White Maltipoo (with pictures)

White is among the most common color for Maltipoos that is because of the white color of the Maltese and one of the most common colors of poodles being white as well (although poodles have many color varieties). The white coat on a maltipoo is very gorgeous but for apparent reasons, can be prone to stains such as tear stains on the muzzle and feet stains from playing outside. A good level of care and maintenance is required to keep a white coat shiny. Learn more about keeping your maltipoos eyes clean.

The gallery below are pictures of white maltipoos by their owners in our Maltipoo Facebook Group and are not necessarily dogs from our breeding program. Be sure to visit and join if you’d like to become a part of the best Maltipoo group on the planet and learn from other Maltipoo owners!

How to Spot a Puppy Scam

Puppy buying is at an all-time high right now and with that comes an alarming number of puppy scams. The technology we have today makes it very easy to do all of our research and puppy buying online. Purchasing a puppy without ever seeing it in person can be scary, but there are some red flags that you can watch for to make sure you are getting a puppy from a great breeder. It is very easy to find a good breeder when you know which questions to ask.

Below I have listed some of the red flags to watch for as well as some things to look for in a good breeder.

Red Flags to Watch For

No phone number or email address

An honest and reputable breeder should allow phones calls to communicate before selling a puppy to you. Often times the scammers will be outside of the country and communicate by email only.

Photos are stolen from another site

Too often puppy scammers will take photos from other breeders websites and claim them as their own. There are dozens of websites out there like bellapuppies (dot) com (don’t want to add the link and give them link credit) that blatantly steal our images and text off our site to try to scam others into paying them $600 without intending to ever give them a puppy. We have a legal service to help combat sites like these and others but there are many other breeders unaware this is happening to them.

There is a nifty little trick on google images that allows you to reverse search an image to see if it’s been stolen off other websites. If you are skeptical of the puppy you are considering, simply download the image to your computer and do a reverse image search on google using the steps below.

• On your computer, open a web browser, like Chrome or Safari.

• Go to Google Images.

• Click Search by image .

• Click Upload an image Choose file or Browse.

• Select a picture from your computer.

• Click Open or Choose.

If you see this same picture used on many other search results, chances are you’re being scammed. A nice final touch would be to reach out to the other sites and let them know their content is being stolen.

Fishy Payment options

If the seller is asking you to wire them money or pay by gift cards, you will most likely never get your money back. Be sure they offer flexible payment methods such as PayPal or Credit Card so you have the option of to get your money back or flag a chard as fraud.

Price is too good to be true

Be sure to research the price of the breed you are planning to purchase. We have a great guide on maltipoo prices, other reputable sites will have guides specific to their breed. If the price is heavily discounted it is typically fraud. Maltipoo websites listing puppies for less than $1,000 (usually around $500 or $600) is typically fraud. I’m not saying you won’t find maltipoos at a price like this, but it is very rare and more commonly it is a scam.

Things to Look for in a Great Breeder

Positive reviews and referrals

Good breeders aren’t afraid to share referrals and even contact information of previous puppy buyers. Anyone can fake referrals on their site so it’s better to check their facebook page or google listing to see what customers are saying on there. For example here is our facebook page and google listing. You can see many reviews and comments on here that will help you learn other peoples experiences with our puppies.

Almost all scammers will either not have social accounts or they will have a facebook page or similar with only 10 or so followers and no comments or very few posts.

Willing to engage in a phone call or video chat

Great breeders will talk to you on the phone or get on a video call with you before selling you a puppy. Meeting in person is always a good idea as well.

Answers all your questions

Ask as many questions about the breed, the parents, temperament etc. Responsible breeders love to educate you about the breed before selling a puppy to you and they aren’t in a rush to make sure you pay them the money. They genuinely care for the health and wellbeing of their puppies and want to make sure they go to a good home.

If the seller seems pushy and anxious to get a deposit or to complete the sell, it could be a scam and there is likely no puppy.

Offers a health guarantee

Responsible breeders always have a health guarantee. This means that they have made sure the parents are in good health and therefore the puppies will be as well. Great breeders will back their puppies up with more than 1-year health guarantee if they’re confident in their breeding standards. At My Doodle Maltpoos, we offer a 10-year health guarantee although most commonly, you’ll find other breeders guarantees to be either 1 or 2 years.

