap dog food is equivalent to fast food for humans. Consider upgrading to high-quality dog food with a natural source of protein, no fillers, and no artificial flavoring.

High-quality dog food can be identified first by a high-quality protein. Look for food with real chunks of chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, or whatever else. Low-quality pet foods use animal by-products as protein, which is pretty much the unwanted animal bits that are ground up and put into your dog’s food. 

It’s also important to stay away from fillers like corn, soy, and wheat. Fillers are unnatural in a dog’s diet and can be difficult for your Maltipoo to digest. Similarly, stay away from artificial flavors that may contain unwanted cancer-causing chemicals. 

As far as portion sizes go, you have the option of either free-feeding or measuring out your Maltipoo’s meals. Free-feeding is great if your pet has self-restraint and doesn’t overindulge. Measuring your dog’s meals and feeding on a regular schedule is ideal if you notice weight issues. 

Check with your veterinarian to see how often your dog should be eating each day. An average Maltipoo that weighs from 9 to 12 pounds should only be eating ¾ to 1 cup of dry kibble per day.

Tip #6: Treat responsibly

We know it’s hard to resist that cute Maltipoo beggar face, but you mustn’t go overboard with treats. More time spent at home during the lockdown means more meals eaten at home, and ultimately more temptation to feed your adorable Maltipoo off of your plate.

Maltipoo are great actors. They can give you that innocent look that says, “I’m starving and I haven’t eaten in weeks!” face pushes you over the edge give them a nibble. Resist the urge at all costs! Dog’s digestive systems aren’t designed to digest people food and you can actually be doing more harm than good by caving in. 

We’re not saying that you should never give your dog a treat, rather have restraint and treat responsibly. It’s okay to give your dog the occasional bite off of your plate, but try keeping that to a minimum. Only give your dog a treat as a reward. For example, if your furry friend goes potty outside like a good boy or girl, then go ahead and give them a treat!

Much like humans, treats should never be overindulged. Treat your dog’s diet like you would your own. Although stuffing your face with peanut butter cups is delicious, it’s certainly not good for your long-term health. The same goes for your dog. Especially during a lockdown when they’re getting less exercise than normal!

In Summary

It’s difficult to keep your Maltipoo fit during the lockdown; you can’t take your dog to the dog park, you can’t socialize your dog at your friend’s or family’s house, and there’s more temptation to overeat out of boredom. Thankfully, your Maltipoo is small enough to exercise and keep fit within your residence. 

Aside from keeping your pet fit with puzzles, toys, obstacle courses, and socially-distanced walks, keep an eye on your Maltipoo’s diet. If your pet is gaining weight, then you may need to cut back on portion sizes or switch to healthier food. Lastly, resist that signature Maltipoo puppy face, and don’t overindulge your dog with treats!

Author: Hannan Ahmad

Spaying/Neutering my Maltipoo

If you’ve just welcomed a new puppy into your life, you may have a lot of questions about the when’s and why’s about spaying or neutering. I can answer a few of those questions for you now.

What is the difference between spay and neuter?

Spaying or ovariohysterectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the female dog’s uterus and both ovaries through an incision made in the abdomen.

Neutering or castration, is the surgical removal of a male dog’s testes. It is a much simpler surgery than a spay. An incision is made near the front of the scrotum, then the testicles are removed through that incision.

Why spay and neuter?

There are some health benefits to getting your Maltipoo spayed or neutered. Spaying your female will eliminate the chance of getting uterine infections (pyometra) and mammary tumors. Neutering your male dog prevents testicular cancer and will reduce the risk of problems such as prostate disease.

Getting the surgery done will also help with some behavioral issues. It helps reduce the undesirable behaviors like leg lifting, mounting and roaming. Neutering your male may also help decrease aggressive behavior.

When you get a female dog spayed, this will prevent unwanted litters. Once she goes into heat, her scent becomes very alluring to male dogs. This will cause you to have some unwanted visitors in your yard. Surgery can help reduce roaming in both male and female dogs.

When to spay or neuter

Many people say that it is best to get your dog spayed or neutered before the dog becomes sexually mature. Some females come into their first heat as early as 5 months old. It could be best if you do not want to deal with the vaginal discharge or the behavioral changes. However, there have been studies and increasing evidence that this is too young and the dog has not been allowed to fully develop and grow. There may be some health implications that come with getting your dog spayed or neutered too young.

The recommended age for getting your puppy spayed or neutered is 6 months old or later. We suggest you also talk with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate age for this surgical procedure.

Caring for your Maltipoo after surgery

After spay surgery, your Maltipoo may be a little bit dazed and woozy until the anesthesia wears off. Some clinics will keep your dog overnight, while others will let her go home on the same day. This will depend on how well your Maltipoo does with the surgery. Your Maltipoo may have some discomfort after the surgery and your veterinarian will most likely send some pain medication home with you. You should limit your puppy’s activity for the next 7-10 days. Be sure to watch for swelling and redness around the surgery site during the recovery period. Your clinic may require a post-surgery check-up after about a week to make sure the incision is healing and to remove stitches.

