Maltipoos have quickly become one of the most popular small designer breeds in Australia.
Affectionate, clever, and well-suited to apartment living, they blend the charm of the Maltese with the intelligence of the Miniature or Toy Poodle.
Despite their small size and generally cheerful temperament, Maltipoos can be prone to several inherited health issues. These often relate to dental disease, joint concerns, and immune sensitivities passed down from both parent breeds.
Understanding what your Maltipoo is more likely to face helps you take action before problems escalate.
With a proactive approach, many of these issues can be managed effectively or avoided altogether.
With the right support, Maltipoos can thrive well into their later years. A vet-informed routine built around good nutrition, dental care, and early detection is the best way to protect their health.
Are Maltipoos a Healthy Breed?
Maltipoos are known for their liveliness and longevity, with most living between 13 and 16 years. When bred from health-tested parents and given the right care, many Maltipoos stay active and social well into their senior years.
Like all hybrids, Maltipoos may benefit from hybrid vigour, but this doesn’t cancel out the risk of genetic issues. Both the Maltese and the Poodle have well-documented health predispositions that can still show up in crossbred offspring. Dental crowding, patellar luxation, and dog skin allergies are among the most commonly seen concerns.
Early vet care, a tailored diet for your Maltipoo, and regular dental maintenance can help prevent many of these from turning into long-term problems.
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For feeding guidance tailored to skin, gut, and joint sensitivities, check out our nutrition guide:
Dental Disease
Maltipoos are highly prone to dog dental problems due to their small jaws and tightly packed teeth. Plaque build-up, gum inflammation, and eventual tooth loss are common without a strong dental care routine.
Signs to monitor:
- Bad-smelling breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Yellow or brown tartar
- Hesitance to chew or dropping food
Daily brushing is ideal. Use dog dental chews and schedule regular professional cleanings to protect against gum disease.
Want to stay ahead of dental issues? Our guide breaks it down:
Smart Dental Care: How Proactive Steps Can Save You Money & Protect Your Dog's Health
Joint Instability
Though small, Maltipoos can still face patellar luxation and early joint wear, especially in more active dogs.
Warning signs include:
- Sudden limping or “skipping” when walking
- Holding a hind leg up
- Difficulty getting up or down from furniture
Mild cases can be managed with weight control, joint supplements, and low-impact exercise. In more advanced situations, surgery might be necessary.
Want to protect their joints from puppyhood to senior years? Our mobility guide outlines proven strategies:
Dog Arthritis Treatment: Vet Tips for Pain Relief and Comfort
Skin & Food Allergies
Itchy, red, or inflamed skin in your dog is one of the most common reasons Maltipoo owners seek vet advice. These dogs can be highly sensitive to food ingredients, fleas, or airborne allergens like dust or pollen.
Watch for:
- Licking or chewing the paws
- Scratching around the ears or belly
- Red or bumpy skin
- Recurrent ear infections
Treatment might include dietary adjustments, allergy medication, or medicated shampoos, depending on the cause.
See our vet-written guide on skin conditions for more tips on supporting your dog’s allergies:
Scratch the Itch: Understanding and Treating Skin Conditions in Dogs
Ear Infections
Floppy ears and dense hair inside the canal make Maltipoos particularly susceptible to yeast and bacterial infections in their ears, especially after bathing or swimming.
Symptoms include:
- Head shaking
- Scratching the ears
- Musty odour
- Redness or discharge in the ear
Cleaning ears regularly and keeping them dry after water exposure can go a long way in preventing infection.
Dealing with itchy or smelly ears? Our ear health guide covers what to look for and how to help:
From Itchy Ears to Infections: The Vet’s Guide to Pet Ear Health
Digestive Sensitivities
Maltipoos are known for sensitive stomachs. Even minor dietary changes or rich foods can lead to upset digestion.
Look out for:
- Inconsistent stools
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Gassiness or reluctant eating
Stick to a consistent, vet-approved diet with gentle ingredients. Some dogs with sensitive stomachs can benefit from hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient formulas.