Last word of advice, go with your gut!

We live in the world of information where we can look up anything in a split second but this also means we can come across a lot of misinformation. Although the web can be very powerful and beneficial in a lot of ways, after all the research you do, it’s important to trust your gut and make a decision you’re comfortable with. Even if someone is willing to talk to you on the phone, and their site has great information make sure you listen to that gut feeling and make the choice you’re comfortable with and confident in. The above tips are just guidelines but in the end, you just have to know the breeder you’re going with feels good to you and there is no worry.

Maltipoo Colors

Maltipoos come in a variety of colors from solid black, brown, red, apricot colors to multi colored like Parti or Merl. To see examples of different colors we have gotten from our past litters, scroll down and view the gallery grouped by different Maltipoo Colors

Cream Maltipoos

Apricot Maltipoos

White Maltipoos

Brown Maltipoos

Parti Maltipoos

Black Maltipoos

Merle Maltipoos

How To Socialize Your Maltipoo With Other Pets

Maltipoos are beautiful, wholehearted dogs with quite the personality. It’s this charm and easygoing demeanor that makes them lovable pets in the right household. 

However, what if there are other pets in the house? Is it possible for the Maltipoo to fit in? 

Yes, it is certainly possible for Maltipoos to thrive in families with other pets and/or children. 

In this guide, we’ll take a look at how to socialize your Maltipoo with other pets safely and effectively. 

1. Don’t Start Right Away 

This is a common mistake made by dog owners. 

In essence, you have this urge to immediately get the Maltipoo integrated into your family of pets. While this is done with the right intention, please remember the Maltipoo is still getting used to the house itself.

This includes new scents, sounds, and everything in between!

Thrusting them into a situation with other pets may backfire depending on the dog’s age and history.

To avoid a situation such as this, keep them secluded in a different room for a week or so. Just let the Maltipoo get used to the setting and then begin introducing them to the other pets.

Starting right away is a mistake and will often lead to aggression and/or nervousness. 

If your dog has been in the house for a while, it’s okay to get started immediately. They will already have adjusted to the setting, so you can move onto the next step.

https://pixabay.com/photos/maltipoo-shake-relax-pool-hot-1222368/

2. Begin in a Comfortable Setting

Maltipoos enjoy a bit of comfort in their day-to-day lives. 

This can be something as simple as where they rest (i.e. dog bed) or where they sit during the day. 

When socializing Maltipoos with other pets, it’s highly recommended to start in a setting that’s loved by your dog. This will make it easier for them to feel comfortable while welcoming other pets into their bubble.

Will it always work? No.

There are times the Maltipoo will show signs of nervousness and that’s okay. Don’t panic!

Just continue to watch the interaction and remain nearby.  

3. Maintain Full Control During Interactions

Socialization isn’t going to happen overnight. It’s a work in progress with Maltipoos and other pets.

This means you have to maintain full control during the initial interactions.

The process includes:

• Using a Pet Gate

• Using a Leash

• Supervising All Interactions

These are just some of the things you have to focus on as a dog owner. Your goal should be to retain control while observing how the pets interact. If they’re fine with each other, it’s okay to loosen the restrictions.

For example, start with your Maltipoo on a dog leash and/or behind a safe dog gate while interacting with other pets.

If there’s no noticeable sign of aggression, remove the pet gate while keeping the dog leash on. 

Keep reducing the restrictions until your pets start getting along with each other. If there’s any sign of aggression, gently increase the restrictions and turn to using incentives. 

https://pixabay.com/photos/maltipoo-shake-relax-pool-hot-1222368/

4. Use Dog Treats

The best way to socialize a dog with other pets is to build positive reinforcement for good behavior (i.e. not attacking). 

It is a sign of confidence for the dog and will ease their nerves.

Dog treats tend to work nicely with Maltipoos. They will respond well to these treats, especially if you time them well during their interactions with other pets.