After neuter surgery, if there are no complications or other health issues, male dogs can usually go home on the same day of the procedure. Your Maltipoo may have some discomfort after the surgery and your veterinarian will most likely send some pain medication as well as a protective collar home with you. You should limit your puppy’s activity for the next 7-10 days. Your clinic may require a post-surgery check-up after about a week to make sure the incision is healing and to remove stitches.

Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best time to complete the surgery. Smaller breeds like the Maltipoo may need to wait a bit longer than larger breeds to get the surgery done.

When to Vaccinate Your Maltipoo Puppy

Vaccines are needed to protect dogs and puppies from becoming infected by diseases and viruses, such as parvovirus. Be sure to follow a good vaccination schedule. Too many vaccines at the same time or too close together is fatal!

See the bottom of this article for the Maltipoo Puppy Vaccine Schedule

How Does a Vaccine Work?

A vaccine is a way to improve the bodies immunity to a particular disease. It usually consists of an agent that is similar to a specific disease. The only difference being that it is severely weakened. The vaccine is injected into the puppy’s body, and his immune system is activated. The immune system will look for the weakened disease, and once it finds it, the puppy's body will destroy it. After it successfully destroys it, the immune system will start preparing for future encounters. The puppy's body prepares by creating memories of the disease it killed for all the white blood cells to study. The white blood cells get better at fighting against that particular disease. So if the body were to ever become infected again by that disease, the white blood cells will be called upon. Remembering their training and studies, the white blood cells will use their knowledge and effortlessly destroy the disease.

Dangers of Multiple, Simultaneous Vaccines

Extreme caution must be practiced when administering vaccinations to small puppies. There are a few irresponsible breeders, and even more surprising, veterinarians, who give puppies multiple vaccines simultaneously without worrying about consequences. They may figure that the disease contained within these vaccinations are so weak, a puppy should be able to handle plenty of them at the same time, right? That is not true. It's very dangerous and life threatening!

The diseases are in a weakened state, but the body's immune system must respond to each of the individual threats. Introducing several threats at the same time confuses the puppy's immune system, hindering its ability to keep up with the huge demand for help.

As the puppy's body struggles to handle the massive invasion, supression of the immune system becomes possible. Suppressed immune systems are not able to create the appropriate antibodies against the vaccines. This creates a severely weakened puppy that needs time to recover. During the recovery period, the puppy is extra vulnerable to attacks from real diseases! It's these secondary infections that can be deadly.

Age of Puppy is Important

The age of a puppy is the key factor in determining when you should give a vaccine. My Maltipoo puppies get their first vaccine at 6 weeks of age.

At the end of the day, providing vaccines to dogs or puppies is something that requires careful planning. The puppy needs to be old enough, and the body mature enough, to defend itself from the vaccines. Time is also necessary between vaccinations, as it ensures the antibodies have time to be formed.

A Warning Against Certain Veterinarians

You are now aware of the dangers multiple vaccinations can pose to a dog or puppy, so it's time you protect them. When you take your dog to a veterinarian, keep careful watch on what's happening. Sometimes, a veterinarian may try to give a Rabies shot along with the booster shots; a combination like that could be very fatal for your puppy.

Also, check to see if your veterinarian attempts to give your adult dogs a Corona shot. Corona is a disease only found in puppies so giving it to an adult dog is pointless. This won't stop them from trying though, because they may not know this fact. Additionally, watching for this mistake is a great way to know how knowledgable your vet is in his field of expertise.

What Is Parvovirus?

Parvovirus is one of the deadliest diseases a puppy can become infected with. It's known as Canine parvovirus, or parvo. It's highly contagious, allowing it to spread from puppy to puppy very easily. It is so easily spread that when a dog with Parvo poops at a park and another Parvo-free dog smells it, they will soon show sign of it.

If you have a sick puppy and are curious if it may be this virus at work, check for the following symptoms

1. Lethargy

2. vomiting

3. fever

4. diarrhea (usually bloody)

The first signs of parvo is lethargy, or a lack of energy. This is followed by a loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.

A dog's chance of surviving parvo is dependant on their age and how quickly they were diagnosed. If you suspect your puppy has parvo, then rush them to a veterinarian.

Maltipoo Puppy Vaccine Schedule

6 - 8 weeks:

• Distemper, parainfluenza

• (optional) Bordetella

10 — 12 weeks:

• DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus)

• (optional) Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease

12 — 24 weeks:

• Rabies

14 — 16 weeks:

• DHPP

• (optional) Coronavirus, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis

12 — 16 months:

• Rabies, DHPP

• (optional) Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease

Every 1 — 2 years:

• DHPP

• (optional) Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease

Every 1 — 3 years:

• Rabies (as required by law - see why)