Creating a Designated Space For Your Maltipoo

It is important to think about where you are going to keep your maltipoo when you are not home, or when you are busy.

It may be an afterthought to think about where you are going to keep your maltipoo, or you may go along and realize after problems arise, that this is an important factor for the happiness of your dog.

Here you will learn that there are effective and comfortable solutions to creating an array of solutions for your puppy and you may be surprised about some of the ways that these things can help.

Some items you should include in the area would include toys, food and water, a bed and if needed a companion toy. Since dogs rarely soil on their own belongings, pee and poo will be deposited on the pads.

Designating an area will help with:

Housebreaking.

When your Maltipoo is being potty trained, it is important that you are either keeping a close watch on your puppy, or keeping the puppy where you can contain the mess. Untrained dogs should never have free reign in the house. You can read more details on how to house train your Maltipoo in our article that talks about this specifically.

All too often owners skip this important step, and they become frustrated as they deal with poop and pee everywhere. However, if you follow a few simple housebreaking rules (choosing one area outside, bring your puppy out often enough to avoid accidents, giving immediate praise and rewards and properly cleaning messes with an enzyme cleaner) and you keep your Maltipoo in his own spot, you will find much faster success.

Anytime at all that your puppy is not by your side with a leash or harness, he/she should be in the area that contains pee-pads.

Teething and chewing.

When puppies are teething they tend to have urges to chew an anything and everything. Maltipoos of any age can develop chewing habits.

It is very common for pups with these habits to tear up the house. They may chew at furniture, carpet, shoes, and just about anything on the floor that they can put in their mouth.

It is important to take the time to choose great teething toys and using “interupt and refocus” methods to help them get rid of these unhealthy chewing habits. Part of this is to keep your puppy in one spot so the entire house is not destroyed.

Exposing the pup to his own toys that are approved for chewing can eliminate opportunities for bad habits like ripping up household items. It will also set up a positive foundation for good behavior.

Separation anxiety.

Did you know your dog struggles when you are away? Yet, you must leave the house to take care of necessary daily responsibilities. This can make leaving the house difficult and you may feel guilty.

Fortunately, there are quite a few things that you can do to help your Maltipoo cope when alone. Below are a couple of tips that center around having a designated area for your pup.

There are 2 aspects to this:

1. If a puppy or dog has an entire room, or house to himself, it gives him a lot of space to hide the items that that are helpful in remedying separation anxiety. If your puppy has too much room, the items can be moved by your dog or just be too far away to be of use, often in a matter of a short moment after your departure. However, if you have a designated area set up this will ensure that the items you got to help are within reach.

2. When a dog feels overwhelmed with anxiety, being in a large room all alone, or a whole house, increases the feelings of being isolated. One element to help your dog feel more secure is a den. It is canine instinct to associate a den with safety. When you create a special set up for your Maltipoo when he is alone, he will gain the feeling of security. It will help him feel more relaxed and overtime he will learn to cope in a healthy way when you do leave.

Maltipoo Ears

In this article we will discuss the three most important things about the Maltipoo ears.

Shape and Size - Most importantly, we will talk about erect vs drop ears.

Cleaning and Care of the Ears - This is an important, but often overlooked element of grooming.

Ear Infections - This is a common problem with Maltipoos. While it can happen to any dog at any time, the ear shape and thickness can contribute to this, as well as a lack of regular ear cleanings.

Ear Size and Shape

To understand what shape and size Maltipoo ears should be, we can look to the Poodle and the Maltese. Poodles have thicker, longer ears but both have drop ears that hang close to the sides of the head. Both are set low. This means that they are not set up high on the head but down on the sides. Also, both the Poodle and Maltese have long hairs that grow in what is described as a feathered appearance (or of varying length). Once hairs hanging down from the ears become long, many owners choose to trim them to offer a nice, neat appearance.

A Maltipoo with genes from both breeds could have either type of ear. Therefore, some will have thinner, smaller ears than others depending on their genes.

The length of ears on a Maltipoo could be anywhere from the cheekbone to the chin. Longer hair can make the ears appear to be longer than they actually are.

Dropped vs Erect Ears

Both the Maltese and Poodles have drop ears, which explains why Maltipoo’s do also. Sometimes a puppy’s ears will stand erect. It is actually common, even if they are not fully erect. This is because the Maltese pups often have curled or folded ears. As the pup matures, the ears will drop down into place. The first 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the base will be erect and the ear will fold over and fall to the side.

Therefore, Maltipoo ears are usually influenced by the Maltese genes, and may have small, curled over ears. Overtime they will fold over and drop down. They should never be fully erect. If a grown Maltipoo has full, standing ears this points to poor breeding practices and the dog may not be a true Maltipoo breed.

Ear Anatomy

There are 3 main sections of the ear:

1. The pinna. or the “ear flap” which includes the outside part of the ear that you see, and also the outer ear canal.
2. The middle ear. also called the tympanic membrane, the auditory canal (the area connecting the nose and throat just as with humans) and the tympanic cavity.

3. The internal ear. components that control equilibrium (a sense of balance, no dizziness, etc.) and for hearing.
The ear canal itself goes all the way from the opening that you see in the external ear and all the way down to the tympanic membrane in the middle part of the ear.

Cleaning a Maltipoo's Ears

Dogs with drop ears may be more prone to ear infections due to the flap keeping both warmth and moisture trapped in the ear canal. Cleaning your puppies ears is an important step in grooming and will help prevent ear infection.

If you experience many ear infections in your Maltipoo in the past, you are more likely going to be proactive in preventative care. You may be preparing to start performing regular cleanings and if your Maltipoo has an existing ear infection, cleaning ears is part of the treatment for this. Cleaning ears will include using a rinse to clear out debris and dirt or wax. It may also include plucking out any excessively long hairs.

Inspecting the ears:

It is a good idea to inspect your pups ears regularly for any signs of issues. This step is easily overlooked, but can help if you inspect it every time you are bathing your Maltipoo, which should be about every two to three weeks.

Inspect the skin color inside the ear and on the flaps. It should be pink. If you see any patches of red, black, brown, or pink skin with any other colored spots, this can mean that there is an issue.

Notice if there are any types of odors. A bad odor is one of the first signs of infection and might be a musty smell and will usually be pretty overpowering.

The final element you want to notice is the amount of wax that you can see. A small amount of wax is normal and is needed as it helps keep dust, dirt and other elements out of your puppies ears.

How to pluck out long hairs:

Longer hairs can grow from the canal and excess wax or dirt can get stuck to these, blocking proper airflow. If your Maltipoo has issues with reoccurring infections, it is wise to keep the ear canals free of long hairs. This is a necessary part of your puppy’s treatment plan.

It is easiest to pluck ear hairs using a hemostat and ear powder.

You can use a cotton ball with canine ear lotion on it to wipe out the ear after plucking excess hairs. This helps remove unnecessary debris.

How to clean the ears with solution:

If your pup has excess wax buildup, cleaning your dogs ears is relatively easy. You will need an ear solution and cotton balls (or sterile gauze). You will be swiping the outer ear canal so the cotton ball or gauze should be the right size to accommodate for the size of the Maltipoo. For puppies, a cotton ball may need to be split into two.

Step-by-step:

1. Do one ear at a time.

2. Place 4 to 5 drops into the ear canal.

3. Place the cotton gently over the opening.

4. Allow your Maltipoo to shake his head if he wishes. Try to keep the cotton in place as this is happening.

5. Massage the base of the ear for 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Use a cotton ball or gauze to swipe all around the opening of the ear and around the ear flap, picking up any solution and/or debris that has come out.

*Even if it doesn’t seem like much discharge is coming from this, it is still beneficial as it will help break up thick wax and any medicated ear solution will be dispersed into the ear canal.

About Ear Infections

Maltipoo ear infections can be caused by several different things. Ears that are not properly dried after bathing or swimming can cause moisture for hosting bacteria. An excess of wax buildup may also plug the ear and cause infection as well as foreign objects caught inside the dogs ear. Untreated ear mites, cleaning too deeply or chronic allergies could also be causes.

Symptoms- Signs of a serious ear infection are:

• A foul odor coming from the ear/s

• Discharge

• Your dog is trying to scratch his/her ears, or rubbing against objects to find relief.