For example, let’s assume your Maltipoo enters the same room as another pet. If the Maltipoo is well behaved and remains gentle, you can give them a dog treat. If they aren’t, you don’t give them a dog treat and you say a quick, sharp “No!” so they realize what went wrong.

While they might not build the connection between the reward and good behavior at first, Maltipoos are clever. They will get it after a few tries!

Also, it’s important to note dog treats are just one option. You can even do nothing more than a simple rub behind the ears or scratch under the chin to let the Maltipoo know they’re doing well.

5. Refuse to Overreact to Nervous Behavior  

Maltipoo owners often become concerned during new interactions. It’s almost as if you’re anticipating aggression and want to stop it immediately.

Yes, it’s good to stop any type of aggression, but you can’t overreact.

Any overreaction is going to make the Maltipoo go into a bubble that’s difficult to break. They will refuse to interact with the other pets out of fear. 

As a dog owner, you have to be confident and assertive. If the Maltipoo misbehaves, you let them know sternly without showing aggression and/or yanking on the dog leash (if one is on). 

Remember, dogs will feed off of your reactions, so aggression can be taken in the wrong manner even if you mean well. 

Instead, stay calm and go through the process again. Continue to work on it until the Maltipoo and other pets adjust to each other.

6. Go to the Dog Park

The dog park is a delightful place to socialize your dog.

After the Maltipoo has become used to the other pets at home, it makes sense to expand the bubble to see how well the Maltipoo does in different environments.

In fact, if you have another dog, take both of them together! 

This will maintain familiarity for the Maltipoo as it starts to interact with other dogs and people.  Your goal should be to get them used to unique interactions without thinking twice. 

This can include other pets, animals, people, traffic, loud sounds, and everything in between. 

The best part is, the tips in this guide work in all situations. It’s all about progress and building towards getting your Maltipoo used to a new setting and everything that comes along with it including new sights and sounds.

Final Thoughts  

Socializing your Maltipoo requires patience, determination, and the willingness to make adjustments throughout the process. 

The beauty of socializing this breed is seen through its approachability. With the right training, Maltipoos can become exceptional mates for other pets. Whether it’s another dog or cat, this breed does adjust and thrive as long as you’re committed to the task.

Follow the tips listed here and watch as your Maltipoo begins to enjoy spending time with the other pets.

Author: Sara Bernier

Maltipoo Eye Infections & More

Maltipoo Eye Infections

Maltipoo eye infections are not uncommon. The eyes can be very vulnerable to debris and germs. Most eye infections are due to bacteria that enter from around the eye area. The less common infections are caused from viruses, trauma and allergy issues. However, in those cases the infection is an issue that is secondary.

With tight budgets many owners will try home remedies, but seeing a vet is always encouraged. There may be a small tear that you cannot see and many eye infections must be treated with antibacterial drops - which is something that owners usually do not have access to in the house.

Signs of a Maltipoo Eye Infection

1. Persistent redness

2. Excessive tearing

3. Pawing at the eye(s)

4. Excessive discharge

5. Crusting

6. Excessive blinking

7. Sensitivity to light

The Most Common Eye Infections are:

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye) - This can be bacterial or viral. Causes can include Lyme disease, injury to the tear sac, debris.
  

• Glaucoma – Can lead to blindness if not treated. Signs include cloudiness, enlarged pupils, redness. It is vital to have your vet treat this promptly to avoid blindness.
  

• Keratoconjunctivitis Siccac (dry eye) - tear ducts become blocked and/or infected. Without treatment can progress into eye ulcers and/or cornea damage. Dogs should be treated with eye drops (artificial tears) and sometimes with other medications such as anti-inflammatory and/or anti-bacterial.
  

• Juvenile Cellulitis - Happens to dogs under the age of 2. Most common and obvious sign are blisters around the eyes, that can turn into ulcers.

If your Maltipoo shows any signs of infection, a checkup should be scheduled as soon as possible. Many infections and diseases respond best if caught early.

Maltipoo Bloodshot Eyes

When your Maltipoo has bloodshot eyes, superficial blood vessels within the surface of the affected eye will enlarge and dilate, causing the eye to appear red.

This can be caused by irritation. The most common irritation is a small piece of debris in your maltipoo’s eyes. If a Maltipoo is outside, a tiny piece of dirt or or fox tail can get stuck in the eye. When inside, even a tiny food particle may be the cause.

With acute cases happening rarely, flushing the eye with clean water can help clear out the irritant. This can be done with a small disposable cup. Having a helper will make things easier as well.

Allergies can be another reason that your Maltipoo may have red eyes. In most cases, this will be an ongoing issue (seasonally or year round).

Maltipoo Eye Discharge

While some irritation may be overlooked, if bloodshot eyes are seen along with discharge coming from a Maltipoo's eyes, it can be a sign of an eye disorder, infection, or other issue that will need immediate attention.

• Clear discharge can be signs of allergy or debris.

• Yellow, green, puss-like, thick and/or discharge that crusts along the eyelash are all signs of infection and should be discussed with your veterinarian. While most cases can be easily treated with eye drops and antibacterial solution, excessive discharge can also be a symptom of severe eye issues that can lead to blindness. For this reason, prompt veterinarian attention should be received.

Maltipoo Eye Boogers

While many owners refer to build up in the corners of a Maltipoo's eyes as eye boogers, this is also referred to as 'eye goop'.

If the eye goop is green or has a foul odor, this is a sign of infection. However, it can be common for dogs to have a natural secretion that can collect in the corners of the eyes.

Most owners will see this in the morning when their Maltipoo wakes up. All throughout the day, our puppies and dogs are blinking. That blinking helps removes dust, debris, and super fine particles from the eye. The eye will stay lubricated while your Maltipoo is blinking.

Overnight, when a dog isn’t blinking, or on days when there are extra irritants (high pollen days, etc.), blinking may not be enough and the discharge can build up.

As long as there is no reason to suspect an eye infection, routine cleaning will take care of these Maltipoo eye boogers.

Keeping Your Maltipoo's Eyes Clean

HOW TO KEEP YOUR MALTIPOO'S EYE AREA CLEAN

While the Maltipoo is not a particularly high maintenance dog, there are many useful grooming elements that should be done on a regular basis to keep a puppy or dog healthy, clean, and hygienic. This includes bathing, brushing, nail trimming, brushing the teeth, cleaning the ears, and cleaning the eye area.

Keeping the eye area clean will help to keep eye staining away.

Maltipoos are prone to tear stains where the hair around the eyes can become discolored. This is most obvious on lighter coated dogs. The red or brown hair surrounding the eyes that develops over time is not normal.

If you don’t know if the coloring is natural or not, touch the hairs. You may notice that they feel crisp and have a different texture than the rest of the hair. What you are feeling is an accumulation of dirt and fine particles of debris that have accumulated to the hairs overtime.

6 Things You Can Do To Keep Your Maltipoo’s Eyes Clean:

1) Clean the eye area on a daily basis. It is recommended to wipe your Maltipoo’s eye area each morning and again after each meal. It only takes about 10 seconds. Use a quality eye wipe that will not only clean the area but also work to prevent staining the coat around the eye. You can choose to use a damp cloth, but be sure to go over the area again with a dry cloth so that the tiny hairs around the eyes are dried.

Note: If there are already stains, you will want to use wipes that contain a stain removing agent.

2) Only use ceramic or stainless steels bowls when feed your Maltipoo. Colored, plastic bowls can leak into the food and the chemicals can cause staining over time.

3) Do not allow your Maltipoo to drink straight tap water. In many towns across the United States, there is lead, chlorine, arsenic, radon, and even rocket fuel in the water. In fact, there are over 100 toxins that are currently regulated, meaning allowed in low amounts, and many more that are not. There is also a high mineral content in some towns that can cause discoloration and tear staining to the hairs around the eyes of your Maltipoo.

It is suggested to place a filter on the kitchen tap, use a filtered water pitcher, or use spring/filtered water by the gallon.

4) Take your Maltipoo in for annual wellness checks. A yearly eye examine will be part of this, which can catch issues that are causing teary eyes, excess discharge, etc. Many eye diseases and disorders can be treated with great results if caught early.

