Maltipoos are dogs that are so charming they are fit for a king, which is true in a way. A Maltipoo is a hybrid breed of dog that results from the Maltese and the toy Poodle. Maltese dogs are classy toy dogs loved by royalty throughout time. Their long silky white hair and gentle-mannered vitality make the Maltese fit for the throne. History even shows the Maltese breed was a favored companion of Elizabeth I. Devoted and loving towards their owners, you can find them always by their owners' side. And that is precisely how a Maltipoo will be as your pet. You can expect a warm, loyal companion for the entirety of their lives. Make sure it's a long, happy life by caring for your pet's mental health and learning proper stress management to increase the lifespan of a Maltipoo.
The Maltipoo is a unique mix of both the toy Poodle and the Maltese. The toy Poodle side of your Maltipoo's genetics doesn't stray much from the Maltese's needs for primping and pampering. Toy Poodles are also the perfect lapdog companions that can justify the presence of a throne. However, toy Poodles trained as hunting companions are now willing to go above and beyond for their owners. This creates a high training capability in your Maltipoo. A Maltipoo often has a brown or white curly coat, more like a toy Poodle. Maltipoos garner the cutest traits from both sides of their lineage, meaning they also inherit the same genetic risks for health conditions. With that in mind, it's essential to learn what characteristics might affect the lifespan of a Maltipoo.
Companion dogs are perfect low-maintenance pets but also have their own set of demands. Toy dogs tend to suffer from stress and anxiety disorders that affect their health. Don't fret. The lifespan of a Maltipoo can be very long and filled with so much joy. Calming Dog caters their products to toy dog companion's needs and offers calming effects that promote longevity and happiness in the lifespan of a Maltipoo. If you are willing to invest in the perfect companion, Maltipoos might be the ideal companion for you!
Maltipoos: the Perfect Mixed-Breed Companion
Maltipoos fit into the toy dog category because their parent breeds are toy-sized. The Maltese breed does not expect to become more prominent than 8-10 inches, and if a toy Poodle is more significant than 10 inches, it is no longer in the toy dog category. Toy dogs are perfect companion dogs because of their lightweight and easier management. Maltipoos are the ideal apartment pet and lap warmer, and they require minimal exercise and smaller amounts of food. The Maltese and toy Poodle is considered hypoallergenic because of their non-shedding coats. While technically, their coats still produce dander, it is far less than most other breeds. It's vital to maintain the coat of your Maltipoo because both the Maltese and toy Poodles require consistent coat bathing, brushing, and trimming. Poodles and Malteses aren't free from mental disparities. Stress can affect all breeds in many different ways, and stress can have adverse reactions on the lifespan of a Maltipoo.
You can expect the lifespan of a Maltipoo to be around 12-15 years. Luckily, studies have proven that mixed breed pets exhibit the least possible amount of genetic health conditions. This study suggests mixed breeds like the Maltipoo carry genes with health complications but often don't fall victim to these health conditions. This is excellent news for Maltipoos! However, this study also suggests that mixed breed dogs suffer from a higher rate of behavioral concerns. Mixed-breed dogs are more likely to be less calm, less friendly to other dogs, and showcase more problematic behaviors than their purebred counterparts. Stress and anxiety also affect Maltipoos on a higher level. Although crossbred animals suffer fewer physical ailments, their mental health can, in turn, affect their lifespan. Luckily, this same study proved that mixed-breed and purebred dogs both share the same trainability rates. This means during the lifespan of a Maltipoo, consistent training and emotional care will be required!
Behaviors Concerns and the Lifespan of a Maltipoo
ASPCA defines typical behavior issues in dogs as aggression, constant barking, destructive chewing, food guarding, howling, mounting, mouthing/nipping, separation anxiety, whining, urinating, and defecating. Toy Poodles and Maltese breeds are known for their very vocal nature. Although they are tiny dogs, they carry a big bark. This means your Maltipoo might keep you up barking through the night, which is unpleasant for you in your tight quarters. Not to mention your neighbors won't appreciate the loud noises coming from your unsettled pet. If you see these unwanted behaviors in your pup, it is time to invest in their mental health. Calming Dog has created the perfect Calming Cuddle Bed to keep your Maltipoo comforted and cozy throughout the night. Spoil your beloved pet with an ultra-soft, comfy bed. This bed enhances happiness throughout the lifespan of a Maltipoo for both you and your Maltipoo.
How Can Stress Affect the Lifespan of A Maltipoo?
Medline Plus describes stress as a common biological feature that allows animals to perform lifesaving measures when faced with certain stimuli. When in stressful situations, animals release stress hormones that demand the animal to "fight or flight." Stress hormones work to make your heart pump faster, which increases your breathing and gets your muscles ready for action. This reaction is perfect in an emergency. If your dog has fallen into a pool or meets a larger animal, the boost of stress hormones can help save its life! However, constant stress in any animals' life starts to have adverse effects on their body. Stress can and will affect the lifespan of a Maltipoo.
Healthline explains the adverse effects stress has on the lifespan of a Maltipoo. Stress can affect your central nervous, endocrine, digestive, muscular, immune, and reproductive system. When feeling stressed or anxious, your central nervous and endocrine systems will overproduce the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol causes your blood vessels to constrict, so your muscles will receive more blood. In turn, increased cortisol causes your lungs to demand more oxygen and results in heavy breathing. Stress hormones do not affect the lifespan of a Maltipoo. However, chronic cortisol activation can lead to high blood pressure, resulting in heart disease or stroke.
Have you ever felt sick to your stomach because of worry, fear, or stress? When you are stressed, your liver will overproduce glucose (sugar) to give you a boost of energy. The rush of hormones, heavy breathing, and heart rate matched with the rush of glucose can make your stomach uneasy, which is why symptoms like irritable bowel or constipation are often stress-related. This same reaction happens in dogs. Too much glucose can lead to severe conditions for toy size dogs and jeopardize the lifespan of a Maltipoo.
Have you ever noticed a toy-sized dog shivering? Trembling is due to their tiny stature and high metabolic rate. Maltipoos need to maintain a consistent glucose level due to this elevated metabolic rate. Without proper glucose management, your small friend could suffer from hypoglycemia which can reduce the lifespan of a Maltipoo.
Another outcome of stress is an increased blood flow to your muscles which makes it hard to relax. Tense muscles can lead to injury or body aches. The same goes for your immune system. Too many stress hormones over time will block your body from repairing wounds or fighting off simple colds. Men can also find themselves with lower testosterone levels under stress leading to a lower possibility of procreating. Calming Dog has created the perfect Calming Fountain Plus+ to help your pup maintain hydration, a critical component for muscle recovery and immune support for your Maltipoo. The Calming Fountain Plus+ promotes water drinking by offering fresh, cold water to your adorable pet at all times. Proper hydration will increase the lifespan of a Maltipoo.
Maltipoos feel stressed just like humans, and their bodies function similarly under stress. Yes, the lifespan of a Maltipoo shortens with chronic stress. If your Maltipoo is barking excessively or abnormally urinating in the house, it is likely their physical response to fear and worry. It is out of their control, so don't get angry at your puppy. Help them manage their stress by investing time and energy into proper training and utilizing these incredible products.
Heart Disease and Your Maltipoo
Certain breeds are prone to heart disease, and, unfortunately, according to this study, the Maltese is one of those breeds. Since hybrid dogs are not out of the ballpark entirely for these inherited diseases, it's crucial to practice stress maintenance to increase the lifespan of a Maltipoo. Calming Dog offers the perfect Calming Blanket Plus+ to carry with you to use whenever your Maltipoo faces stressful situations. This calming blanket comes equipped with a Calming insert of a natural essential oil blend of Valerian root, Vetiver, Sweet Basil, and Clary Sage. These safe essential oils are proven to calm and relax an anxious pup. Whenever your Maltipoo is stressed, you can wrap them up in the Calming Blanket Plus+ to promote comfort and peace of mind. Don't let heart disease affect the lifespan of a Maltipoo.
Hypoglycemia and the Lifespan of A Maltipoo
Toy-sized dogs, like Maltipoos, are prone to hypoglycemia due to their size. According to the American Kennel Club, toy-sized dogs have trouble storing adequate amounts of glucose and need to eat regular small meals to maintain their health. Hypoglycemia left untreated can reduce the lifespan of a Maltipoo. The American Kennel Club suggests feeding your toy breed bite-sized chews regularly to ward of glucose imbalances. Making sure your small pup eats regularly sounds easy enough. However, under stress, high glucose levels cause belly aches, and the belly aches can lead Maltipoos to refuse food. The good news is Calming Dog has created the perfect bite-size treat for your Maltipoo. Calming Zen Chews are a homeopathic option to maintain glucose levels and double as a calming agent. These pet-safe and natural chews are a mixture of Chamomile, L-Theanine, and L-Tryptophan. The peanut-butter flavored treat is irresistible to Maltipoos. Make sure to give your Maltipoo a Calming Zen Chew before a stressful situation to avoid the stressful release of glucose. This preventative measure will keep dogs happy and increase the quality of life and lifespan of a Maltipoo.
What Causes Stress in Your Maltipoo
Maltipoos come from a lineage of playful and loving personality traits. The American Kennel Club describes the Maltese as a very affectionate breed but has some known reservations around strangers, children, or other animals. Therefore, when a Maltipoo meets new people or pets, it could activate a stress response and lead to poor behavior. Anxious behavior in Maltipoos when meeting new people can look like an over-excited or aggressive puppy. So it's no surprise Maltipoos are known for unwanted jumping and barking. This disruptive behavior could potentially hurt your pet, someone, or another pet. If your dog jumps on a child resulting in that child's injury, there will be consequences for you and your pet. Don't jeopardize the lifespan of a Maltipoo by allowing anxious behavior.