• Touching the ear causes your Maltipoo to react with signs of pain, such as yelping.

• When an ear infection isn’t treated, it can cause the dog to become dizzy, unbalanced, and even vomit

Treatment - While some infections can be treated at home (see 'cleaning' above), some will need to be treated with a combination of antibiotics and a professional cleaning. If you suspect an ear infection, you will want the veterinarian to diagnosis this, since there may be other issues as well such as mites or torn tissue.
Most infections clear up in a week or so, if medication is given on time, and ears are kept clean.

Pseudomonas Canine Ear Infections - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a very strong, resistant bacteria to most antibiotics.

This can happen when a dog with reoccurring infections is given many different types of antibiotics, and most of the bacteria are killed but not all of the bacteria. What is left behind is a strain that is very strong and resistant.

When a culture of the dog’s ear discharge is done, this will confirm if it is Pseudomonas. This will also show if the bacterial strain can be eliminated by the stronger antibiotics of Enrofloxacin or Orbifloxacin. A topical treatment will be given as well to use at home.

Last Resort -

If the cause of reoccurring infections can’t be determined and medication is ineffective, the last step may be surgery. A specialist will surgically open the vertical canal and the ear will be completely cleaned and treated. This is done to prevent anymore scarring because scarring can become great enough that the canal can become almost entirely closed.

It is very important to catch the infection before it gets too bad. Be sure you are checking your Maltipoo’s ears regularly to prevent this.

Maltipoo Winter Care

Every season is different when caring for your Maltipoo. The bitter, cold winter is the most important time of year to take some extra care to help your Maltipoo adjust to the new weather. In this article I am going to give you some tips for helping you furry friend to have a safe, healthy and warm winter.

Maintain Moisture levels in the air.

The air is much more dry during the winter because cold air holds much less moisture than warm air. When you turn your heater on it can make the air even more dry. This can cause puppies to suffer the effects of arid air throughout the winter. The effects include sensitive itchy skin, irritated eyes, and increased snoring or coughing due to dry nasal and breathing passages.

So what can you do to keep the moisture levels up? There are plenty of DIY tricks and tips that you can use, but keep in mind that they may not be effective enough to see noticeable results. A couple of things you can try are leaving bowls of water out, especially over heating elements, keep the bathroom door open when showering, and add houseplants

Humidifiers are one of the best ways to add moisture to dry air. If you can’t obtain enough moisture to cover your entire house, at least place one next to your Maltipoo’s sleeping area.

Protect your Maltipoo’s paws

Your Maltipoo’s paws can become overly dry from walking on cold surfaces during the winter time. Snowballing can happen when bits of snow melt between the toes due to warm body heat and then refreezing into ice. This may stretch out the skin and make it very uncomfortable for your Maltipoo. There is often a loss of traction due to slippery surfaces as well. Another issue is chemical burns from de-icing products like salt or wear on the paws due to gritty road sand.

If you Maltipoo has an issue with dry paws, it could potentially lead to bigger problems like peeling and cracking which is hard to heal due to daily contact with the ground.

The most important part of winter care for your Maltipoo is applying a quality paw wax and it should be massaged into the paws once every two weeks. This is also good to use all year long. It adds a barrier to help protect from hot surfaces and also works well at repelling allergens and irritants.

Protect Your Maltipoo’s Nose

We all know the feeling of chapped lips. It is painful and uncomfortable. Dogs can get chapped noses and it’s just as bad. The dogs nose is very vulnerable to this because they lick their nose hundreds of times per day sometimes. Usually they are quick flicks that owners never really notice, but the nose holds the moisture from saliva and when a dog goes outside, cold air and winds can cause the nose to chap.

If a Maltipoo develops a chapped nose during the winter, this can lead to peeling and even cracking which leaves it open to possible infection.

To keep your Maltipoo’s nose in good shape during the winter, use a nose balm or butter. The best time to start applying this is in the fall as a prevention method before any chapping develops. This said, if your Maltipoo’s nose is already chapped, overly dry, peeling, or has minor to moderate cracking, a good balm can help clear up these issues.

I would suggest using an organic, fragrance free balm that contains a blend of shea butter, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, hempseed oil, Fukui nut oil, jojoba oil, chamomile, rosemary and natural Vitamin E. To protect a healthy nose during the winter, apply this once per week. To take care of nose cracking or chapping, apply it two to three times per day.

Protect your Maltipoo’s Skin and Coat

You may have noticed that your hair becomes more dry during the winter. The same thing happens to Maltipoos as well because they have hair instead of fur. It is a combination of the cold, dry air and the manufactured heat that plays a role in drawing moisture out of the hair. Your Maltipoo can develop dry patches with or without flaking. Sometimes the hair follicles can even become damaged, leading to hair loss. The dry skin can be very itchy and irritating for you puppy.

Keeping humidity levels up in the house as mentioned above can help out, but you will want to do a couple of other things to stop your Maltipoo’s skin and coat from drying out.

1) Use a quality shampoo and conditioner every 3 weeks. Since dogs tend to stay indoors more during the winter, owners may give baths less often. Baths should not just be given to wash off dirt and debris, but they can be used as an opportunity to thoroughly soak your Maltipoo’s body in something that will promote a healthy skin and coat.

If you use a harsh product, you can actually do more harm than good during a bath. Dog shampoos that don’t have the right PH can be hard on a dog’s skin. Many pet shampoos are formulated incorrectly for dogs since they usually base their product on human shampoos as a way to save money. They are usually close to a level 5 PH, but what dogs really need is something in the 6.5-7.5 PH range.

Generic shampoos often contain ingredients that can cause allergies or skin reactions and in some cases, are even linked to causing serious health conditions. Sulfates (ammonium laureate sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate) paragons, sodium chloride, polyethylene glycols, and artificial dyes or perfumes are found in many dog coat products.

I would recommend you use an all natural product when washing your Maltipoo. There are 100% all natural formulas with ingredients like coconut and contain blends of soothing and restorative ingredients. These natural ingredients are an excellent choice to prevent or heal dry winter skin.

2) Use a coat spray. A leave-in coat spray works around the clock to offer many benefits. It will help the coat repel dirt and debris, and irritants and will help lock in moisture to prevent dry air, it also adds shine, creates a softer texture, and prevents tangles for dogs with longer coats and will help your Maltipoo smell great.

Use the spray 2-3 times per week, but a light mist can be used daily. This can be done while brushing your puppy or can be sprayed on and rubbed throughout the coat by hand.

3) If your Maltipoo has very itchy areas or you’re late to the game and winter has been brutal to your dog’s skin, you might want to use a topical product to help resolve the issue.

For itchy areas, a natural spray can offer fast relief. This is an all natural topical spray with two of the most effective ingredients for itchiness. This can be used every 3-4 hours, or just as needed, and be sure the last application for the day is when your little guy or gal is just about ready to go to sleep.

Keep your Maltipoo Active while staying warm

One of the biggest challenges during the winter is keeping a dog active when the outdoor weather is brutal and makes you both want to stay inside. It certainly does’t help that the Maltipoo has a fine coat of hair as opposed to thick fur like with many other dog breeds.

Getting regular exercise is vital for a dog to maintain good physical health and will help them stay emotionally healthy since being cooped up inside for too long can lead to restless behavior. Additionally, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is a certain type of depression triggered by much shorter days in the winter, can affect dogs as well. Spending some time outside can help counter this.

Unless there is an active snowstorm or otherwise dangerous weather, try to stick with regular scheduled walks with your Maltipoo. You should spend a minimum of 20 minutes and at a pace that is brisk for your dog.

The best method to help a dog tolerate the cold is by using a warm vest that is lined and helps keep the core body warm. Some of them have fleece lining and windproof and water resistant outer layer. Once you have your Maltipoo bundled up, don’t forget about yourself. Often, owners want to rush back inside before dogs do.

On very cold days with temperatures below freezing it is important to set aside 20 minutes for indoor fetch or something to encourage your Maltipoo to be more active. A couple of options could be hiding treats around the house or playing hide and seek with them.