5) Notice your Maltipoo's eyes! While you are brushing your dog's teeth or brushing the coat, take time to inspect the eyes. Look for any signs of a problem: redness, cloudiness, swelling.

6) Keep long hairs trimmed away from the eyes. Dogs that have long hairs around the eyes are more prone to eye infections. It is very common for dogs with curly or wavy hair (Like the Maltipoo) to get infections from the hair curling in towards the eyes.

Maltipoo Teething

There are a few challenging phases you will face when bringing a new puppy home. Teething is one of the top challenges.
When a puppy is teething, there is quite a bit of discomfort and itching. This can send a pup into a frenzy as he looks for something to cure his teething discomfort. However, there are some things that you can do to help your puppy and keep your home from being destroyed.

The Maltipoo Puppy Teething Timeline

Maltipoo Puppies are born without teeth, but they will grow in very soon.
They will first grow a 'puppy set' of 28 deciduous teeth, and then later an adult set of 42 teeth.

Here is an example of the time table for the puppy teeth coming in:

• 3-4 Weeks Old – The puppy's canines (the longer teeth on each side in the front of the mouth) begin emerging

• 3 to 5 Weeks Old - The incisors (the tiny teeth in the front) begin coming in

• 4-6 Weeks Old – The premolars (larger side teeth) begin to show

• Puppies should have a total of 28 milk/puppy teeth by the age of 8 weeks.
  

The age that a Maltipoo starts the teething phase when the milk teeth start falling out and the adult teeth growing in is just around the 4 month mark. There will, of course, be some early and late bloomers. Typically, teething is complete around 8 months of age.

The order of this is usually as follows:

• 4 Months old – the adult incisors begin to grow in
  

• 5 months old - the adult canine teeth begin to grow in
  

• 6 months old - the adult molars begin to grow in
  

• By 8 months old, a puppy should have all adult dog teeth ascended and teething will end.
  

How to Help When Your Maltipoo is Teething

Puppies have very little self-control so you'll need to take some steps to prevent your puppy from chewing on non-toy items and to help with the itching and discomfort.

Here is what you can do:

1. Puppy-proof the house.
In this section you will see that there will be little time for your Maltipoo to roam around and mouth things. However, all it takes is a second.
So you'll want to scour every room that your puppy could possibly be in for hazardous items.

• Tie cords out of the way, and use cord concealer for those that must stay plugged in and within reach.

• Pick up any small items from the floor that they might chew. Teething puppies often mouth things just to find out if they might be pleasant to chew on, so nothing is off limits. Sometimes dogs will chew and swallow small socks, toys and coins. Pay close attention to items of this nature to make sure they are not available for your puppy to chew or swallow.

• Put shoes, clothing and personal items up high. If a shoe gets destroyed during the teething phase, it is not the puppy’s fault. It should always be kept up where the puppy cannot reach it.
  

2. Supervise.

Supervising is one of the most important yet simple and overlooked items in keeping your dog from chewing items they shouldn’t.

Young teething pups should not be allowed to roam the house, leaving puddles of pee and poop throughout. They should have a designated area and supervision whenever possible to avoid these issues.

When you can have your puppy near you, keep your pup on a harness with a 6 foot leash. You can simply slip the end of the leash around your wrist or secure it through your belt loop. Be sure to use a harness and not a collar, as this will prevent neck injury as your Maltipoo follows you around.

When you cannot keep an eye on your puppy, keep him in one designated area. One of the best ways to set up a comfortable and safe area is to use an indoor playpen. These are also great for potty training and to keep a puppy's essentials right near him to help cope with separation anxiety. Inside the playpen should be a bed, water, food (if you won't be home) and teething toys. Read More About Setting Up a Safe Space for Your Maltipoo

3. Provide effective teething toys.

You don’t need to waste time stocking up on generic toys. These will not help with teething discomfort. Teething puppies need toys that are specifically designed to soothe discomfort and relieve itching.
The toys should be:

1. Properly sized - If a puppy has to struggle to fit parts of the toy in his mouth, he will most likely give up.

2. Properly textured - What really helps a teething puppy is that the toy has the right density to work the jaw, while having textures that scratch itchy gums.

• There are two textures that work well for this.

  • tiny nubs

  • ropes - Ropes are a good choice to have as at least one of your pup's toys, since you can soak and freeze them.

    Giving your puppy cold ropes can really help with both pain and itching, and it also helps with swelling that often occurs around the teeth.

Maltipoo Bad Breath

There is nothing like calling your Maltipoo that is well groomed and cleaned over to you, just to have them jump in your lap and give you a good whiff of overpowering bad breath. If this has happened to you, you are not alone.

Some dogs have acute bad breath while others have stubborn chronic issues that don’t seem to ever go away. Bad breath is not uncommon with canines.

In this article we will go over why your maltipoo may have bad breath and tips on keeping it smelling great.

Is Bad Breath Normal?

It is not normal for your Maltipoo’s breath to smell like feces, urine, sour or any other odor that is foul and powerful enough to notice when he breathes near you.

You may associate good smelling breath with minty scents. But since it is hard for our dogs to have breath that smells like mint, we can expect the normal smell should be neutral.

While this is possible, it is typical for a Maltipoo's breath to smell like the food that he just ate. Especially if you dog is eating dry dog food. This can be caused by tiny particles of the food remaining in the grooved ridges on the tongue, or in the inside of the cheeks and between teeth. For dogs that smell like dog food regularly, there is help.

Reasons for Bad Breath:

1) Teeth & Dental Issues -

This may seem obvious to some owners yet this is still overlooked because Maltipoos do not usually show signs of discomfort when their teeth are hurting. There are several dental reasons that cause very stinky breath.

Tooth Infection is not uncommon with dogs in general and with the Maltipoo having a poodle parent, it is even more common. Poodles are prone to tooth problems which means many Maltipoos will be as well.

Plaque, tartar and dental infection are the main causes of both bad breath and un-diagnosed dental issues. Owners use to think that pet dogs cleaned their own teeth by chewing on toys and treats. This has long been proven false yet is still believed by some people. Without routine teeth cleaning at home, there will be a gradual buildup of debris.

Eventually, tooth infection can lead to discomfort which often causes your Maltipoo to refuse to eat.

With any canine, dental infections can travel through the bloodstream and to vital organs which can lead to many unnecessary health issues if not addressed.

What to do:

1. If you think that bad breath may be coming from unclean or infected teeth the dog should be brought to the veterinarian for a full dental exam. They will look for infection and then clean the teeth by scraping both under the gum line and on all teeth and then follow with a rinse.
   If an abscess is found, treatment is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading and causing further health issues. This will give your Maltipoo a 'clean slate' to then begin taking care of this at home.
   

2. Whether you have a brand new Maltipoo puppy or a senior dog, now is the time to start brushing your Maltipoo's teeth regularly. It only takes a few minutes per day and will have a huge impact on your dog's dental health and overall health. Not only is this the best remedy for bad breath, it will help your dog hold onto his pearly whites for his lifetime.
   If you already brush your dog's teeth, you will want to reassess what type of products you are using.

Look for good products:

Toothbrush -

• Make sure it is the appropriate size for your dog . Three-sided brushes work well as they can clean all 3 visible sides at once, which cuts down on the amount of time that your Maltipoo needs to stay still.

• Get a quality brush that has the right textured bristles to do a very thorough job.

• You'll want to throw away the old one and use a new one approximately every 4 to 6 months.

Canine toothpaste -

• Look for some that does not contain fluoride (which is poison to dogs)

• Use a paste that is safe to swallow and has the right abrasive qualities to be safe for teeth yet strong enough to scrub away bacteria, plaque and sticky food particle debris.

• Many will come in chicken flavor or other flavors that dogs like, so this can make this grooming task easier.

• You can also opt for a quality mint flavor, which will give your Maltipoo super clean smelling breath for up to 3 hours afterward.

2) Teething

In regard to Maltipoo puppies that have bad breath, this can often be attributed to teething issues. It isn’t uncommon for the breath to have a sort of sweet-sour smell. Some owners describe this as a sour milk smell. This sort of bad breath can be caused due to mild bleeding that occurs in the mouth that mixes with saliva and bacteria that is normally present.
What to do: While this will resolve itself once the teething phase is over, brushing the teeth now will help in several ways:
1. It will help prevent future infection since infection in the gums now will affect the adult teeth that will emerge later.
2. It will help keep gums strong and healthy which is the foundation needed for a good bite set.
3. It will help temporarily relieve the itch; most Maltipoo puppies love to have a nice scrubbing since the bristles feel great on those itchy gums.
4. It establishes good habits for a lifetime; puppies that become used to this now will grow up and be use to sitting nice for the grooming.

3) Dog Food Breath

We discussed this earlier. With the dry kibble the small food particles become lodged into the crevices in the tongue, teeth and inner cheeks of the dog. Every time the dog takes a breath it will emit the odor of the dry kibble stuck in these crevices.
What to do: Most high quality kibbles with wholesome ingredients will not cause these problems, so checking and researching the quality of the food you are feeding your puppy may be in order. Stale dog food may cause these foul smells, so if you tend to buy large bags of food that take too long for your dog to eat, you may want to downsize to smaller bags that are used quicker.

It can also help to encourage your Maltipoo to drink right after eating. Water fountains are a great choice for boosting water consumption since dogs are attracted to the flowing water. Even offering an ice cube after a meal could do the trick.

4) Bad Breath from Eating Poop

If your Maltipoo's breath smells like feces, he very well could have eaten feces, either his own or that of another dog. This is known as Coprophagia. While many owners will notice their dog doing this, some may not for a variety of reasons.

What to do - You'll want to keep an eye on your Maltipoo and stop him if he even attempts to ingest feces. Often a loud clap, followed by a distraction such as offering a chew toy and then praising the action of mouthing the toy will work.

In regard to a very overpowering feces smell coming from the mouth, you'll want to make sure that this is not due to bowel obstruction. While the vomit can smell like poop, if a Maltipoo is throwing up just a little bit and then swallowing it, this can make the breath smell like feces. Other signs include lack of appetite, straining to go to the bathroom, weakness, panicked behavior and/or dark stools. When in doubt, contact your vet.

4) Foreign Object

There are many different types of things that a Maltipoo can mouth that will get stuck between the teeth or even pierce the inside of the cheek or tongue. If this happens, there will be inflammation and possibly infection that can cause bad mouth odor. The types of things that can get stuck in the mouth are only limited to what a Maltipoo has had access to. A chunk of food may be wedged between the teeth, but small strings and wooden splinters are two of the most common culprits.

What to do - In some cases, you can remove a piece of food with your dog's toothbrush. Also, if your dog stays still and with the help of an assistant, you can use a string of floss to remove the food particle, particularly if something is wedged between the teeth. You won't want to try to use a toothpick or other sharp object as it could cause injury.

If there is a splinter in the mouth, this is something that the vet should take care of to make sure that the entire object has been removed and to prescribe antibiotic medication if necessary.

5) Health Issues

There are many health conditions that have bad breath among the symptoms:

• Diabetes can cause a dog's breath to smell very fruity and sweet. While this is more common with senior dogs, juvenile diabetes can happen in younger dogs. Other signs include changes in appetite, weight loss or gain, weakness, changes in urination and/or increased UTI's.
  

• Kidney issues - Bad breath that smells like urine can be a sign of kidney disease. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, increased thirst and/or lethargy. If you notice any of the above, it would be wise to have your Maltipoo checked by your Vet.
  

• Liver or lung disease - With both liver and lung disease, there can be strong chronic bad breath.
  

• Digestive issues - If a dog has excess gas in the stomach, this can cause a dog to burp quite a bit, which will cause bad breath as the smell of stomach acid and digesting food are expelled from the mouth. It should be noted that burping may also be caused by eating too quickly and can often be remedied by offering meals in a slow-feeder bowl which displaces the food to encourage slower ingestion.

If your Maltipoo has very sweet breath, a scent of urine coming from the mouth or bad breath that does not respond to any at-home remedies, it is time for a full checkup with the veterinarian to rule out possible health conditions.

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.