If you are considering a Maltipoo for your next pet or recently added one to your home, knowing possible Maltipoo allergies will be helpful. This way, you can ensure that you provide a healthy and safe home for your pup throughout their life.
Maltipoos are a favorite hybrid dog breed that comes from mixing a Maltese with a miniature or toy Poodle. As a Maltipoo owner, I’ve explored the possible problems my pet could face by talking with my local vet and reputable breeders.
Using the information from various sources, I’ve compiled the most comprehensive list of possible Maltipoo allergies, their causes, treatment, and solutions.
Not every Maltipoo will exhibit allergy signs, but some pets will have more than one allergy. Therefore, it can be a challenging process to determine what is causing flare-ups in your dog and how to navigate the symptoms.
This complete guide will outline possible Maltipoo allergies, what to look for, and how to manage any adverse symptoms. As a result, you will be ready to help your pet if they show signs of allergies or sensitivities to things.
The Complete Guide of Maltipoo Allergies
The Maltipoo is a fantastic hybrid breed that comes from breeding a Maltese and a Poodle. Because there are two purebred dog breeds for parents, the resulting puppies can carry genetic traits from both genetic lines. Check out whether mixed breeds are healthier than purebreds.
Not all allergies are the same and can create varying symptoms. The main allergies you find with any dog breed include:
- Food allergies
- Environmental allergies
- Contact allergies
Maltipoo Food Allergies
Because the Maltese and Poodle parents are prone to developing allergies to certain food items, Maltipoos will carry this genetic disposition.
Food sensitivities and allergies often show up as gastrointestinal problems or skin allergies. Food allergy symptoms can appear in your dog as excessive dander or exceptionally oily skin, hives, itchy or increasingly dry skin, open sores, or skin lesions.
Another way to determine food allergies is if you notice any GI distress in your pet. Some possible signs include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, or uncharacteristic bowel movements. In addition, monitoring your pet’s evacuation can indicate if they have a sensitivity or allergy to something they are eating.
Some of the common foods that can cause allergic reactions in Maltipoos can include:
- Proteins such as chicken, beef, pork, or fish
- Corn
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Grains
- Soy
- Synthetic preservatives
- Wheat
Food allergies are more challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of since many dog foods contain multiple ingredients that can cause a reaction.
Maltipoo food allergies can be diagnosed with professional testing at a veterinarian clinic. However, many dog owners will begin a hypoallergenic elimination diet for those who suspect food allergies to remove any possible triggers. This process can take anywhere from eight to 12 weeks, slowly introducing one food item at a time and observing any symptoms that follow.
Dog owners should always provide their pet Maltipoo with a diet of high-quality food without unnecessary fillers and preservatives. Unprocessed proteins that don’t contain meat by-products are better choices for this hybrid breed.
Maltipoo Environmental Allergies
Several dog breeds, like the Maltipoo, can suffer from environmental allergies. This predisposition can be enhanced by the breed’s thin, silky coat. As a result, many environmental triggers can work through the hair and irritate the dog’s skin.
Some common environmental substances that can trigger Maltipoo allergies include:
- Dust and dust mites
- Fungi
- Grasses
- Mold
- Pollen
- Weeds
If your Maltipoo has environmental allergies, they may exhibit various symptoms. Your pet may have one or more of these:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Running nose and eyes
- Scratching, itching, or biting its feet or legs
Environmental allergies can show up during specific seasons or year-round. You can help your Maltipoo during allergy season by avoiding long walks outdoors if the pollen index is high and avoiding tall grassy areas that harbor pollen and weeds.
To avoid environmental allergy symptoms in the home, run a vacuum, dust regularly, and ensure your pet’s bedding and toys receive a proper routine cleaning. In addition, some pet owners find using an indoor HEPA air filter helps clean away any airborne irritants.