Plan ahead for bathroom needs

1) Choose a closer, sheltered location if possible. A spot near bushes or a fence may have less snow than other areas. An overhang or outdoor umbrella would be even better.

2) Keep the area shoveled. You might be exhausted after finishing your driveway, but it’s a lot easier to shovel right after a snowfall than it is after the snow has been compacted.

3) Set up alternative indoor bathroom area in another room. If your Maltipoo is in training or is trained to go outside you might want to stick with a method of leading your dog to a designated area, stay to supervise and give praise and reward once the deed is done. This ensures that when it is eventually spring, your dog’s understanding of the rules are set.

If you choose this method, it is best to set up a spot like a garage or four-season porch area. You can place down pee pads or use a grass mat which mimics what your dog is used to outside.

4) You can also use pee pads in your Maltipoo’s normal resting area. This works of you already have a set-up for your dog for times when you are away from home. You can lead your Maltipoo to the pee pads to use the bathroom, and keep the door closed when you are not there to supervise so that pee pads are used by default.

How Can I Prevent Winter Health Risks to My Dog?

The two most serious risks for dogs during the winter are frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite. Frostbite begins when the dog’s body gets cold. The body pulls blood from the extremities to the center of the body to stay warm. The dog’s ears, paws or tail can get so cold that ice crystals will form in the tissue and damage it. Frostbite is not immediately obvious. Watch for signs of pale or grey skin as the skin may also turn hard and cold. As frostbitten areas warm, they can be extremely painful. Severely frostbitten skin will eventually turn black and fall off.

Hypothermia. The other very serious winter weather health concern for dogs is hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when a dog spends too much time in the cold, gets wet in cold temperatures or when dogs with poor health or circulation are exposed to cold. In mild cases, the dog will shiver and ears and feet will become cold. As hypothermia progresses, your dog may show signs of depression, lethargy, and weakness. As the condition worsens, the muscles will stiffen, the heart and breathing rates slow down, and will not respond to stimuli. Severe hypothermia is life-threatening.

How Can Help I Protect My Dog During the Winter Months?

Maltipoos are smaller dogs and require care specific to smaller breeds. There are many things you can do to improve your maltipoo’s lifespan and quality of life in the colder months.

Temperature. Some dog breeds are blessed with thick fur that keeps them warm naturally in very cold temperatures, but dogs with thin coats may need to wear a sweater or coat when out for winter walks. A good coat should reach from the neck to the base of the tail and also protect the belly but coats will not prevent frostbite on the ears, feet or tail. Even wearing a warm coat, do not keep your short-haired dog out for too long in freezing temperatures.

Go outside when the sun shines. Try to walk your dog in the late morning or early afternoon hours when temperatures are a little warmer, and avoid early morning or late evening walks. Spend time playing outdoors while it is sunny; sunshine brings the added benefit of providing both you and your pet with vitamin D. Play fetch with toys, not sticks, as sticks can cause choking and other injuries. If your dog wants to chew and chase, bring a Frisbee, ball or other safe toy and play together in the sun.

Indoor pets are happiest. Our family dog needs to be indoors with us. Take your Maltipoo out frequently for walks and exercise but your dog should live inside the home. Do not leave your Maltipoo outdoors alone when the temperature drops. A good rule of thumb is to go out with them and when you are ready to come in, your dog probably is, too.

Warm bedding. Do not let your Maltipoo sleep on a cold floor in winter. Choosing the right bedding is essential to ensure he stays warm. Warm blankets can create a snug environment. Elevated beds will keep your dog off cold tiles or concrete, and heated pet beds can help keep the stiffness out of aging joints. Place your dog’s bed in a warm spot away from drafts, cold tile or uncarpeted floors, preferably in a favorite spot where he sleeps every day so that the area does not feel unfamiliar.

Keep your dog away from heat sources. Dogs will often seek heat during cold winter weather by snuggling too close to heating sources. Avoid space heaters and be mindful of fireplaces.  Never leave pets alone near a fireplace or wood stove. Even if your fireplace has a mesh covering or glass doors, pets can still get burns from coming into contact with those hot surfaces.

Moisturize. Your home’s furnace or central air system emits dry heat. This low humidity environment can rob your dog’s skin of necessary moisture, which results in dry, flaky, and sensitive skin. while it is true that your dog’s body continually replaces the layer of damaged skin, however, if left unmanaged, the condition will continue throughout the winter. Damaged skin and your dog’s relentless scratching to relieve her itch can open the door for more serious skin problems. Moisturizing is one way to give your dog itch relief.

Do not overfeed. Although dogs may need an extra layer in winter, it should come from the coat and not a layer of fat. Cold temperatures may even bring on lazy behavior and the need for fewer calories. Be attentive to your dog’s activity level and adjust his calories accordingly. A high quality, whole foods, preferably meat-based diet will help ensure a healthy coat and good energy for the cold winter months.

Paw care. Dogs can also suffer from cracked pads just as we can suffer from cracked feet during the winter months. If your dog has furry feet, trim the hair that grows between his pads to prevent ice buildup between the pads. Winter salt on city sidewalks can also burn your dog’s pads and is toxic, so after walks around the neighborhood, rinse or wipe your dog’s paws to remove any salt. If your dog shows signs of discomfort when walking outside on frozen or salted surfaces, consider using dog booties to protect his paws.

Snow removal. Snow can be dangerous for your dog. Snow piled near fences offers your dog escape routes that even well-trained dogs often cannot resist. After clearing snow from your yard, pile it away from fences to prevent your dog from climbing over. Snow and ice often accumulate on rooftops and if the sun is out or as temperatures rise, this accumulation can slide and injure your dog. If you cannot clear the snow from the roof, keep your dog away from the roof overhang to prevent injury.

Never leave your dog unattended in the car, no matter the season. Just as cars can get dangerously hot in summer, freezing cold temperatures are equally dangerous for your dog in winter. Leaving the car running involves additional risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning if the car is parked in a garage. It is best to leave your dog at home when you go out to run errands.

Special care for seniors. Cold weather will often aggravate existing medical conditions in dogs, particularly arthritis. It is very important to maintain an exercise routine with your arthritic dog, but be mindful of slippery surfaces and make sure that your dog has a warm soft rest area to recuperate after activity. If you do not already give your senior dog a natural joint supplement to lubricate the joints and ease the discomfort of arthritis, you may want to talk to your vet about adding glucosamine and chondroitin to your dog’s senior diet.

Harsh winter weather brings a wide variety of concerns to responsible dog owners. Bitter cold, numbing wetness or biting winds can cause discomfort for your Maltipoo. As one of the family, it is important to keep your Maltipoo warm, dry and healthy during the winter months.

Why is My Maltipoo Whining or Crying

While there is no exact science as to why your maltipoo is whining or crying here are a couple of things we do know as we try to understand how to address and care for our maltipoo.

New Puppies

When you first bring your new maltipoo puppy home there will almost always be an adjust period for your puppy. Sometimes it will only last a day or two. Sometimes it can last up to a week. Every dog is different and adjusts slower or faster.

The adjustment period usually consists of your new maltipoo puppy, crying or whining whenever he/she is left alone. This is because the poor thing is in a new environment without anything familiar. We suggest asking your breeder for a blanket or toy that is familiar and has a familiar scent that you can take home with you. It will help your maltipoo feel safe and secure until he/she can get used to the new home.

Communication

Just like barking, dogs who whimper or whine are trying to communicate. Excitement, anxiety, frustration, pain, attention seeking, are all common reasons dogs whine at their owners.

Most commonly, whining or crying is aimed at conveying the desire for food, water, a potty break, a toy, attention, etc. This is similar to how puppies interact with their mothers, by “asking” for something with a whimper or whine. So it’s no wonder adult dogs recruit this same vocal impulse when communicating with their owners.

To be sure, whimpering and whining is an instict. But it’s also learned. After all, it doesn’t take long for puppies to understand there’s a direct connection between letting out a little whine and getting what they want, and that’s how dog “crying” can turn into a problem behavior. Just as barky dogs can drive their owners crazy should they do so constantly in search of attention or anything else they might want, whiny dogs can stress out a household with their regular whining.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is another condition that can lead to chronic crying. When leaving your dog alone they will sometimes spend their entire days barking and/or whining.

