How to Wash a Maltese Poodle

A Malt-a-Poo is a crossbreed between a Maltese and a Poodle.
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The Maltese Poodle, also known as a Maltipoo or Malt-a-Poo, is a crossbreed between a Maltese and a Poodle. The dog has a woolly undercoat, which makes bathing a time consuming activity. Bathe your dog when you have plenty of time and patience. The bathing frequency for a Maltipoo should be three or four times a year, because frequent baths may affect the dog's skin and coat quality. Use special shampoo for dogs when washing your pet.

Choose the space to wash your dog. Bathe your Maltipoo in a bathtub or your bathroom sink. Cover the surfaces with a rubber mat or a towel, to prevent your dog from slipping. Remove the dog's accessories such as collars, dog bows, or barrettes.

Give your Maltipoo a thorough brush using an undercoat rake. This will help remove dead hairs and mats, and will make your dog’s coat look healthy and clean. Use gentle strokes to avoid hurting your dog or breaking his skin.

Wet your dog using a shower head. Test the water first; it should be lukewarm.

Apply the shampoo linearly on your dog’s back. Use your fingers to gently rub the shampoo from back to front. Never use circular motions which are likely to create more knots in your dog’s coat. Make sure you don’t neglect the anal area, the paw pads or the facial wrinkles.

Rinse your Maltipoo starting with the face. Use plenty of water and keep rinsing until the water runs out clean. Any shampoo that remains in the dog's coat can cause skin and coat irritation.

Apply dog conditioner on your dog's coat, especially if there are any knots left in your Malt’s hair. Avoid circular motions and thoroughly rinse off with plenty of water.

Wrap your dog in a towel that absorbs the water, leaving your Malt’s hair damp. Fluff-dry his hair. You can also use a hair blower, but keep the air at a low temperature and avoid blowing it into your dog’s face.

Brush your pet using an undercoat rake and a small metallic comb for the face.

Tips

  • The dog's coat should be completely wet before applying the shampoo. To avoid getting your dog wet, use dry shampoo.

Warnings

  • Pay special attention not to get water in the dog's eyes or ears. You can avoid this by placing a cotton ball in your pet's ears. Don't push the cotton balls too far into the dog's ear to avoid damaging the ear drum.

Warnings

  • Pay special attention not to get water in the dog's eyes or ears. You can avoid this by placing a cotton ball in your pet's ears. Don't push the cotton balls too far into the dog's ear to avoid damaging the ear drum.

Tips

  • The dog's coat should be completely wet before applying the shampoo.

  • To avoid getting your dog wet, use dry shampoo.

Items You Will Need

  • Rubber mat or towel
  • Undercoat rake
  • Dog shampoo
  • Towel
  • Blow dryer (optional)
  • Small metallic comb