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Noticing an upset stomach or picky eating? Learn what matters in our digestive health guide:
Preventative Care Tips to Support Maltipoo Health
Maltipoos stay healthier and more comfortable when their day-to-day needs are consistently met. Small changes in routine can make a big difference in preventing long-term health issues.
Routine Vet Care
Book regular checkups at least once a year. These visits help your vet detect early signs of dental disease, joint changes, ear infections, or allergy flare-ups. Seniors or dogs with chronic conditions may benefit from more frequent exams.
Vaccinations and Parasite Control
Keep vaccinations up to date and use flea, tick, and worm preventatives all year round. Maltipoos with sensitive skin often have stronger reactions to flea bites, making prevention essential.
Browse our parasite protection products
NexGard Spectra for Small Dogs (3.6 - 7.5 kg)
NexGard Spectra (Yellow) is suitable for small dogs from 3.6 – 7.5 kg in bodyweight.
With NexGard Spectra, your dog will receive the most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, lice, heartworm and intestinal worms, all in one tasty chew. Did you know that some parasites that affect pets can be transmitted to people? Using NexGard Spectra aligns with guidelines from infectious disease experts who recommend monthly deworming of all dogs to reduce the risk.*
Features & Benefits
- The most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, lice, heartworm and intestinal worms, all in one tasty chew.
- A tasty beef-flavoured chew that dogs love.
- Convenient monthly dosing that’s easy to remember.
- Can be given with or without food.
- Safe for puppies from 8 weeks of age and 1.35 kg bodyweight.
- Not affected by bathing, swimming or shampooing.
- Safe to use in breeding, pregnant and lactating females.
Each chew contains
- 18.8 mg afoxolaner and
- 3.8 mg milbemycin oxime
Claims
- Rapidly kills fleas
- Controls flea allergy dermatitis
- Treats and controls ticks
- Treats and controls mange and mites
- Treats and controls biting lice
- Prevents heartworm disease
- Treats and controls roundworm, hookworm and whipworm
- Prevents flea tapeworm infestations
- Monthly treatment
*Australian Companion Animal Zoonoses Advisory Panel (2021) Companion Animal Zoonoses Guidelines.
See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
Milbemax Small Dogs/Puppies
Milbemax Dog Worming Tablets are for the treatment and control of roundworm (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina), whipworm (Trichuris vulpis), hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense) and tapeworm infections (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia sp. and Echinococcus granulosus) plus prevention of heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in dogs and puppies over 2 weeks of age.
Dosage and Administration
Milbemax tablets should be given by mouth.
- Small dogs (0.5 to 5 kg): 0.5 to 1 kg- 1/2 Small Dog tablet.
- 1 to 5 kg - 1 Small Dog tablet.
- Dogs 5 to 50 kg: 5 to 25 kg - 1 tablet for Dogs.
- 25 to 50 kg - 2 tablets for Dogs.
- Dogs > 50 kg. Give a combination of tablets according to dog's weight.
Control of gastrointestinal worms
Milbemax Tablets for Dogs should only be given to dogs over 5 kg. For puppies use Milbemax Tablets for Small Dogs. Treat puppies at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age, then every three months. Lactating bitches should be treated at the same time as their puppies. Adult dogs should be treated every three months.
Heartworm prevention
Milbemax Tablets must be administered every month, preferably on the same date each month. If the interval between tablets is longer than a month by less than seven days, Milbemax Tablets should be administered immediately and the monthly dosing schedule resumed. If the interval between tablets is longer than a month by more than than seven days, a veterinarian should be consulted before recommencing Milbemax Tablets dosing schedule.
Drontal Allwormer Tablets for Small Dog/Puppy
Dogs can pick up gastrointestinal worms everywhere and easily share them with you. For protection against roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm, Drontal Allwormer® Tablets for Small Dogs & Puppies are your best defense.