Luckily, there is help! First, consult with your veterinarian to help rule out medical problems (like pain or cognitive decline). If the problem is likely behavioral, a well-recommended maltipoo trainer is an ideal choice for those who seek to end excessive crying behavior.

Keep in mind, most dogs tend not to whine when they’re suffering chronic pain. So although your maltipoo may cry out when stepped on by accident or whimper during recovery, dogs who suffer from constant pain (as with dental pain or the orthopedic pain of osteoarthritis) typically do not display their discomfort vocally. Though counterintuitive to humans, it’s an important point for all dog owners to keep in mind.

Is Your Dog Suffering from Cushing's Disease?

What Are Your Options If Your Dog Is Suffering From Cushing's Disease?

Cushing's disease is one of the worst canine diseases. The diagnosis of the disease is difficult, and there are no known cures that are full proof. The disease affects the endocrine system of dogs and results in the overproduction of cortisol in the adrenal glands. Cortisol is a hormone that gets secreted when the dog feels stressed. It helps in regulating the dog's immune system and metabolism during those periods. But when the adrenal glands produce too much of it, the immune system is severely affected, along with many other body functions. Three things can cause Cushing's disease in dogs.

• A tumor on the Pituitary gland.

• A tumor on one of the Adrenal glands.

• Overuse of steroid laden medicines.

So what are your options when your dog gets diagnosed with Cushing's disease? In this article, we are going to discuss them, along with their pros and cons. 

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies and holistic approaches are gaining more popularity than traditional options these days. Vets all over America recommend CBD oil as the best adrenal support product for dogs. CBD oil rectifies the endocrine system and reduces the production of Cortisol in a dog's Adrenal glands. It can provide a much more effective and safer method of adrenal support for dogs that are suffering from Cushing's disease. Alternative medicines with Cannabidiol have proved to be successful in limiting the effects of the disease by reducing cortisol, improving metabolism, immune system, and the skin of affected dogs. It also helps in reducing the symptoms of the disease, such as excessive urination, low energy, and eating disorders. 

Some other herbs and supplements can be used along with CBD oil to reduce the symptoms of the disease. The best part of using natural remedies and supplements is the lack of side effects. Traditional treatments always have side effects that are as uncomfortable as the symptoms of Cushing's disease. That is why pet parents prefer to use natural remedies these days over traditional medicines.

Surgery

Surgery can be an option to treat Cushing's syndrome if it is caused by a tumor on the adrenal glands of the dog. But if the tumor has spread to other parts of the body, surgery will not be as effective. Many dogs suffer from Cushing's disease even after going through surgery and have to take medication. Adrenal glands of dogs that undergo surgery can stop producing cortisol altogether. In such cases, pet parents have to feed cortisol replacement medicines to their dogs. The medication can be stopped if and when the Adrenal glands start producing cortisol. That can take up to a year. At times adrenal glands never resume their function of producing cortisol. 

Radiation

If a vet cannot perform surgery because of the position of the tumor, or due to any other reason, he or she will prescribe radiation. Radiation can also get prescribed if the tumor could not be removed entirely after invasive surgery. Radiation can be used for dogs that cannot go through surgery due to other health-related complications. Radiation therapy might be administered over six weeks in mild doses. Or it can be done once with a procedure called stereotactic radiosurgery. The procedure is usually administered in the case of Pituitary tumors. The advantage of stereotactic radiosurgery is that it limits the damage of radiation to the tissues surrounding the tumor. Still, there are many side effects of radiation that can be worrisome.

Medications

Medications are usually prescribed instead of surgery or radiation, or along with them. Medicines are also needed when the tumor has not been completely removed by surgery or radiation. Some drugs can be prescribed before a surgery, or in the early stages of Cushing's disease. Medicines are not always successful in reducing the overproduction of cortisol in the Adrenal glands of a dog. Some medicines are not targeted towards the reduction of cortisol production, but towards reducing the damage caused to your dog's body by excess Cortisol. The primary disadvantages of medicines are the numerous side effects. Some of them are:

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Body inflammation

• Liver toxicity

• Neurological dysfunction

• High blood sugar

• High blood pressure

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

At times these side effects can look worse than the original symptoms caused by the disease. Pet parents get worried about these side effects so much that they often want to stop the medication altogether. 

Options should be discussed with veterinary doctors before implementation. If none of these options can be implemented for the dog, the only way to cure the disease is to remove the Adrenal glands of the dog. However, in that case, pet parents will have to administer hormone replacement medicine throughout the dog's life.

Maltipoo Obedience Training Progress Journey

To help you understand your puppy’s progress through our obedience training program, we wanted to put together this article with included weekly progress videos. Training a puppy can be a lot of hard work with dedication and consistency being paramount in her learning.

But seeing the progress is very rewarding knowing she will be well suited for a new home and make the adjustment much easier. As you scroll below, you can follow Angel through her 5 weeks with us as we teach her the commands included in our training program.

Obedience Training Day 1

Angel has begun her obedience training and has caught on quite well with her first day. As we first began to call Angel by her name and get her focus, she was very distracted at everything around and wasn’t yet aware what we were wanting. As we introduced her to treats, it quickly became very easy to get her to look at us (and the treats) and we were able to go through her first session of training.

Obedience Training Week 1

After just 12 sessions of training, Angel has learned to be more focused on her commands. She still gets distracted very easily but we quickly call back her attention with treats and verbal commands to continue her training.

Obedience Training Week 2

At week 2, Angel knew all her commands. She still gets distracted very easily and sometimes is eager to complete a random trick before listening to a command but working with her through the coming weeks will help hone these commands in better.

Obedience Training Week 3

This is the stage that some puppies would graduate from our basic 3-week obedience training. As for Angel, she is enrolled in our more advanced 5-week training so she will be staying with us a few more weeks, but let’s take a look at how she is doing at 3 weeks so you can see the difference in learning between now and when she graduates two weeks from now.

Obedience Training Week 4

Angel is doing fantastic in her training! She knows all the commands and is eager for her treats! We continue to couple treats with positive praise and reinforcement. As Angel grows older, she will grow to be just as excited to obey you as she spends more time bonding with you and seeking your affection.

Angel has Graduated Obedience Training! Week 5

We are so proud of Angel’s progress through our obedience program. She is now ready to head home to her knew family and begin her bond with them. This training program goes a long way in helping your new puppy adjust to a new environment so she can begin her bond with you much sooner!

If you are signed up to adopt one of our Maltipoos and are interested in enrolling him/her in our training program, you can learn more and sign up here. (Please understand enrollments are limited so our professional trainers can spend quality time with your puppy).

5 Things To Keep In Mind When Stocking Up For Pet Essentials During Lockdown

Coronavirus is here with us and it has changed how everything is done. From social gatherings to places of worship to learning institutions, etc. all things have come to a halt.

With everything that’s going on in regards to coronavirus lockdown, it makes sense to think about how you’ll survive during this period. Where will you buy essential items such as food, especially the perishable ones?

This explains why a lot of people are flocking the stores to make essential purchases such as food, not forgetting sanitizers, face masks, and toilet papers. It is not recommended to stockpile, though. You only need to buy items that will take you through the 30-day quarantine.

But even as you stock your own items, it is equally important to remember your pets as well. What will your pet be doing during the lockdown? Have you stocked their food? What about their medications and entertainment? Do you have plans in place to ensure that they remain healthy and entertained during this period?

Don’t panic, though. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when stocking up pet items during this coronavirus lockdown:

1. Entertainment

Social distancing and coronavirus lockdown have the same impacts on pets as it has on humans. Now that you’ll be working at home, pets will have you at home most of the time. Among other things, this will allow you to do things that you could not do with your pet before.

While you might enjoy most of your time with your pets, it can also be a challenge especially if your pets are used to spending time outdoors.

You, therefore, need to derive ways that can help keep your pets engaged and entertained as you continue with work, including:

Games

The lockdown period provides an ideal opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and the pets. Buy your pet’s favorite toys that you can play during this period. What’s more, you can use food and treats to keep your pet engaged.

