Maltipoos are among the cutest dog breeds in the world. They are a hybrid between Maltesers and toy poodles. However, these dogs aren’t toys. You still need to take good care of them and groom them, especially since their curly furs grow continuously.
This is why their fur tangles so easily and turns into mats that pull on the skin and cause discomfort. Grooming your Maltipoo will help maintain its coat health, reduce shedding, and prevent skin problems. This also saves money and allows you to notice early signs of issues like ear infections, skin irritation, or nail problems.
Everything You Need to Groom a Maltipoo at Home
First, you’ll need some basic equipment and products for grooming your Maltipoo. The most important things are a slicker brush and a metal comb, but you will also need clippers, grooming scissors, nail clippers, dog-safe shampoo, etc.
For grooming a Maltipoo at home, you need the following:
- The dog grooming basics: Clippers with a guard comb, grooming scissors, nail clippers or a grinder, cotton pads for ears, and dog ear cleaner.
- A slicker brush and a metal comb: For removing tangles and preventing mats.
- Dog-safe shampoo and conditioner: For grooming your maltipoo at home, you can stick to the basics. Use dog-safe shampoo and conditioner, as they help keep the coat soft without drying out the skin.
Take Note:
Never use your shampoo and conditioner for grooming your maltipoo or any other dog: their formulas are too harsh and might even be toxic to your dog.
How to Groom a Maltipoo at Home
To successfully groom your Malitpoo at home, you need to begin with brushing and detangling the fur, then proceed to washing and drying before trimming the nails and ears. Here’s how you can accomplish this in four easy steps:
Step 1: Start by Brushing and Detangling its Fur
First, brush your Maltipoo to remove loose hairs and any knots and tangles. It’s much easier to do this while the fur is still dry. To avoid pulling, start gently from the ends of the fur and work slowly toward the roots.
Step 2: Wash the Fur
Next, it’s time to wash the fur. Use lukewarm water and gently wet the coat, but try to avoid the eyes and ears. Slowly massage dog shampoo into the fur. Focus on areas that collect dirt, such as the legs and belly. Rinse thoroughly, as leftover shampoo can irritate the skin. Apply conditioner and rinse again.
Step 3: Dry and Trim the Fur
Once your Maltipoo's fur is clean, you need to dry it. You can use a towel to dry the fur as much as possible, and then a blow dryer on low, but only if your dog tolerates it.
Don’t forget to brush the fur while drying it, as this prevents new tangles and knots. Use clippers to trim the fur to the desired length.
Take Note:
Make sure to trim the legs and paws, but do it carefully. If you like it that way, round the fur around the feet for a neat look. Use scissors for sensitive areas like the belly and underarms. Finish by trimming around the eyes, mouth, and ears. Always cut away from the face.
Step 4: Trim Nails and Ears
Now, it is time to trim the maltipoo's nails. Cut small amounts at a time to avoid the quick, or use a grinder for more control. There are even nail scissors with built-in lights that can show you where the quick is.
Finally, clean the Maltipoo's ears using a cotton pad and dog-safe ear cleaner. Wipe only the visible parts, and don’t try to use Q-tips. Use another cotton pad to clean under the eyes, if there are any traces visible.
Tips For Grooming a Maltipoo at Home
Apart from these basic steps, there are some additional tips you should know when grooming your Maltipoo:
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When grooming your dog’s face, less is more. Keep the hair around the eyes short to prevent irritation, and trim slowly to avoid accidents. Use blunt-tip scissors, as they are a much safer option.
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If your Maltipoo is still a puppy, grooming sessions should be short and positive. Puppies have limited patience, so focus on introducing tools and handling rather than achieving a perfect cut. Create a calm grooming routine through praise and small treats.
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Regular maintenance shouldn’t be limited to these grooming sessions only. Try to brush your dog’s fur at least a few times per week, as it will prevent knots and tangling, and will make the grooming session much easier and quicker.
Mistakes to Avoid When Grooming a Maltipoo at Home
There are also some mistakes you should avoid. One such mistake is definitely cutting your dog’s nails too short or not cutting them at all. The first can cause serious injuries and discomfort, while the second can lead to overgrown nails.
Another common mistake is rushing through the grooming. This will make your dog feel nervous, and it can even cause injuries to sensitive areas, such as the eyes, ears, or nose. However, this doesn’t mean that you should take too long when grooming your dog. Dogs get bored easily, so try to find a middle ground between rushing the grooming session and dragging it out.
Use a Dog Grooming Table for Grooming Your Maltipoo at Home
One thing that could help you when grooming your Maltipoo at home is a dog grooming table. These grooming tables can provide you with a safe and stable place where you can bathe and groom your dog comfortably.
CO-Z 34" Stainless Steel Dog Grooming Tub
This dog grooming table/washing station offers a safe and comfortable grooming/bathing experience for both you and your Maltipoo. It has anti-slip stairs, warm water options, and a well-draining elevated tub. It is designed for home and professional use, and it is perfect for small and medium dogs:
Conclusion
This article has shown you how to groom a Maltipoo at home, and by following our tips, you can ensure your Maltipoo is well-groomed and cared for. The most important thing about grooming your Maltipoo is to keep its curly and constantly growing fur knot-free. To make the grooming sessions easier, consider getting a dog grooming table/washing station.
You may also be interested in our complete guide on how to groom a Bernese Mountain Dog at home.