Maltipoo Contact Allergies
Contact allergies are not as well-known as other irritants but are just as common for Maltipoo dogs. This type of allergy in a dog can come from various sources, including:
- Fleas
- Mosquitoes
- Other insects
- Plastic bowls or sub-par toys
- Some types of cloth fibers
- Harsh cleaning and laundering products
- Some grooming products
- Lawn and garden treatments
One extremely common contact allergy for Maltipoos is from flea saliva and other insects. When this insect bites the skin, dogs who are allergic can suffer from intense itching and hives, causing them to scratch excessively.
Like humans, Maltipoos can be allergic to some plastic and cloth products that contain harsh chemicals from the manufacturing process. Your pet may show a reaction from playing with a toy or when they come in contact with a carpet or sweater.
Harsh household cleaning and laundering products can also create contact allergies in this hybrid breed. Be sure to clean your home and wash your pet’s items in gentle pet-safe products to avoid allergic reactions.
Another example of contact allergies is grooming products. For example, you may notice some allergy symptoms in your Maltipoo after using a specific dog shampoo brand. However, this reaction doesn’t indicate the product isn’t a reputable brand.
But instead that your pet is reacting to some of its ingredients. If you suspect allergies from a grooming product, avoid using it until you confirm the source.
What Pet Owners Can Do for Maltipoos With Allergies
Of course, you can’t solve every Maltipoo allergy symptom with the same solution. For example, some Maltipoos will respond well to one treatment for their allergies, while other dogs require alternative care. Some ways you can minimize the chances of your pet suffering from allergies include:
- Offering high-quality dog food without fillers, and potential allergens, like corn, soy, wheat, and unnecessary preservatives
- Use mild laundry detergents, grooming shampoos, and pet-safe household cleaners
- Maintain a dust-free, mold-free home and use a HEPA air filter to remove airborne allergens
- Administer regular flea and tick treatments to your pet to minimize any insect bites
- Avoid areas with harsh lawn or weed control treatments
- Use stainless steel feeding bowls and offer high-quality toys without questionable components
It can be challenging to try and diagnose your pet’s allergies on your own. If you suspect any food, environmental, or contact allergies in your Maltipoo, seek the advice of your trained veterinarian. This approach can be the best way to determine if your pet has sensitivities or allergies to food items, its environment, or the products you use.
Treatments for Maltipoo Allergies
The first thing a dog owner needs to do when they suspect an allergy is to help remove the allergen. However, dogs can still have symptoms after exposure, so effectively treating them will make your Maltipoo feel better.
Some popular methods of treating Maltipoo allergies include:
- Balms, creams, and lotions
- Shampoos
- Topical sprays
- Medications
Balms, Creams, and Lotions
For a simple way to reduce scratching, Maltipoo owners can apply allergy-relief balms, creams, and lotions to their pet’s trouble areas. Many of these products will help soothe the itchiness, helping to reduce scratching.
Shampoos
An allergy-relief shampoo is an excellent way to treat symptoms that largely affect your pet. For example, if your Maltipoo has more than one area or seems to have itchy, flaky skin all over, using a special allergy shampoo can provide instant relief. In addition, some high-quality shampoos will include anti-inflammatory ingredients to help reduce swelling from allergic reactions.
Topical Sprays
Pet owners can help their Maltipoo with open sores or hot spots by applying topical sprays to these areas. Look for high-quality products that include anti-inflammatory ingredients and help soothe sensitive skin.
Medications
Unfortunately, if your pet doesn’t respond to using any over-the-counter treatments, you may have to seek out medication from your vet. Some Maltipoo allergies can be severe enough to warrant antihistamines or corticosteroids to treat symptoms.
Navigating Maltipoo Allergies for the Health of Your Pet
If you suspect your pet Maltipoo has allergies, one of the best ways to diagnose and treat them is to seek the advice of your local veterinarian. In addition, monitor your dog for any symptoms and be open to altering its diet, grooming routine, or the household environment if you have concerns.