Interactive Toys

In practical terms, you’re unlikely to spend all the time with your pet. Interactive toys are ideal to help keep your pets engaged when you’re working. You can also turn mealtimes into playtimes using puzzle feeders.

2. Pet Food

While pet stores will remain open during the lockdown, it is important to ensure that you have enough pet food in your house to avoid going out now and then. Be sure to stock foods that offer the required nutrients to your pets during the lockdown period.

Canned foods such as Wellness 95 Percent Salmon Canned Dog Food are not just easy to store but will also provide the purest way to include meat to your pet’s diet. Wellness 95% is a delicious meal that can complement the dry kibble.

Ideally, you need to stock up pet food items based on their shelf life. This way, you’re sure that you’ll have enough food to feed your pets during the lockdown without going bad.

3. Rest and Sleep

On average, adult dogs sleep 12 to 16 hours a day. Puppies will definitely need more than that. Remember your dog was sleeping during the day when you were at work. Now that we’re at home most of the time due to coronavirus lockdown, your dog may not get enough time to sleep during the day.

Consider having a quiet place where your pets can sleep without being disturbed by activities in the house. To that end, you may want to have a comfy bed to ensure that your dog gets enough rest.

For instance, you can have a scratching post in a high place so they can see what’s happening.

4. Medications

Our four-legged friends are not just pets; they are part of our family. You, therefore, need to ensure that they remain healthy during the lockdown.

If your pet has an existing medical condition, ensure to buy the required medication. Pets, just like humans, might need antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, etc.

Also, remember to stock antiparasitics to help prevent and kill internal and external parasites, for instance, intestinal protozoans, intestinal worms, fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

You can also stock other medications such as insulin for diabetes, atenolol and pimobendan for heart conditions, and methimazole to regulate thyroid hormone levels.

However, remember to call your veterinarian if you faced with a complicated situation.

5. Grooming

You may also want to buy grooming tools to help keep your pet healthy during the lockdown. By grooming your pets at home, you’ll make them feel loved.

Tools such as nail trimmers, comb, or a brush come in handy in this exercise.

What’s the Best Flea Treatment for Puppies?

Pubox.com has an excellent infographic to help you understand the best flea treatments for Maltipoo puppy. Check it out below!

How to Stay Healthy in Quarantine: Indoor Games for Dogs

With dog-owners confined to their homes during the COVID-19 outbreak, keeping up with a healthy lifestyle can be difficult. Your local dog park or beach might be closed, leaving your pup less space to run freely. In addition, you may live in a large city that doesn’t allow for long, leisurely walks.

It’s important that you and your dog get the proper exercise to stay healthy. While you should still try to fit in a daily walk, there are plenty of other indoor games and puzzles you can try out. These activities will physically and mentally tire out your dog and keep them in good shape. 

Read through these indoor games for dogs to see which ones you can try with your dog today.

The First Few Nights With Your New Maltipoo

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of owning a new puppy, but there is a lot of responsibility and patience involved in settling your puppy into your home. This is her first time away from her momma and it’s a completely new world for her. Here are a few tips to help her settle in:

If you decide to have your puppy sleep in a crate at night, just know they will whine and cry the first few nights if they’re not used to it by now. Many new puppy owners first response is to give in to this whining and take them out of the crate to nap with you. This could turn the 2 or 3 days of training into 2 or 3 weeks. You will need to train your puppy to love and trust that the crate is a safe place to sleep.

Now, just to be clear, there is a difference between your puppy’s whining and crying because they want out and the whining because they need to go potty. Because your puppy is still young, he will need to be let out to go potty every 2 hours for a 2 month old, every 3 hours for a 3 month old and so on. As your puppy gets used to sleeping in the crate, they should start whining only when they need to get out and go potty. You will soon learn the difference between the two cries.

SCHEDULE TIME OFF TO BE WITH YOUR PUPPY

It’s a good idea to take some time off work, at least for the first few days to spend time with your puppy and help her get used to you and her new home.

PUT YOUR PUPPY ON A SCHEDULE

Just like human children, puppies thrive on schedules. It is much easier to potty train as well as teach the basic commands when your puppy is on a schedule. They love to know when they will get to go outside to play and go potty as well as when they will get to have quiet time to take a nap. Below is a general schedule that we use for our puppies in training. You do not have to follow this schedule exactly. You can change it to fit your schedule.

7:00 AM - Go out to go potty

7:30-8:00 AM - Breakfast

9:30 AM - Crate for nap

11:30 AM - Potty & Play

12:00 PM - Lunch

2:30  PM - Potty & Play

4:30 PM - Potty

5:00 PM – Dinner

Give your puppy 20 minutes to eat and then put food away for the evening.

No food after 6:00 PM, No water after 8:30 PM

(for puppies under 5 pounds, no food after 8:30 PM)

6:00 PM - Potty & Play

8:00 PM - Potty & Play

9:30 PM - Potty, play and then crate for the night.

If your puppy whines between 2:00 & 4:00 AM they may need to go potty. This will continue for a few weeks until the bladder matures.

KEEP YOUR PUPPY IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT

This is a new world for your puppy and she doesn’t yet know where to go potty or which items are toys and which aren’t. There are many opportunities for them to wreak havoc in your home, but if you take some extra steps to control her environment until she learns, this transition will be much easier.

When your puppy is inside, she should either be with you on a leash with your undivided attention, or in a controlled environment such as a puppy pen.

BUILD TRUST AND PATIENCE

It’s almost a guarantee your puppy is going to whine or cry the first few nights.

How to Register Your Maltipoo's Microchip

Our puppies arrive to you already microchipped, but you still need to register the microchip and enter your contact details so your information can be found in the event your pet gets lost.

Your puppy’s vaccination record will contain a microchip number that you can register on Buddyid.com.

Once you get to the website, click on the “Register Now” button.

Next, you can type in your puppy’s microchip number and click continue.

How to Register Your Maltipoo's Microchip — Maltipoo Puppies for Sale

The next page is for an alternate contact and is optional. You are not required to fill this page out. Click next.

This next page is for your new puppy’s information. Enter your pet’s name, species, gender, breed and birthday. You’ll also need to fill out the box for the color of your puppy. Then click next.

Next, it will take you to a page where you have the option to purchase a tag for your new puppy with his microchip number. This is not required and can be skipped by clicking the, “No, Thank You” option.

If you happen to have another pet that has not been registered yet, the next page will give you an option to add another pet. If not, just click the “No Thanks” option.

The next page will let you create a password for your account.

The last thing you’ll need to do is review your order and make a payment. This is a one-time payment and the registration never expires.

Once registered, your pet can be scanned and reunited with you should he/she get lost.

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.

How to Move With an Anxious Pet

Moving is a stressful time for everyone. There are boxes everywhere, you have to relocate all of your things, and start completely from scratch. When you add moving with a pet into the mix, they tend to suffer from extreme separation anxiety which can complicate you and your furry friends moving experience. To help you calm the nerves of your anxious pet, the team at MyMove has created a guide on how to move with an anxious pet during each stage of the moving process.

Before the Move

Before you begin your moving process, there are several steps you can take to prevent stress for you and your pet. Tactics like touring the neighborhood beforehand and setting up your pets’ space in the house can make them familiar to your new space. 

1. Scope out the neighborhood. If possible, going on a walk around your new area before move-in day can help your pup feel more comfortable (and even excited) about their new home. Walks can even become part of your daily routine after settling in, so getting started on this tradition early can help the transition go smooth. 

2. Check for the nearest vet. Making sure there is a vet nearby to your new house or apartment is helpful in case of an emergency. Maltipoos might pull out their fur when they’re anxious, so having a vet to call just in case any out-of-the-ordinary behavior occurs is always a good idea.  

3. Set up everything before move-in day. Having a personalized, full set up prepared for them can make the house more exciting for them right off the bat. This makes move-in day just a little less stressful, allowing you to focus on other things on your to-do list by having your Maltipoo’s space ready to go. 

During the Move 

Move-in day can get quite hectic. The list below provides options for you to try out to make the process easier on you and your furry friend, from getting a pet sitter to taking a simple walk. 

1. Get a pet sitter. Hiring a pet sitter is a great way to ensure your pet gets the attention they need. If you know that your move is going to require a lot of time and effort on your end, the pet sitter can take your place for the day (or however long you need). 