Key Benefits
- Fast and effective against roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm
- Can easily be combined with a tick and flea product for complete protection against parasites
- Treat every three months (not every month!) or seasonally to keep gastrointestinal worms at bay
- Easily administered as a tasty chew
- Safe for use during pregnancy and lactation
Drontal® provides your pet with complete coverage against gastrointestinal worms, as well as controlling the shedding of Giardia spp cysts. Our treatment is required every three months from six months of age (rather than monthly) and comes in a range of chews, tablets or a puppy suspension to make treating your pet as easy as possible.
Drontal Allwormer® Tablets are suitable for dogs of all shapes and sizes, as you can halve tablets to match the required dosage. It’s safe to use during pregnancy and lactation to keep worms at bay throughout your dog’s life.
Handy tip! Treat your dog at the start of each season — it’s easier to track when your dog needs its next worming treatment.
Drontal® is the perfect partner for tick and flea treatment and heartworm prevention for complete parasite protection. To keep you and your pet safe from worms, make sure you buy Drontal® Dog Allwormer.
Oral Hygiene
Daily brushing is ideal, especially for Maltipoos with narrow jaws and crowded teeth. Use a soft toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Supplement with dental chews, water additives, and professional cleans when needed.
Browse our vet recommended dental products
Petosan Toothbrush
Petosan dental products for pets have been developed by a team of Scandinavian dentists, veterinarians and a leading edge toothbrush manufacturer.
Petosan Complete Dental Kits
For Small Dogs (<6kg): Contains a small double headed toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth (finger brush). Ideal for dogs who are new to toothbrushing.
For Large Dogs (>16kg): A plastic outer protective case contains a large toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth.
Petosan OralCleaner Finger Cloth
A reusable, antibacterial microfibre finger brush which removes plaque and bacteria from your dog's mouth. It is easier to use and provides better cleaning than finger toothbrushes. The Finger Cloth is an ideal way to start toothbrushing your dog.
Petosan Toothpaste
This tasty poultry-flavoured toothpaste has been specifically formulated for pets to help remove plaque and prevent the build-up of tartar. No rinsing required.
Petosan Toothpaste Poultry Flavour 70g
Petosan dental products for pets have been developed by a team of Scandinavian dentists, veterinarians and a leading edge toothbrush manufacturer.
Petosan Complete Dental Kits
For Small Dogs (<6kg): Contains a small double headed toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth (finger brush). Ideal for dogs who are new to toothbrushing.
For Large Dogs (>16kg): A plastic outer protective case contains a large toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth.
Petosan OralCleaner Finger Cloth
A reusable, antibacterial microfibre finger brush which removes plaque and bacteria from your dog's mouth. It is easier to use and provides better cleaning than finger toothbrushes. The Finger Cloth is an ideal way to start toothbrushing your dog.
Petosan Toothpaste
This tasty poultry-flavoured toothpaste has been specifically formulated for pets to help remove plaque and prevent the build-up of tartar. No rinsing required.
Aquadent FR3SH Dental Water Additive for Cats and Dogs
Transform your pet’s oral hygiene with Aquadent FR3SH™ Dental Water Additive for Cats and Dogs - a highly effective and palatable water additive designed to control plaque and reduce bad breath in dogs and cats. This advanced formula utilizes FR3SH™ technology, harnessing the power of natural ingredients to target and neutralize bad breath from both oral and digestive sources.
Key Benefits:
- Targeted Formula: Combats bad breath at its root by addressing both oral and digestive causes, promoting fresh breath and improved oral health.
- Convenient Use: Effortlessly integrate into your pet’s daily routine. Simply add to their drinking water using the included dosing cap.
- Veterinary Expertise: Crafted by veterinary dental specialists to ensure safety and effectiveness for both cats and dogs.
- High Palatability: Designed for easy acceptance by pets, with no noticeable reduction in water consumption.
Enhance your pet’s dental care with Aquadent FR3SH™ and enjoy fresher breath and a healthier mouth with minimal effort.
Available in: 250ml and 500ml Packs
Skin-Friendly Nutrition
A high-quality diet tailored to small breeds like Maltipoos supports skin, gut, and coat health. For sensitive dogs, choose a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic formula recommended by your vet.