On the flip side, the American Kennel Club does not associate toy Poodles with this behavior. Toy Poodles are typically fabulous around children, other dogs, and strangers. If Maltipoos have the disposition of a toy Poodle, you're in luck. Otherwise, it would be best if you appropriately manage this anxious behavior before it affects the lifespan of a Maltipoo. Calming Dog offers a Calming Spray that is amazing at calming your Maltipoo under stressful conditions. Mist some spray on your Maltipoo's Calming Blanket Plus+ or their Calming Cuddle Bed when you introduce your pup to new people or pets. These all-natural essential oils act as an immediate stress reliever. You can choose between Zen, Peace, and Tranquility scents to give your Maltipoo peace of mind.
You might be asking what causes your Maltipoo to act anxious around new people or pets? According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the stress in Maltipoos is a direct result of fear or worry. Fear is a normal response to stimuli, but stress as a response to fear can damage the lifespan of a Maltipoo.
As you've read, you must manage stress correctly to prevent disruption to the lifespan of a Maltipoo. Healthline describes anxiety as a natural response to stress. It is the psychological relationship to the fear of the threat of well-being. Anxiety in humans represents itself through panic attacks, phobias, social or separation anxieties, and trauma-related anxieties. There are trained professionals that monitor and diagnose these behavioral abnormalities when they start to affect daily functioning; however, it's your responsibility as the pet owner to manage pet anxiety.
The Mayo Clinic promotes stress management for your physical health. One of the most successful ways you can manage stress is through meditation. Meditation can involve yoga, deep breathing, a deep massage, or tai chi. Since some of these, if not all of them, are hard for your Maltipoos to do on their own, you need to help them calm themselves down. The best way to do this is to become an advocate for the lifespan of a Maltipoo by learning about anxiety.
Separation Anxiety and Maltipoos
The Merck Veterinary Manual estimates, "...that ~14% of dogs have separation anxiety." Maltipoos fall into this percentage because their parent breeds are companion dogs. Toy Poodles and Maltese breeds are loving companions that hate when you are away! Imagine being a lap dog, attached to your owner most of the day, then, suddenly, without their warmth when they leave.
ASPCA states that separation anxiety in dogs most likely results from your pup being left alone for four or more hours. When your dog is left alone, they begin experiencing emotions like fear and worry. The overwhelming amount of emotions results in anxiety. This anxiety leads to disruptive behavior. You might have seen this behavior in your Maltipoo by coming home and seeing they have been trying to escape, urinating, chewing, or destroying objects in the home. Disruptive behavior is a symptom of stress. Too much pressure from separation anxieties will affect the lifespan of a Maltipoo.
Do you notice these disruptive behaviors in your Maltipoo when you prepare to leave the house without them? Does your dog try to prevent you from leaving your house? Have you come home to a pair of boots or undergarments shredded into a million pieces? These are all possible signs Maltipoos showcase when they are suffering from separation anxiety.
How to Manage Separation Anxiety in your Maltipoo
The best way to manage separation anxiety in Maltipoos is to teach them to be happy at home without you. Making a happy home for your pet sounds easy enough. Make your household comfortable and calming. Calming Dog offers the perfect products to aid your pup in loving their atmosphere. Made to curb anxious behavior, pair the Calming Cuddle Bed with the Calming Blanket Plus+ to provide a comfortable, calming, luxurious space for your beloved pet. There is a multitude of colors to match your home décor and patterns. Face it; we can't stay home with our pups every day, but we can work hard to give them the best life possible. Help your pup feel at ease in their home by investing in their comfort. Creating a calming environment will help increase the lifespan of a Maltipoo.
ASPCA also suggests counterconditioning your pet companion to avoid separation anxiety. Using food to condition your pet to love their home with or without you is an excellent choice. This type of conditioning allows the dog to associate positive feelings with being home alone: being alone equals food! Calming Zen Chews are a perfect yummy tool for counterconditioning your Maltipoo. The treats help with stress hormones and comfort. Choosing Calming Zen Chews means you're leaving them a treat to fight stress and in turn increasing the lifespan of a Maltipoo.
Maltipoos are the absolute best companion pet. Not only are they the absolute cutest furry friend, but they will love you as much as you love them. The lifespan of a Maltipoo can be heavily affected by stress and anxiety. Managing that stress is your job as a responsible pet owner. Calming Dog has made this a simple task by creating an incredible line of products for comforting and calming your beloved friend. Maltipoos quickly become family and deserve to be shown how much we care. Spoil your best friend by investing in Calming Dog products today!