2. Take them with you while traveling. Whether by plane or car, make sure you are with your pet for the duration of your traveling journey. Maltipoo’s are very attached animals and would feel a lot more comfortable being by your side. 

3. Make sure to get exercise to relieve stress. Although your Maltipoo doesn’t typically require a lot of exercise, going on a family walk can ease their nerves. Try and include two 20-minute walks the day of moving in for them to help release their anxiety. 

After the Move 

Finally moved in? After the move, your Maltipoo will soon start to feel at home. By keeping a consistent schedule and ensuring they are taken care of, you can make sure your post-move experience is a positive one. You will want to make sure the routine is established before you start regularly leaving your dog alone for longer periods of time

1. Keep a consistent schedule. The more consistent and similar the schedule, the better, especially in the beginning. Your dog isn’t used to their space yet, and with time and a routine, they will start to feel more at home. 

2. Check for hazards. After the move, make sure to constantly look for small hazards that you might’ve missed at first. Plastic wrap, leftover tools from setting up, and pieces of wood are all things that could potentially harm your pet. 

3. Give them attention. This one is especially important for Maltipoo’s! They need as much attention as possible to feel at ease. Although you have moved in already, the first couple of weeks should be spent making sure your pet feels safe and important. 

The newness of your new home might be overwhelming and scary at first, for you and your pet. However, as time goes on, the furniture will start to be in place, and your rhythm will start developing. In the beginning, staying patient and consistent while your pet adjusts is key to minimizing you and your pets’ stress level. By following the steps above, you and your furry roommate will soon be all moved in and ready to start your new chapter. 

Author: Sarah Hollenbeck

We're Here For You: What You Can Expect From Us During Covid-19

Due to the circumstances surrounding Covid-19, I wanted to share our thoughts and how we are handling things to prioritize your health and the transportation of our puppies. We have been making an effort to routinely clean and sterilize our dogs and puppies living environment to keep things as germ free as possible.

We are actively considering guidance from our local and national authorities and are complying with the laws and recommendations surrounding Covid-19.

We know you may have specific questions, so we’ve outlined a few below to help you understand more specifically what we are doing in these situations:

I reserved a puppy from you and requested transportation. Is this still an option?

We are going to work with you through any situation as best we can. Right now, we don’t foresee any issues with still arranging transportation through our puppy nanny service or in-flight cargo. You can learn more about these options here. If you request transportation, we will be transporting puppies in brand new kennels. Your puppy will be bathed and all items that come with her will either be brand new or sterilized before your puppy arrives to you.

Although we can’t predict what the future holds as far as rules and regulations surrounding transportation, please know if there is ever a situation with laws prohibiting us from transporting your puppy, you can rest assured we will work with you giving you a few options:

• We can hold your puppy until transportation is safer and laws are relieved at no extra boarding cost to you (only when laws prohibit transportation).

• If you want to enroll your puppy in our advanced 3 or 5 week obedience training, this will be a good time for us to work on their obedience and commands while waiting to see if situations change.

• We can offer a 100% refund (only in this case where laws prohibit us from arranging transportation).

• If cargo flight or flying with a nanny is prohibited, we still may be able to arrange ground transportation. These arrangements can be discussed on a case-by-case basis if your prior chosen transportation option is no longer an option.

Will I still be able to visit or pick my puppy up in person?

If you live outside of Utah and were previous considering flying in to pick up your puppy, we would strongly advise you to evaluate your state rules and guidance surrounding air travel and heed your state’s advice. That being said, we are open to visitors if you find it is safe to do so. In addition to our normal visitation rules, we have a few more rules during this time that we ask you to comply with:

• We will have hand sanitizer available for all visitors and we ask that you use this at the beginning and end of your visit.

• If you are planning on coming with others, we ask that you only bring one other person with you. I know sometimes it’s fun to have the whole family visit and see their new puppy, but it will be harder to contain the spread of germs the more there are.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, you can always reach out to us and we’ll be happy to talk through any circumstances in question.

Thank you all so much for your support during this time and my husband and I wish you all good health and fortune as we work together to stay safe and get through this challenging time together.

Sincerely,

Marlene
Owner of My Doodle Maltipoos

Pet Allergies

Allergies are widespread and almost expected to have; they are the most common chronic condition in the world. Probably every one of us has at least one allergy. 

But what are allergies actually? They occur when our body confuses a harmless substance with an invader, and then overreacts. The reaction to an allergen can be mild to life-threatening, which is why we need to avoid contact with all potential allergens.

Pet Allergies

Pet allergies are an allergic reaction to proteins that are found in animal's skin cells, urine, and saliva. Most commonly, pet allergies are connected to cats or dogs because of the fur and the dead flakes of skin that pets shed. However, not only cats and dogs are the cause of allergic reactions.

Symptoms

There are a lot of different types of allergic reactions. Some of the symptoms include:

• Sneezing

• Runny nose

• Itchy, red, and watery eyes

• Itchy nose

• Nasal congestion

• Cough

• Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes

• Facial pressure or pain

• Frequent awakening

• Asthma

• Wheezing

• Chest tightening and pain

• Trouble sleeping because of the wheezing.

Skin Symptoms

Some people with pet allergies could also have a skin allergic reaction known as allergic dermatitis. Allergic dermatitis could occur with direct contact with an allergy-causing pet. The symptoms can be:

• Itchy skin

• Raised, red patches of skin

• Eczema.

Prevention and Treatment

The best way to prevent pet allergies is to keep the pets outside as much as possible (if possible) and to wash them regularly with special shampoos.

Also, there are lots of medications to treat allergies, such as tablets, liquids, or nasal sprays, depending on the reaction. There are some things that cause itchiness which are not related to allergies and other ways you should treat your dog for itch relief.

When to See a Doctor?

Symptoms such as the runny nose, sneezing, or itching can easily be mistaken with a regular cold. If those symptoms last for more than two weeks, it is probably an allergy. There are many ways to check what your body is allergic to, with blood tests being the most common method.

If the allergic reaction happens to be serious, such as difficulty with breathing or drinking and eating, go see a doctor as soon as possible.

Author: Mira Rakicevic

All the Ways You Can Give Your Pets a Luxurious Life

If you have the means, you can show your pets some serious love with a luxurious life. No matter how you’d like to splurge on your furry friend, you can bet there’s someone who’s providing exactly what you need. As the options for pet luxury expand, chances are there are things you haven’t even thought of yet, but that will make Fido or Fifi feel like the royalty you know they are. 

Extraordinary Sleep Options

Just like you, your pets feel better when they sleep well so why not give them a decadent bed? Your cat sleeps for around 15 hours per day (and sometimes as much as 20!) so the right bed is essential. Whether you opt for a doughnut-shaped one or a bed that you can hang from a radiator, make sure you choose one that can be washed easily.

At 12 to 14 hours, dogs may sleep a little less than cats, but they deserve to be just as comfortable. Do your research so you’ll know which bed is best for your pup. For example, large or senior dogs may appreciate an orthopedic bed. On the other hand, you could get your smaller dog a self-warming bed, since as AireServ explains, smaller canines tend to be more vulnerable to the cold. 

Finding the best bed that your Maltipoo will love can be difficult. Check out this article from The Pet Daily to help make your decision a little bit easier.

Their Own Place

According to the Humane Society of Macomb, pets need an area to call their own so they can feel comfortable. It gives them somewhere to go when they’re feeling irritable or sleepy. If you’re interested in going all the way with your pet’s personal space, why not aim for a cozy, customized place of their own? You can build a fancy dog house from scratch or buy it pre-made, the design can go much further than the ordinary. 

The same can be said for your feline friend. A catio might be just the ticket to allowing your kitty the opportunity to savor fresh air and sunshine and daydream about feathers without disrupting your backyard feeder.  

Travel in Style

Pets need to be out in the wide-open air but that doesn’t mean they have to walk all the way to the park. You can be out and about with your pet easily with a great stroller. While there may not be much difference between the stroller you get for a dog or cat, both animals can certainly appreciate the comfort and opportunity to be with you. 

You can DIY a pet stroller from a second-hand shop or through a website like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, just modify it to meet your pet’s needs. 