Browse our range of food and nutritional products
Dry Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs - Vet Recommended
Browse our range of dry dog food diets for dogs who have sensitive stomachs or digestion issues. Shop online today & save.
Dry Dog Food for Skin Sensitivities - Vet Recommended
Explore our specialised range of Dry Dog Food for Skin Sensitivities. Each product is carefully selected to support dogs with delicate skin, endorsed by veterinarians and loved by pets. Shop the best dog food for skin allergies and sensitivities at Vets Love Pets.
Wet Dog Food for Skin Allergies - Vet Approved
Alleviate discomfort with our Wet Dog Food for Skin Allergies. Vet approved and designed to reduce allergic reactions, these diets help maintain your dog's skin and coat health. Shop now at Vets Love Pets.
Gentle Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Maltipoos need regular play and enrichment, but avoid high-impact activities that might strain their joints. Short walks, puzzle toys, and short training sessions for your Maltipoo supports both physical and mental wellbeing.
Shop our toy and enrichment products
Enrichment Toys for Dogs - Vet Recommended
Keep your dog mentally stimulated with our range of Enrichment Toys. Designed to challenge and entertain, these toys help prevent boredom and encourage problem-solving skills. Enhance your dog's daily routine with fun and thoughtful activities from Vets Love Pets.
Treat Toys for Dogs - Rewarding Play
Turn playtime into treat time with our Treat Toys for Dogs. These toys not only entertain but also reward your dog with little treats, making play an interactive learning experience. Ideal for training or as a fun food puzzle, browse our range of treat-dispensing toys at Vets Love Pets.
Rope & Tug Toys - Durable & Engaging
Engage in playful bonding with your dog using our Rope & Tug Toys. Great for tug-of-war games, these toys strengthen your pet’s teeth and build trust between you and your dog. Discover our collection of fun and engaging tug toys at Vets Love Pets.
Coat and Ear Maintenance
Brush your Maltipoo’s coat regularly to prevent matting and reduce skin irritation. Schedule professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. Clean and inspect ears weekly to catch signs of infection early.
Shop our vet recommended grooming products
Dermcare Natural Shampoo
Dermcare Natural Shampoo is formulated for animals with sensitive skin or allergies, or those who bath frequently. Hypoallergenic, moisturising and emollient shampoo. Cleans without drying the coat. Collagen protein assists the repair of hair damaged by self-trauma.
Active ingredients: Coconut oil, glycerine, collagen protein.
PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner
PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner is a natural, gentle ear cleaner that effectively cleans your pet's ears without irritation.
Its effective formulation means you only need to use it once a week, making it more comfortable for your pet and easier for you. It contains:
- Purified hydrolysed oats for a mild, effective product for cleaning your cat or dog’s ears.
- No alcohol, harsh chemicals or acids commonly found in other cat or dog ear cleaners, so it’s more comfortable for your pet.
Buster Pet Nail Clipper
Easy to control for accurate clipping with a precision cutting blade.
Hydration and Observation
Keep an eye on your dog’s drinking habits, appetite, and mood. Sudden changes can be the first sign of pain or illness. Trust your gut and check with your vet if something seems unusual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What health checks should a breeder do for Maltipoos?
Ask for clearances related to patellar luxation, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), and dental health. Reputable breeders should provide proof of health testing on both parent breeds.
How can I spot early signs of health problems in my Maltipoo?
Look for changes like frequent scratching, ear odour, reluctance to chew, stiffness, or changes in appetite. Picking up on these signs early can make treatment more effective and less invasive.
Should Maltipoos take joint supplements from puppyhood?
Some Maltipoos may benefit from early joint support, especially if there’s a family history of luxating patellas or joint instability. Talk to your vet about timing and options.
Conclusion
Maltipoos are affectionate, adaptable dogs that thrive with consistent, proactive care.
By learning what this breed is most prone to, you can catch problems early, make smarter health choices, and support your dog’s wellbeing at every stage of life. The basics matter most: quality nutrition, routine vet care, and staying alert to small changes in behaviour or appearance.
With the right support, your Maltipoo can stay happy, healthy, and by your side for many years to come.
This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe
