What Issues Do Maltipoos Have? Any?
We all have behavioral, emotional, medical, or whatever issues, and Maltipoos are no exception and can suffer their fair share of problems. Annual checkups and a healthy lifestyle ensure that a Maltipoo is as healthy as it can be, promoting a long healthy life regardless of what may come up. While these issues can seem scary, many Maltipoos don’t suffer any of these issues and will be healthy and thriving for many years.
What Issues Do Maltipoos Have? Any?
Maltipoos have a mixture of issues relating to their health that come from their breed background as cross-bred dogs. Their health issues include colitis and epilepsy, to name a few. Maltipoos can suffer such simple health issues as allergies, such as food allergies, intolerances, or other allergies. One very common issue in Maltipoos is the White Shaker Syndrome which is seen in dogs that have white coats of hair.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Patellar Luxation, and Protsystemic Shunt are other complex health issues that Maltipoos can endure during their lifetime. Not all of these or other health issues are serious; some are serious and life-threatening; others are just a mild inconvenience.
Some of these health conditions can affect the overall health of the Maltipoo and shorten their lifespan, while others are chronic and lifelong without causing changes to the quality or length of life.
Maltipoos, like other dog breeds, can suffer various health issues related to their breed background. Maltipoos are a cross between the Maltese and the Poodle, so they can suffer health issues related to both dog breeds.
Not all Maltipoos will suffer major health issues, and some will be healthy for many years. Health and quality of life are determined by their breed background but also by their breeding in general. Who their father, mother, and ancestors are will determine who they are as a dog.
Qualified and skilled breeders will use their abilities to ensure that every dog is as healthy as it can be. They study the breed or breeds in this situation and select the most healthy and resilient dogs from each dog breed.
They do this to ensure that the litters of puppies created align with the breed standard in many areas, including temperament, personality, and health. They also select the best example of these two dogs to breed so they are healthy, strong and free from illness.
As with anything, including breeding, there is the chance for surprises in life and, in some instances, surprises that are not so good. Sometimes a dog or puppy will end up with a health issue.
The chances of them inheriting major illnesses are greatly reduced regarding the Maltipoo since they are a cross-bred dog breed. This is because they are a cross-bred dog breed. The first generation is healthier and has fewer medical issues than their pure-bred parents.
With each generation of Maltipoo puppies, the likelihood of suffering health problems is further reduced.
How do I ensure that my Maltipoo is as healthy as possible?
The best way to ensure that your Maltipoo is as healthy as possible is to provide them with a healthy lifestyle and take them to their regular veterinary appointments. These appointments are highly important for the Maltipoo’s overall health and ensure that it gets caught early if any illness crops up.
Aside from a healthy lifestyle and veterinary appointments, it’s a good idea to ensure that the Maltipoo is fed good food and that they have plenty of water.
Ample sleep, enjoyable time with friends, and plenty of love in the home are great ways to foster a healthy lifestyle. Feed your Maltipoo good-quality dog food that has a minimum amount of ingredients.
The dog food ingredients should be simple and natural, with the top ingredients being proteins. If possible, fillers, additives, and preservatives should not be a part of your Maltipoos diet. The same can be said for their dog treats.
A healthy diet won’t guarantee that your Maltipoo is free of major illness, but it can sometimes delay the onset of major illness. A healthy diet, most importantly, gives your Maltipoo the best possible chance at good health every day, and that is often the only thing a parent can do.
What is colitis?
Colitis is an inflammation of the large intestines, also known as the colon. This is like colitis we humans experience. The condition can be miserable for a Maltipoo, causing dietary and digestive issues. The dog will often suffer diarrhea, loose stools, and other discomforts.
The Maltipoo might have to go to the bathroom more frequently, which can also cause stress in the home. Sometimes, the Maltipoo will expel small blood, mucus, and fat droplets. There’s usually an urgency to the Maltipoos bowel movements, where they have to go, and they have to go now.
Treatment usually depends on the cause of the colitis, with diet and lifestyle changes being the first line of defense in treating the condition. Medications are sometimes given, and thankfully dogs can live with this condition.
Whether colitis is acute or chronic, through both above methods, a dog can live a healthy, happy life if its caregiver or family keeps the condition under control.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder, just like in humans. The brain is usually normal but acts abnormal, causing seizures. Epilepsy is believed to be genetically linked, meaning it is inherited from the Maltipoos ancestors.
Epilepsy is common in dogs, and in certain dogs breeds it is more prevalent. There can be specific triggers than bring on attack which parents can look out for in their Maltipoo.
If a Maltipoo has this condition, they will need medication which must be continued throughout their lives. The type of seizure and other factors will determine which drug will be best used to treat the individual dog.
Thankfully a Maltipoo can live a normal life with continued medication and occasional medicine adjustments. Some Maltipoo may experience breakthrough seizures while on medication, but it’s important to know that the patient should continue taking the medication as prescribed.