Providing your furry friend some wheels is a great way to get older or less mobile pets out and about with you. And if your pet gets irritable or skittish around crowds or unfamiliar environments, the right stroller will keep them calm, safe and out of trouble.

Excellent Vacations

Even though you’re keeping your pet in the lap of luxury at home, that doesn’t mean they don’t want a break from everyday life too. How about treating them to the kind of vacation they never thought possible. This means taking them to hotels that do more than just accommodate them. 

When you’re planning a trip with your dog, make sure to check out all your hotel options. In the best dog-friendly hotels, they cater to both of you as you’ll both sleep on the best beds and eat only the best foods. Here is a great article on where to find the best pet friendly ski resorts if you would like to take your pet on a ski trip.

When it comes to giving your pets a more luxurious life, there are options aplenty. Whether you want to give them a better bed or their own lux space, carry them out in style or book a vacation they’ll love, make sure you do your research. That way, you’ll get exactly what suits your and your furry friend’s needs.

Author: Aurora James

How to Shower Your Pets With Gifts Without Breaking Your Budget

It can seem like pet-related gifts get more and more extravagant every year, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw your budget out the window. It’s still possible to find fun, affordable gifts your furry, feathered or finned friend will love. Here’s how to do it. 

Coupons Make for Doggie Delights

When you’re looking for the right gift for man’s best friend this season, consider getting a few choice toys to brighten his days. As Companion Animal Psychology notes, dogs love to play, and mixing up their toys is enriching to their mental well-being. There is everything from chew toys, squeakers, ropes, puzzles, and fun balls to toss in the backyard.

If your pooch gets chilly or you just love dressing Fido up, consider a few clothing or accessories instead. You can get your dog some snazzy shirts, jackets, and shoes without breaking the bank. Finally, if your dog’s bed has taken a beating or just doesn’t fit anymore, a nice, cozy bed might be just what you’re looking for.

Bear in mind that just because a gift has an expensive price point, it doesn’t mean you can’t get it. You can use coupons and promo codes to fit a higher-priced gift into your price range.

Ideas for Cats

As Vetstreet points out, cats are pretty good at entertaining themselves, but that doesn’t mean Fifi won’t enjoy getting a new toy now and then. Also on kitty’s wish list list are things like scratching posts and training toys. 

Of course you can use the same coupon options that apply to your pooch, and to stretch your funds, you can DIY some of your cat’s faves! Try a rope-covered scratching post, a sock toy, or a mouse from an upcycled shirt. And of course, there’s the classic cardboard box, which cats simply can’t seem to get enough of!

Best Gifts for Bunnies

Next on the list are more of your small, furry friends. Sometimes the simplest things are much appreciated by little guys. For instance, rabbits love everyday items like toilet paper tubes, towels, and crumpled paper bags. 

Want something a little snazzier? Online retailers like Bunny Supply Co. offer pretty much everything for your bunny, from cage mats and specialized toys to more frivolous and fun things, like sunglasses to make your rabbit look like the rock star you know he is, to a backpack with built-in window so he can be your adventurous sidekick. Best part - they have free shipping on the whole shebang!

Gifts for Other Pet Friends

If you have a less common pet, that doesn’t mean you can’t spoil them with new goodies. As an example, pet birds might appear to not have many options, but sometimes a cage upgrade could be just the ticket. Your winged friend might like having a different perch to sit on, a warm lamp for sunbathing, or a hanging toy to fiddle with. 

Where reptiles are concerned, you could be looking at toys and a new habitat, which Wide Open Pets explains you can DIY inexpensively from recycled materials. You can also give their housing a new look with some brand-new accessories. Check with stores like Petco for a great selection of things like hidey holes and greenery, and note they have free shipping at $49 to stretch your dollars. For other pets, you can do some research and even ask your pet’s veterinarian for recommendations. 

It doesn’t matter what kind of pet you have. You definitely love them enough to want to get them gifts they will enjoy. Remember to DIY some fun things and check online retail stores before you head out, since there are discounts and deals to be had. With prices safely under budget, you might be able to get your pet his own massive gift basket!

Photo courtesy Pixabay

Author: Cindy Aldridge

How to Keep Your Maltipoo Home Germ-Free and Clean for Less

Your furry family member can make life so much better. If your dog loves to make messes in your home, though, you may feel like you’re constantly dealing with stress and extra expenses. Thankfully, cleaning up after your pup doesn’t have to be so costly or time-consuming, especially when all you need to keep your dog-friendly home clean and your sanity in check are these budget-friendly cleaning tips that just about any pet parent can make work. 

Invest in a Monthly Deep Clean for Your Home  

Okay, so you may see the word “invest” and wonder how paying for a professional home cleaning can save you money? The truth, however, is that a one-time interior cleaning doesn’t have to be expensive. In Salt Lake City, most people pay between $115 and $253 to have the inside of their homes scrubbed from top to bottom. That sort of thorough cleaning can be really helpful for busy pet parents, who are always waging a war with pet hair and dander.

Now, if you own a low-shedding and hypoallergenic breed like a Maltipoo, Labradoodle, or any other poodle cross, you may not have as much fur and dander to deal with in your home. Still, if you’re always on the go, paying for maid services can save you stress and time, which can make the added expense worthwhile. Also, keep in mind that just because your Maltipoo doesn’t shed, it doesn’t mean that your pet can't track dirt and germs. Those adorable little paws are capable of bringing some serious bacteria into your home, including staph and salmonella, which can make you sick if you don’t have time to constantly clean your home. 

Keep Dogs Confined to Certain Areas of Your Home 

This one should be a no-brainer, but if you want to keep certain areas in your home spotless, you may need to keep them off-limits to your pets. One way to train your pup to avoid these “off-limit” areas of your home is to use training collars. These handy training tools can range in price and features, so be sure to check out online reviews so that you can find one that will work for your pup and your budget. Training collars can be especially useful for pet parents who don’t have a lot of time to spend training stubborn or younger dogs.

Another way to keep rooms in your home off-limits for pets is to install pet gates, which you can find for around $17 at pet-friendly retailers such as Chewy. This article has some great pet-gate options. For example, in addition to keeping pristine areas off-limits for your dog, you can also put gates up to protect your pup from common household dangers such as toxic plants. In addition to baby gates and training collars, teaching your dog some basic commands such as “leave it,” “stay,” and “off” is your best bet for protecting your furniture and home. 

Look for Savings When Re-Stocking Your Cleaning Supplies 

If this is your first dog, or you’re just looking for tips to keep your dog-friendly home cleaner, you should know that there are some basic cleaning tools that every dog owner needs to own. Actually, some of the tools on this list, such as throws, scratch-resistant furniture, and food covers, aren’t actually cleaning supplies, but they will help you keep your home clean of most dog messes and smells. When it comes to actual cleaning products for your home, just be sure to avoid these toxic products. Harmful ingredients like ammonia and bleach can linger on surfaces and cause issues for your pet, so opting for more natural ingredients is best for pets. Since many pet-safe cleaners are more expensive, you should also look to coupon sites for promo codes and special offers, and even earning potential when stocking up on supplies. 

Seriously, stop stressing out over keeping your home clean and your budget balanced! Because having a clean home can be simple if you use the tips above to save time and money. That way, you’ll have more time to spend with your Maltipoo, and more time to enjoy all of the benefits of having a furry family member to warm your heart. 

If you’d like to learn how to train your puppy at home, The Great Pets has a great article on how to train your puppy.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Author: Tyler Evans

How Much Does a Maltipoo Cost?

This Maltipoo Pricing Guide will help you in learning the costs of purchasing as well as continued costs of a Maltipoo. There are many factors to consider when looking for a maltipoo and the costs and value of these factors can vary. We’ll go through a few of the most common items to consider when looking for a Maltipoo Puppy.

• The initial purchase of a Maltipoo

• Things to watch out for when purchasing a Maltipoo

• The lifetime cost associated with raising Maltipoos

Cost of a Maltipoo

The cost of a Maltipoo can range anywhere from $600 - $4,000 depending on whether you adopt from a shelter or purchase from a reputable breeder. There are also other factors to consider in price as well such as health guarantees, microchipping, and more.

Adopting a Maltipoo from a Rescue Shelter ~ $100 - $600

Maltipoos from rescue shelters can cost around $100 - $600. There is nothing wrong with wanting to adopt a pet from a rescue shelter. Pet’s often find their way to these shelters through no fault of their own and it is noble to want to rescue an animal and potentially save a life.

Many people consider adopting through a shelter but it is more rare to find a particular breed that you have in mind. Sometimes you have to wait months for the chance of a Maltipoo showing up at a shelter and you’ll often be on a waiting list. If you’re interested in adopting a Maltipoo from a shelter, the best chance is to call your local shelters and discuss with them the costs and chance of adopting.

Keep in mind, when adopting from a shelter there can be many unknowns, and for some that is completely okay. Not knowing where your maltipoo came from means not knowing the origins of the parents or knowing what conditions they lived in previously. Maltipoos are very affectionate breeds that need lots of love. If they come from an abandoned or abusive environment, it can be more challenging to build a trusting relationship with your Maltipoo and it can take more time to correct any less than ideal behaviors.

Cost of a Maltipoo from a Puppy Classifieds $1,000 - $4,000

Purchasing a Maltipoo from a puppy classifieds can cost anywhere from $1,000 - $4,000. When browsing websites like Craigslist, PuppyFind or PuppySpot you want to do your homework and not assume you’re covered by any breeding standards that a classifieds lists. It’s often hard for these classified sites to guarantee breeders meet a certain breeding standard. The risk of buying from a classifieds is not knowing the reputation of the breeder and their ethics in raising their puppies.

The range of risks in purchasing a Maltipoo puppy are likely the highest when purchasing from these classifieds. There are many stories of irresponsible breeders meeting people at a central location to sell puppies and when they finally purchase the puppy, they find out there are health problems or other issues and they have no way of contacting the breeder again for any resolution.

If you do find a puppy you’re in love with on one of these sites, there are a few things you want to consider like the living conditions, health guarantee, and breeding standards. We’ve put together a helpful article to guide on how to verify a breeder is not a scammer, which will help if you go this route.

A good rule of thumb, if you see a Maltipoo puppy placed below $1,000 it’s more likely to be a scam. If they want you to meet somewhere other than their home, it is often because they don’t want you to know where they live in case the puppy gets sick or something goes wrong.

Cost of a Maltipoo from a Reputable breeder $2,000 to $4,000

Purchasing a Maltipoo from a breeders website is where the price can really range from $2,000 to $4,000. Our available maltipoo puppies are on the higher end at $4,000 but our breeding standards are bar-none. Our puppies come with an amazing 10 - year health guarantee that far surpasses the typical 6-month health guarantee, or the less common 2-year guarantee some breeders give. There can be many advantages to buying a puppy from a breeders website as opposed to a classifieds. A website can offer more information and transparency than a simple puppy listing. You can read more about a breeder and their history with Maltipoos and not just about the puppy itself and you can know exactly what kind of puppy you’re getting and the environment they’re being raised in.

Although purchasing from a breeder’s website can make you feel more confident about the quality of puppy you are buying, it’s also easy for a breeder to tell you what you want to hear and make you feel confident in your purchase. The truth is you can still get caught up with the same risks as purchasing from a classified site but the risks are far less likely and are reduced greatly when doing your homework which we’ll guide you through below.

What to look for when purchasing a Maltipoo Puppy

Now that we went over a few places you can find a Maltipoo, here is a list of things you should watch out for when considering your options:

• The more information the better - Don’t just get caught up in the emotions of puppy pictures. When checking out a classified listing or a breeders listing on their site, look out for the details they offer in the listing.

• Make sure the Maltipoo comes from a loving home - If a breeder is local, you want to ask if you can visit and see the living and whelping conditions in their home. If they are not local, ask if you can meet them and the puppies via facetime or another real time video solution. Those that are not comfortable with you in their home or initiating a video chat, likely means they have something to hide.

• DO NOT meet anyone in a public place to look at their puppies - There are many stories of irresponsible breeders meeting people at a central location to sell puppies and when they finally purchase the puppy, they find out there are health problems or other issues and they have no way of contacting the breeder again for any resolution.

• Review all pictures on the site - Many breeders will showcase dozens of puppy pictures on their site and some sketchy breeders can easily take photos from other places and showcase them as their own. Look for some consistency in the images and see whether they’re all taken in a similar environment. You can also look on their instagram pages or other social sites to see what kind of images they are sharing there as well as what others are saying.

• Maltipoo Health Guaranty - You want to make sure the breeder has a clear and easy to understand health guaranty such as our 10 year health guarantee.

• Look for videos - When breeders showcase videos on their website or classifieds, it’s much harder to falsify a video than images and there’s a lot more you can learn about a breeder. A video that includes puppies and the breeder can help you become acquainted with a breeder and see the relationship between a breeder and their Maltipoos. You also have an easier time seeing the nature of the maltipoos.

• Look for a breeder with training programs - Now it’s rare for breeders to also offer puppy obedience training and I wouldn’t consider it a requirement when looking for a puppy but more of a bonus. You may or may not be interested in including your Maltipoo in puppy obedience training but finding a breeder that does offer training tells you they have a lot of experience with these breeds and are dedicated to the relationship they have with their Maltipoos.

Recurring Costs of a Maltipoo ~ $1,000 per year

Aside from the one-time expenses, there are also recurring costs associated with the care of your Maltipoo. Some of these include supplies, food, toys, and healthcare. Let’s go over some of these in more detail:

Food for your Maltipoo ~ $200 to $400 per year

Maltipoos are small which is great for the cost of food but you’ll want to make sure you get healthy dog food to support the energy level and lifespan of your Maltipoo.

We buy Purina Pro-Plan for our Maltipoos which is around $25 on amazon. One 5 lb bag can generally last 2 months per dog. But the cost variance can depend on other brands of dog food and the size and eating schedule of your dog. Purina Pro-Plan has an option for puppy food which helps with bone and body growth and adult dog food when they get 6 months old and up.

• Puppy Food - Toy Breed Dry Puppy Food

• Adult Food - Toy Breed Dog Food

Toys for your Maltipoo ~ $50 per year

The Maltipoo is much more comfortable as an indoor dog so outdoor toys are not mandatory. But to save them from boredom, you’ll want a few chew toys and dog balls on hand. These toys need to be replaced over time depending on how aggresive your maltipoo is with them. We have a few suggestions on Toys for your Maltipoos if you’re interested in what our Maltipoos love!

Maltipoo Care ~ $600 per year

Your Maltipoos wellbeing is very important and this not only includes the food they eat and their exercise but also making sure they have regular vet checks and vaccinations. Now Maltipoo healthcare varies considerably and can be the highest driving cost of your Maltipoo but there are things you can do to help prevent any illnesses or diseases from arising in your Maltipoos life. Let’s break some of these down.

• Spay/neuter service ~$200 one time - This service can be much less expensive for maltipoos since the charge typically depends on the dogs weight. The cost can be around $200

• Vaccinations ~ $50 per year - Some vaccines you can give to your Maltipoo yourself or you can take them to a Vet. In the first year of your puppies life they’ll have more vaccinations so the first year will cost more but it gets reasonably less expensive each year.

• Maltipoo Dental Care $100 to $300 per year - Dental care is an important part of your Maltipoos health because poor teeth can lead to more serious health problems. Some veterinary clinics offer dental cleaning and polishing for around $100 - $300 depending on the service you’d like.

• Maltipoo Grooming ~ $360 per year - Because the Maltipoos coat is low to non shedding, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy and groomed coat. Groomers are usually between $30 - $60 for each groom and it’s ideal to have your maltipoo groomed every 30 - 60 days.

Although it’s very rare, your Maltipoo could have the risk of a number of hereditary problems that could drive the cost in your Maltipoos health care considerably. Some of the possible health problems are Epilepsy, Pancreatitis, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, White Shaker Syndrome, Cryptorchidism, and Hypoglycemia. These shouldn’t stop you from getting a Maltipoo as every single breed or mixed breed has their own risks of health problems, but they’re important to look out for and make sure you have proper screening processes in place.